Aegis Living Lake Union in Seattle is the world’s first assisted living community designed to meet the rigorous Living Building Challenge certification. Completed in 2022, the Ankrom Moisan-designed, 70,000 sf-building is fully electrified. All commercial dryers, domestic hot water, and kitchen equipment are powered by electricity in lieu of gas, which reduces the facility’s carbon footprint.
The community will source power through an onsite solar array and an offsite solar energy farm. Key energy reduction measures include improved exterior insulation, triple pane windows, heat recovery ventilation, heat pump heating and cooling, LED lighting and lighting control sensors, and installation of all high-efficiency appliances.
The building provides 79 living units, including a mix of studio and one-bedroom options with some apartments dedicated to memory care. Amenities include a spa/wellness center with a salon, massage suite, and fitness center. A variety of gathering spaces are available for residents to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors, including an onsite cinema and sky lounge terrace with views of Lake Union.
The aesthetics and environmentalism of Aegis Living Lake Union were inspired by the historic rowing clubs and culture of the area. The exterior consists of natural materials including lapped cedar siding and rough brick, and the surrounding landscaping has been thoughtfully curated to consider biodiversity and rainfall. The pattern of cedar cladding on the north side of the building was designed to evoke the image of oars through water, while the unique steel pattern entry canopy echoes the rowing shell and the shape of the oars.
The top-level roof overhang was extended to create additional roof area to accommodate more rooftop solar panels. These strong shapes and patterns can be seen in the exterior brickwork and entry canopy and continue into the interior of the building.
The lobby presents a tribute to the 1936 University of Washington men’s rowing team that took gold at the Berlin Olympics. An original Pocock racing shell is suspended from the sustainably sourced wood ceiling—defined by a geometric composition suggesting rowing cadence and waves. Nature is also frequently alluded to in many details. Biophilic principles are evidenced through natural light spilling through wide windows, and a greenspace and watercourse offering peace and mindfulness via patterns in the carpet, the shape of the lighting fixtures, and the art adorning the walls.
On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: Aegis Senior Living Communities, LLC
Design architect: Ankrom Moisan
Architect of record: Ankrom Moisan
MEP engineer: PAE Engineers
Structural engineer: Bykonen Carter Quinn
General contractor/construction manager: Absher Construction
Related Stories
Senior Living Design | Jan 31, 2018
Senior living design trends for 2018
Public-facing fitness centers and “sense of place” design accents are among the emerging trends in senior living facilities, according to design firm studioSIX5.
Industry Research | Nov 28, 2017
2018 outlook: Economists point to slowdown, AEC professionals say ‘no way’
Multifamily housing and senior living developments head the list of the hottest sectors heading into 2018, according a survey of 356 AEC professionals.
Senior Living Design | Oct 5, 2017
New senior housing community is first in U.S. to offer Spark of Life dementia care
Aspired Living of Westmont is a 107-unit assisted living and memory care community.
Senior Living Design | Sep 7, 2017
BoomTown: A Future for all ages
Despite our enhanced understanding of how integral socialization and engagement are to long-term health, we continue to perpetuate a senior housing paradigm that places people in self-contained communities.
Senior Living Design | Jul 31, 2017
How technology will change senior care
When a family member can no longer be cared for in their current home, they require specialized care that is only available in a long-term care center.
Senior Living Design | May 9, 2017
Designing for a future of limited mobility
There is an accessibility challenge facing the U.S. An estimated 1 in 5 people will be aged 65 or older by 2040.
Senior Living Design | Jan 25, 2017
2017 design trends for the senior living industry
The evolution of attracting Baby Boomers versus the Silent Generation.
Senior Living Design | Aug 3, 2016
Senior housing project meets tough state health standards and earns LEED Gold
The building complies with NY state’s Medicaid Redesign Team program
Senior Living Design | May 16, 2016
Perkins Eastman releases white paper on biophilic design in senior living
The paper highlights some of the firm's top projects that feature biophilic design, a sustainable architecture strategy that connects people with nature.
Senior Living Design | May 9, 2016
Fresh take on senior living design: developer La Posada and three: living architecture team to create Nakoma Sky
Nakoma Sky is a 70-acre, desert-resort senior living community designed for an active lifestyle. The environment connects its residents to the outdoors, not only visually but also socially.