Nestled along the shores of Lake Boren in Newcastle, Washington, Aegis Gardens is a senior living community designed with cultural sensitivity and respect for seniors, drawing inspiration from the largest population of Chinese Americans in the state. Building on over 20 years of expertise in senior services, the community integrates both Eastern and Western approaches to care, offering 89 assisted living units and 21 memory care units, alongside studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Staff fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese provide round-the-clock care, and residents benefit from primary care services in partnership with the University of Washington’s medical program, delivered in the comfort of their homes.
Aegis Gardens is a landmark community, featuring a thriving multi-cultural center and a bilingual, intergenerational preschool, the first of its kind to combine these elements with senior living. Our design team embraced Chinese design principles and traditional aesthetics while harmonizing them with Pacific Northwest craftsmanship. From the moment visitors enter the main building, a grand two-story lantern sets the tone, bringing light and warmth to the heart of the community. Feng shui principles guided the arrangement of key elements such as the entry sequence, stairs, and dining areas, while biophilic design principles—expansive glass walls, natural stone, tile, and wood—infuse the space with tranquility and daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing residents’ well-being.
Inside, carefully curated public spaces showcase authentic Chinese art and antiques. Residents can enjoy ceremonial tea rooms, mahjong gaming, a Tai Chi studio, an arts room for flower arranging, and a theater, as well as wellness spaces including a massage and acupuncture room, and a saltwater therapy pool. Dining experiences are equally immersive, with tranquil lake views and culinary stations featuring a wood-fired duck oven, noodle bar, and wok stations for community meals, while a smaller, adjacent kitchen allows residents to host intimate family gatherings. The design also celebrates the contrast between fire and water, incorporating fireplaces and water features throughout the space.
A glass-enclosed breezeway connects the residential building to the cultural center and preschool, offering a bridge between generations and fostering intergenerational connections, with grandparents able to visit their grandchildren regularly. By blending thoughtful design with a deep respect for cultural heritage, Aegis Gardens stands as a model for senior living communities in the Northwest, setting the gold standard for culturally enriched, multi-generational spaces.
