Expanding the Vision: Lasell Village’s Sustainable and Resident-Led Growth

Lasell Village, a senior living community on a shared campus with Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts, is undertaking a transformative 125,000 SF expansion that addresses both the growing needs of its residents and the urgent call for sustainable development in senior living.

More than just a place to live, Lasell Village is founded on a philosophy of lifelong learning. Unlike traditional models, the Village requires residents to participate in continued education, taking classes together or alongside university students. The collective adventure of learning fosters a vibrant, intellectually engaged environment where residents share their expertise, build meaningful relationships around similar passions, and celebrate student workers and other Village employees as they earn their degrees.

This educational spirit also drives Lasell Village’s approach to sustainability. Residents are curious and thoughtful contributors to conversations around the project’s environmental goals, learning about evolving energy codes and Passive House design, and exploring strategies such as carbon neutrality, healthy materials, and electrification. Their involvement reflects a broader commitment to shaping a resilient, environmentally responsible community.

The project also responds to the City of Newton’s leadership in climate policy as one of ten municipalities participating in Massachusetts’ Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program. It aligns with the state’s new Specialized Opt-in Energy Code (effective January 2024), and meets local zoning requirements, including a Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) and electric vehicle charging. But more than meeting codes, the expansion aims to exceed expectations, pushing sustainability forward, and setting a new precedent for senior living design.

Design Rooted in Community and Context

Guided by the principle of “Learning as a Way of Life,” the expansion of McGuire Hall will introduce 42 new independent living residences and a host of amenities that support wellness, creativity, and community. These include a fitness center, multipurpose room with performance space, restaurant, library, clubhouse, and wellness center—all designed to foster social, intellectual, and physical engagement.

A new pedestrian bridge will link McGuire Hall to the existing Town Hall building on the second floor, physically and symbolically strengthening the connections within the Village.

The architectural design reflects the scale, forms, and materials of the existing campus and the surrounding residential neighborhood. The final scheme, a harmonious, T-shaped cluster of three interconnected volumes, was developed through multiple design iterations to ensure it fits within the site’s historic character.

A particularly distinctive element of the design is the integration of the historic Robin Dell House, an 1850s farmhouse located on site. The home will be relocated, restored, and incorporated into the new McGuire Hall building on three levels, ultimately housing two independent living units. DiMella Shaffer worked closely with the Auburndale Historic District Commission to obtain approval and ensure the home’s preservation and thoughtful reuse.

Design by and for Residents

In a community that values education and inclusion, resident involvement in the design process was both natural and essential. Early in the process, five resident-led Programming and Design Groups (PDGs) were formed, focusing on Education, Sustainability, Exterior, Dining, and Continuum of Care. Each group met regularly with the design team and offered meaningful feedback that shaped the final project.

• Education guided the layout and function of the multipurpose room, library, fitness center, and other gathering spaces to welcome all learners in the greater Lasell community.
• Sustainability educated residents on Passive House strategies, explored both rooftop solar and geothermal systems—ultimately selecting a rooftop solar array and setting goals for a greener community.
• Exterior influenced building placement, walking paths, landscaping, and seating areas to promote accessibility, comfort, and connection to nature.
• Dining provided input on food variety and helped design a warm, communal dining environment.
• Continuum of Care advocated for a home-like model for Assisted Living and Supported Nursing rather than a clinical one, ensuring residents stay connected to the broader community as their care needs evolve.

These working groups demonstrate the power of collaborative design and show how deeply the residents care about their surroundings and one another.

Sustainability at the Core

Environmental stewardship is woven into every aspect of the project—from design and construction to material selection and daily operations. In collaboration with sustainability and MEP consultant Buro Happold, the expansion and the restored Robin Dell House are designed to meet the Passive House Institute (PHI) Classic standard. The approach is an “envelope first” strategy—think of it as wrapping a building in a “heavy jacket”— which keeps indoor temperatures stable and reduces energy use. This includes thick insulation, triple-glazed windows, an airtight enclosure, and energy recovery ventilation that essentially recycles waste heat. These elements help reduce heating and cooling loads, enhance comfort, and improve air quality.

The project is entirely electric. Air-source heat pumps provide heating, cooling, and hot water. In-unit appliances include Energy Star-rated equipment and condensing dryers that reduce exterior wall penetrations. Other innovations include heat recovery chillers that capture and reuse waste heat from cooling and demand response ventilation that adjusts energy use based on occupancy. A fully electric commercial kitchen serves the ground-floor restaurant, and the rooftop solar array, championed by residents, supplies clean energy while respecting the site’s historic character.

The project also prioritizes healthy materials. For example, instead of traditional spray foam, the ceiling of the underground garage will be insulated with cellulose made from recycled, plant-based fibers. This reduces reliance on conventional spray foam insulation and aligns with the project goals.

Outdoor spaces further reinforce sustainability and well-being. The site’s underused areas will be reimagined as walkable paths and inviting courtyards for gathering, reflection, and connection to nature—key themes of the Exterior PDG.

Looking Ahead

Through an ambitious expansion grounded in sustainability, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Lasell Village is setting a new standard for senior living communities—one that is resilient, connected, and shaped by residents’ lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

McGuire Hall is set to open in 2027, welcoming new residents to its 42 units while enriching the lives of current residents and university students with vibrant amenity spaces that foster learning, wellness, and community.

By pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, we are not just designing high-performance buildings. We are building a healthier, more comfortable, and more resilient future.