Kensington of Falls Church

Along West Broad Street in Falls Church, Virginia, the Kensington combines assisted living and memory care in a five-story, 100,000-square-foot building that fits naturally into the city's architectural character.

Design Approach

The building's design aligns with Falls Church's master plan, its mass divided into two sections that follow the gradual slope of West Broad Street. A clock tower and complementary corner elements establish the building's presence while creating a distinct identity for residents. The exterior combines cast stone, brick, and cementitious siding, balancing residential warmth with urban refinement.

Living Spaces

At street level, the Kensington connects with the community through retail spaces, including an art gallery and event venues. Above the 16,000-square-foot ground-floor parking facility, residential floors include private apartments with full bathrooms and kitchenettes.

Common areas encourage social interaction and activities. Residents access dining areas, serveries, a gourmet kitchen, piano lounges, and a library. Multiple outdoor terraces—including a second-floor plaza with a gas fireplace, serving station, and pergola system—invite residents to enjoy fresh air and companionship.

Specialized Care

The Kensington's memory care neighborhood represents advanced healthcare design principles. Operating within the main building rather than as a separate unit allows residents to adjust gradually as their needs change. The space includes specialized "life skills" areas that support daily activities while maintaining cognitive abilities.

Healthcare features include nurses' stations on every floor, therapeutic spaces, and exercise areas. A security system monitors resident movement while preserving independence.

Environmental Design

Environmental practices guided the Kensington's development. High-efficiency fixtures reduce annual water use by 689,890 gallons. LED lighting and advanced HVAC equipment lower yearly energy costs by 18 percent.

The construction team recycled 87 percent of debris. Twenty percent of building materials contained recycled content, and 21 percent came from sources within 500 miles. The team followed strict air quality protocols during construction and installed low-emission materials throughout.

Construction Solutions

The project team solved several technical challenges. After discovering soil contamination, they implemented a geo-grid remediation system. The urban site required precise material handling, including temporary road access and phased use of the parking area during construction. The team also managed utility upgrades, using generators to maintain the project schedule.

The Kensington at Falls Church shows how senior living communities can blend into urban neighborhoods while offering specialized care in a residential setting. The design creates spaces where residents maintain independence while receiving necessary support.