Inspired by the nearby Bellevue Botanical Gardens, our architecture team began integrating a biophilic approach to designing Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake early in the design vision. This principle focuses on creating a clear connection between the residents, indoors, and outdoors through a building’s very design. Taking cues from luxurious Mediterranean resorts, we focused on creating a timeless base palette at Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake, with warm materials, framed views, and abundant natural light from large arched windows. A connection to the outdoors is more than an applied treatment in this building. We interwove biophilic strategies throughout. They shaped our decisions from the layout and massing to the selection finishes with botanical inspiration. Since the building wraps around a central courtyard—referred to as the “exterior living room”—this private outdoor space is visible from nearly every amenity space through large Mediterranean windows. A “glass jewel box” conservatory acts as a stunning focal gathering area. The second floor provides a safe, stimulating greenhouse experience for the memory care residents. Many of the exterior finishes and plantings continue from outside to inside, further blurring the lines between inside and out. Staying on top of current trends and research allowed us to flexibly adapt and respond to our client. Well into construction, market trends showed a shift toward smaller studio and one-bedroom units. Our team collaborated with the general contractor to reallocate square footage and divide larger two-bedroom units into one-bedrooms and studios, ultimately resulting in a net gain of four units. Solar panels and energy-efficient features go beyond the basic code requirements, helping this project preserve the natural beauty its design celebrates.

Offering abounding access to daylight, views, and greenery, biophilic design is realized at the moment residents and guests first approach Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake through the two-story solarium. Residents will benefit from the focused attention to their physical, emotional, and mental wellness that is fostered by biophilic principles. Upon arrival, residents and guests pass through a glass conservatory complete with living walls and custom water features. These elements are intended to set a precedence for the nature and wellness-inspired features everyone can expect to encounter throughout the building. Entering the lobby, attention is purposefully drawn first to the large koi pond, and then outward to a vast courtyard with multiple seating opportunities and small gardens reminiscent of a favorite local destination, Bellevue Botanical Gardens. The environment is styled after a modern Mediterranean luxury resort centered around a courtyard, the crown jewel of Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake, a large 2 story sun-filled glass conservatory. The courtyard acts as an outdoor living room–visible from nearly every interior amenity space through large windows that allow light to flood and views of nature to permeate the interior spaces. The interior of the building was thoughtfully designed as an extension of the exterior courtyard referred to as the “exterior living room.” Nature-inspired design is featured on every floor of the community, like stacked stone accents, warm wood details and organic wall coverings. Unique finishes provide garden colors that reinforce the biophilic concept. Using organic forms and textures offer even more design details that pull residents back into the beauty of nature. Some echo exterior finishes and plantings, intertwining nature outside and home within. The result is a balance of elegance and nature throughout the building. Memory Care environments require a special approach to design considerations, layouts, and thoughtful details to ensure safety, minimize resident confusion, and facilitate staff efficiency. The entire floor is flooded with natural light and opulent aesthetic details. A traditional walking path loops around the entire upper level, including the glass conservatory, emulating the experience of a calming stroll through the park, with moments of interest and activity along the journey. Additionally, living walls and an outdoor patio are specifically designed for the memory care residents specifically. Blending the best of high-end design, biophilia, holistic wellness, and advanced care for seniors, the Aegis Living Bellevue Overlake provides residents thoughtful connections to nature amongst beautiful timeless finishes. We have introduced the concept of biophilia to many Senior Communities, but this is our first project developed with this principle as a core concept rather than a specific experience.