Enso Village
Healdsburg, CA
Enso Village is a 15-acre senior living community in Healdsburg developed by the San Francisco Zen Center and Kendal Corporation. Drawing on Zen and Quaker principles, the landscape promotes well-being through serene gardens, outdoor dining areas, and two miles of walking paths that encourage connection to nature and self.
At the heart of the site is the zendo, a contemplative space that anchors the landscape design. Inspired by the natural movement of water, pathways and gathering areas radiate outward in gentle curves, fostering calm, reflection, and a deep sense of place. Native and climate-resilient plantings support ecological goals while offering residents meaningful spaces for rest, meditation, and community.
The design was completed in 2021 and opened its doors in October 2023.
Awards
2025 PCBC Gold Nugget Design Awards - Grand Award, Best Age-Qualified Senior Living Community
2021 PCBC Gold Nugget Design Awards - Grand Award, Senior Housing
2021 North Bay Business Journal - Excellence in Construction Award
Key Considerations
Honoring the LandEnso Village models environmental stewardship through sustainable design. Biofiltration areas manage stormwater and support habitats, while native plants boost biodiversity. The landscape enhances and restores the ecosystem for long-term vitality.
Simplicity in Mindful LivingRooted in Zen and Quaker principles, the landscape design embraces simplicity and purpose with a natural, intuitive flow. Views of rolling hills blend with quiet nooks, shaded alcoves, and winding paths that invite solitude and connection, finding balance in a place of retreat.
The project team worked closely with the local community to create a landscape that reflects its unique needs and identity. Shared spaces encourage intergenerational connections and cultural exchange, while the use of local materials and native plants honors Northern California’s rich heritage.
Engaging the CommunityProject Details
An alfresco dining area frames the edges of the Zendo Courtyard, offering residents serene views of the meditative space.
Enso's community garden allows residents to grow produce to provide directly to the on-site restaurant, creating a more sustainable food system.
The Meadows, the campus' premier living location, is bifurcated by a seasonal creek that feeds into a bioretention basin.