The Importance of Wellness Spaces in Residential and Commercial Buildings

Across the globe, people are spending more on health and wellness than ever before. The phenomenon has already captured the travel industry, taken over the workplace. Now there is a growing trend for wellness and mindful spaces in the home.

There is valued importance that these spaces bring to both commercial and residential buildings. Our new and upcoming residential and commercial projects are designed with intention, they are conceptualised and built around these wellbeing spaces that evoke senses of happiness, comfrot, relaxation and peace for our residents and the community.

“Our environment directly impacts and determines up to 80-90% of our health outcomes.”

Matthew J. Trowbridge, Sarah Gauche Pickell, Christopher R. Pyke, and Douglas P. Jutte

Having embraced the trend toward sustainability in business and buildings, developers and project planners now must begin to prioritise wellness spaces and elements within all future developments…and here’s why.

A younger influence

Mindfullness, healthy living, quality of life and general wellbeing is being driven by our younger generations. They are very aware of the impact of their environments on their mental and physical health. Looking at wellness hollistically, this group are searching for healthier, safer and positively energised environments in every aspect of their lives – from home to work, to where they eat, drink, play, relax and travel.

Millennials think, want and need in a different way to the generations past – they are savvy, tech-focused and very self-aware. This group spends more of their time on health and wellbeing than any other demographic globally. Having wellness spaces in your commercial or residential project plan will allow for both current business and future business success.

Working from home

The traditional workplace and office situation has changed. There’s no normal, no strict 9-5 and no need to spend so much time away from your own home anymore. With the rise of flexible working options and redefined workspaces, employees who have, and take up, the opportunity to work from home do so to prioritise their health, wellness and happiness. It is essential to provide built environments that accommodate this. Spaces with features such as calming muted colours, high quality air and lighting, potted plants, spas and fitness equipment, infrared saunas and meditation mats.

Increased profits for developers

Buyers would be willing to pay more (up to 30%) for real estate environments that supports their wellness wants and needs

Understanding Wellness: Opportunities & Impacts of the Wellness Economy for Regional Development Global Wellness Institute White Paper Series, September 201c

Developers and collaborators who actively prioritise wellness and are innovative in their delivery and communication of this reach a highly engaged market of buyers who are willing to spend more.

Simple additions

In Australia and New Zealand, buyers are not asking for anything outrageous. What they really want and feel would have a positive impact on their lives largely centres around living within walking distance to their favourite or most used services – shopping centres, public transport, gyms, walking paths, etc. Within the building, their needs are met with light, open spaces with natural lighting, access to wellness facilities such as spas, yoga and pilates studios, gyms and places they can buy organic fresh produce.

Healthier, more balanced lives

By 2050, it has been projected by the United Nations that 68% of the world’s population will be residents of a city centre. City living provides convenience, is fast-paced and intense. There are also higher levels of pollution which has been found to contribute to higher rates of mental illness in adults and children. Better designed wellness-optimised spaces that make use of natural materials and innovative technologies support longer and more balanced lives for residents and can have longterm positive effects on chronic illness.