Rocking Chair Delivery for a Vancouver Senior Living Lounge

Project overview

Background

A senior living community in Vancouver undertook an age-friendly refurbishment of its main lounge, a space defined by warm timber finishes, soft carpeting and large floor-to-ceiling windows. In 2020, the operator planned to add rocking chairs along the window area for daily rest and outward viewing. The furniture needed to sit naturally within the existing interior while meeting safety and comfort standards for prolonged use by elderly residents.

Requirements and challenges

Clear load-bearing and stability requirements: The rocking chairs had to pass dynamic load verification for forward and backward motion, with no risk of tipping, and suit residents of varying body weights.
Compact dimensional fit: The width available along the window was limited. Back height and armrest spacing had to correspond precisely to fixed positions.
Material and floor compatibility: Rocking chair bases would sit on soft carpet, requiring controlled arc movement to prevent sliding or pressing into the carpet.

Specification and solution

Selected an existing high-back timber rocking chair: From three available models, we specified the high-back version with armrests. Seat height and backrest angle were better suited to assisted rising.
Fixed window-facing arrangement: Chairs were placed in a single row following the spacing of window mullions, with clear passage retained and sightlines directed naturally outward once seated.
Fitted limiting rocker pads to the base: Anti-slip pads were added to the curved contact surfaces, reducing the risk of displacement on soft carpet.

Delivery and outcome

Quantity: Eight high-back timber rocking chairs were delivered.
Stability testing passed: Three chairs were sampled for forward-backward fatigue testing, each completing 2,000 cycles with no structural loosening.
Clear passage width maintained: After placement, the main walkway along the window retained a width of 1.1 metres, sufficient for two wheelchairs to pass.

Client feedback: Residents can rise without excessive effort, sitting back and looking outside feels natural, and after several months there has been no creaking or positional shift.