Embracing the contextual architectural language of Collegiate Gothic buildings on the University of Washington campus as well as nearby Tudor-style homes, Aegis Living Laurelhurst establishes a domain of dignified care for Seattle’s aging population. The massing of the site breaks down the building's unique shape in an elegant way. It’s curved like a boomerang, and the back half of the north side is subterranean. Cohesive, but not overbearing, the massing pulls away from the property line and street edge, playing with scale to create a sense of entry that feels very grounded for the busy street it is on. Ornamental gardens and landscaping provide a pastoral respite around the exterior entryway, giving senior residents an outdoor escape to enjoy on sunny days or between Seattle’s signature downpours. As a brand-new build, innovative construction methods were employed to honor the hierarchical detailing and intricate brickwork of historic buildings found throughout the Laurelhurst neighborhood. High-quality materials like pre-cast concrete and brick were used to emulate limestone masonry, executing a highly detailed, traditional architectural style as a thin-layered veneer over a wood frame. The entryway of the building employs black-and-white chessboard patterns, alluding to Aegis’ philosophy of aging with grace and the idea that Laurelhurst is a multigenerational play space. Gabled roofs with three-peaked archways frame the site’s entrance as a regal portal that still maintains the feel of a conventional single-family home.

Upon stepping into Aegis Living Laurelhurst, a collegiate gothic-inspired senior living community, you’re welcomed by a sense of home that transcends the grandeur of its exterior. It's an entrance that promises a serene, yet sophisticated lifestyle. Every interior detail at Aegis Living Laurelhurst, from the soaring ceilings to the meticulously designed flooring, has been carefully curated. To increase efficiency and reduce costs, many of the ornamental ceiling and trim pieces were fabricated and detailed off-site prior to installation, with multiple layers built up to bring a sense of depth and character to the space. A lot of attention and care was dedicated to determining how to invoke the look and feel of ornate, classical wood-work paneling while working within a budget. Innovative materials and techniques bring a traditional Tudor-style millwork ceiling to life at a fraction of the cost of materials and labor. The pre-coordination of lights, sprinklers, and other openings in the ceiling that resulted from this effort led to a thoughtful design and a highly coordinated look for the owner. A plethora of details and adornments imbue Aegis Living Laurelhurst’s interior spaces with a richly distinct old-world charm. A refurbished, historic landmark clock that was once used to signify the locations of watchmakers throughout Seattle now sits on the property, serving as a captivating focal point and conversation piece. The layout of interior portals is designed to create a sense of anticipation and excitement. Each room and entryway offers a unique aesthetic and experience, weaving a narrative of surprise and delight as residents explore the space. Aegis Living Laurelhurst reveals its treasures as residents navigate its halls. The main lobby guides residents to world-class amenities, including a grand dining room, complete with display kitchen and smaller, private dining room tucked within, the cinema, the sports lounge and pub, and the coffee shop bistro that is open to the public. Additional amenities include a salon, barbershop, massage room, an activity room, and an outdoor football field. Above all this, the sixth-floor Sky Lounge pairs relaxing views of University of Washington’s campus with comfortable seating and a cozy atmosphere, allowing residents to daydream, recount old memories, and connect with one another. Specialized programming offers Memory Care residents their own separate living spaces including a living room, dining room, courtyard, activity room, and music room. The Trail Outlook Lounge, a unique fourth-floor indoor-outdoor space, allows Memory Care residents to safely enjoy fresh air and scenic views from an enclosed patio, fostering a natural connection to the neighborhood.