Over the past year, it has been especially rewarding to see the Esplanade at Azario Culinary Center recognized with two prestigious industry awards. The Culinary Center earned the 2025 Silver SEBC Aurora Award for Best Recreation Facility or Amenity, and most recently, the 2025 NAHB Silver Award for Best Community Amenity for the 55+ Buyer. These recognitions highlight the project’s success in blending architectural design, functionality, and community experience into a destination that enhances everyday living.
The Fieldstone team is proud to have delivered architecture, engineering, interior design, and procurement services for Taylor Morrison, helping bring this standout community amenity to life. From the start, the vision for the Culinary Center was to create a vibrant social hub within the Esplanade at Azario community, where residents could gather, connect, and enjoy exceptional culinary experiences.
A Culinary Destination for the Community
A defining element of the Culinary Center is the diverse collection of spaces designed to support both social and culinary engagement. Residents can enjoy an indoor and outdoor bar and grill, a dedicated wine tasting room, a fully equipped teaching kitchen for culinary demonstrations and classes, a market space, and a flexible community room designed for gatherings and events. Together, these amenities create a dynamic environment that encourages residents to gather, learn, and celebrate.
Intentional Design Behind the Experience
Our architectural and interior design teams worked closely together to create a space that balances industrial character with modern elegance. While each room within the Culinary Center offers its own unique atmosphere, the overall design language ensures a cohesive experience as residents move throughout the building.
“One of the most significant design challenges our team had to tackle was acoustics. The tall ceilings and open spaces required thoughtful sound control to maintain a comfortable dining and social environment,” explained Fieldstone Chief Design Officer Dan Langefels.
Textured acoustic wood panels, cork wall coverings, and specialized ceiling treatments were carefully integrated to absorb sound while preserving the sophisticated aesthetic of the interior.
Design for Comfort, Flexibility, and Flow
Flexibility was another important design priority. Several spaces were intentionally designed to serve multiple functions throughout the day. For example, the fine dining room can accommodate bar overflow during peak times, while the wine tasting room can also function as a conference or private gathering space. Thoughtful material transitions, ceiling design, and furniture placement help guide movement and maintain a natural flow between spaces.
To achieve the client’s vision of distinct spaces that still feel connected, the design team created a balanced palette of materials, textures, and finishes. Custom furniture was selected for each area to reinforce its purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic. Custom millwork, lighting elements, and architectural detailing help unify the design.
The result is a refined and welcoming destination within the Esplanade at Azario community. The Culinary Center provides residents with a place to gather, dine, learn, and celebrate while supporting a wide range of experiences that bring the community together.
Check out the Project Spotlight here: Esplanade at Azario Culinary Center