Aegis Living Lake Union, the first assisted living community in the U.S. to meet Living Building Challenge 3.1 Petal Certification, represents a harmonious fusion of rich local history and sustainable living. Situated in Seattle’s East Lake neighborhood, the design draws inspiration from the historic rowing culture of the University of Washington’s iconic team, particularly the 1936 Berlin Olympic gold medalists. This landmark community seamlessly blends the beauty of the past with the promise of a healthy, eco-conscious future for its residents.
The architecture reflects the area's rowing legacy with natural cedar siding that mimics the motion of oars cutting through water. A striking steel canopy, evoking the shape of a rowing shell and extended to accommodate rooftop solar panels, complements the building’s bold materials, including rough brick and thoughtfully curated landscaping that enhances biodiversity and supports rainwater management. Throughout the space, these shapes and patterns are woven into the building’s design, continuing from the exterior into the interior’s details.
Aegis Living Lake Union is more than a place to live; it is a holistic home where residents feel vital and connected to their surroundings. The project’s design was shaped by the goal of enhancing the health and wellbeing of each resident. With a focus on sustainable living, the building is emission-free and energy-efficient, featuring a 25% reduction in energy use through thermal insulation, triple-pane windows, and energy-saving systems like LED lighting and heat recovery ventilation. Rainwater and greywater are also captured and recycled, saving over 140,000 gallons of water annually.
The community’s ground-floor amenities are designed to encourage social interactions and engagement, featuring a dining area, hair salon, fitness center, and cinema—all open to the public. For residents requiring Memory Care, the second-floor dining room and courtyard offer inviting spaces for connection and activity. The project’s revolutionary sustainable design, completed amid the challenges of COVID-19, sets a new standard for senior living communities, blending environmental stewardship with a deep respect for the local history and natural beauty of the Lake Union area.
Through its commitment to wellness, sustainability, and connection to place, Aegis Living Lake Union offers a remarkable home where residents can thrive in both body and spirit.