The Villages at Ovation

The Villages at Ovation redefines community spaces for 55+ living, seamlessly integrating natural elements with inviting design to create a unique residential amenity experience.

Located near a serene oak tree preserve in a suburb of Olympia, Washington, the amenity spaces foster connections to the outdoors while prioritizing resident comfort and community engagement. The development’s collection of amenity buildings serves approximately 800 homes and is oriented in a fan-shaped layout, radiating outward to maximize views of the stunning preserve and Pacific Northwest landscape while incorporating sheltered outdoor spaces for year-round enjoyment.

Johnston Architects’ designers intentionally kept the form and expression of the buildings elegant and minimalistic, differentiating them from the surrounding single family homes and complementing the natural surroundings without overshadowing them. Restrained entries open to expansive interiors, carefully positioned to highlight views of the trees beyond, transporting guests into the woods. The interiors are warm and inviting, with fir-wrapped vaulted ceilings and natural materials that echo the nearby forest.

Spaces such as the banquet hall, demonstration kitchen, and living room are designed to encourage social interaction, while the fitness building, enclosed pool house, and outdoor hot tub promote physical wellness. Outdoor amenities, including pickleball and bocce courts, a dog park, and year-round sheltered spaces, further enhance the lifestyles of these vibrant seniors.

JA’s masterplan of the amenity buildings prioritizes accessibility and comfort for the 55+ demographic. Everything is located on one level, with accessible parking spaces, power-operated doors, and no curbs. High-contrast design elements and well-lit surfaces accommodate the visual needs of older residents, while carefully selected furniture ensures ease of use and maintenance.

The clients prioritized local art to refine the character of the spaces, selecting 30 pieces by Pacific Northwest artists to elevate the space, including a mural of nearby Mount Rainier featured in the “yoga church”. Natural materials are incorporated throughout, like the live-edge walnut concierge desk, and thoughtfully integrated to reflect the surrounding environment.

Status: Built

Location: Lacey, WA, US

Additional Credits: Interior Designers: Natasha Eliss at Fieldstone Architecture & Engineering

General Contractor(s): Taylor Morrison

Structural Engineers: KPFF

Landscape: Fora Landscape

Photographer: Rafael Soldi