Building Foundations for the Future: Elev8 Architecture Expands Bornhava’s Facility

Exterior Streetview Rendering of Bornhava’s New Addition / Renovation Project

At Elev8 Architecture, we believe that design has the power to transform lives, especially the lives of our community’s youngest and most resilient members. That belief is at the heart of our latest collaboration with Bornhava, where we are helping expand and reimagine their facility to better support children with developmental conditions and their families across Western New York.

Since 1983, Bornhava has been a cornerstone of the community, nurturing differently abled children through a unique, play based approach that empowers them to grow, learn, and thrive. As their mission has expanded, so has the need for a space that reflects both their impact and their ambition. Working alongside LeChase Construction, Elev8 Architecture has designed an addition and renovation that does more than increase square footage, it creates new opportunities for care, connection, and growth.

A Cohesive Identity for a Growing Mission

At the center of the project is a 10,000 square foot, two story addition that integrates seamlessly with Bornhava’s existing facility. The goal was to establish a clear and cohesive identity for the school while enhancing functionality and long term flexibility.

The design moves away from a traditional institutional feel, instead embracing a warm and approachable architectural language. Gabled rooflines and articulated massing create a residential scale that feels welcoming and familiar within the surrounding neighborhood. This approach reinforces Bornhava’s mission by creating a space where children and families feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.

Expanding Capacity, Enhancing Care

The addition and renovation significantly expand Bornhava’s ability to serve more children while strengthening the quality and range of services they provide.

New and enhanced spaces include:

• Two additional classrooms, bringing the total to seven

• A motor skills gym that supports movement based development

• Active and calming sensory rooms tailored to individual needs

• Four private speech therapy rooms

• Expanded occupational and physical therapy suites

• Additional administrative offices and a new conference room

Each space has been carefully designed to support Bornhava’s multidisciplinary approach, allowing therapy, education, and play to work together in a cohesive and supportive environment.

Accessibility and Flow at the Forefront

Improving accessibility and circulation was a key priority in the design. A new elevator provides full access to all levels of the building, ensuring that every child, family member, and staff member can navigate the space with ease.

The project also introduces a new primary entrance within the addition, creating a clear and welcoming point of arrival. A secondary rear entrance improves access to the outdoor play area and parking lot, helping to make daily routines more efficient and safe for families and staff.

A protective canopy at the main entry enhances safety during drop off while clearly defining the entrance, reinforcing a sense of arrival and care.

Exterior Rear Play Yard Rendering of Bornhava’s New Addition / Renovation

Spaces Designed to Thrive

Every aspect of the design supports Bornhava’s multi sensory, play based curriculum. From specialized sensory environments to expanded therapy areas, the building is tailored to meet a wide range of developmental needs.

Natural light plays a central role throughout the space. Thoughtful window placement maximizes daylight, creating bright and uplifting interiors while strengthening connections to the outdoor play yard. Interior layouts are organized into distinct zones for public interaction, therapy, and education, balancing openness with the need for focused and supportive environments.

A Community Effort

This project represents more than a building expansion, it is a reflection of Bornhava’s ongoing commitment to the community. As part of their capital campaign, “Building Their Lives. Building Our Future,” the new addition will allow them to reach more children and continue providing essential services at no cost to families.

Collaboration has been key to bringing this vision to life. By working closely with Bornhava and the team at LeChase Construction, Elev8 Architecture has helped translate a mission into a built environment that will serve generations to come.

Looking Ahead

For Elev8 Architecture, this project represents more than an addition, it is an investment in people, potential, and community. By designing spaces that are both highly functional and deeply welcoming, we are helping Bornhava continue its mission of empowering children to thrive.

As construction progresses, we look forward to sharing updates and celebrating the impact this transformative project will have on Bornhava and the families they serve.

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