HEALTH & wellbeing strategies FOR wellness lifestyle real estate & mixed-use communities

real estate developments that prioritize the health, well-being, and happiness of residents while respecting the environment

the benefits of living in a wellness real estate development

First and foremost, wellness lifestyle real estate is designed to promote physical health and well-being. By incorporating features such as fitness centers, yoga studios, and swimming pools into residential developments, these properties make it easier than ever for residents to stay active and engaged in their fitness routines.

Furthermore, the layout and design of a wellness community often encourage walking, cycling, and other forms of other outdoor recreation and activity, fostering a culture of movement and exercise. This can a game-changer for those looking to lead healthier lives and prioritize their physical fitness.

Another key benefit of wellness lifestyle real estate is the emphasis on mental well-being. With the growing awareness of the importance of mental health, wellness communities are thoughtfully designed to provide tranquil, stress-free living environments.

This can be achieved through the incorporation of lush nature spaces, meditation gardens, and soothing water features, which create serene surroundings that inspire relaxation and mindfulness.

Additionally, many wellness communities offer workshops and classes focused on stress reduction, meditation, and other mental health practices, helping residents find balance and inner peace.

Social connectivity is another benefit of living in a wellness community. These thoughtfully designed spaces facilitate meaningful interactions and foster a sense of community among residents by offering shared amenities and communal spaces such as cafes, co-working spaces, and gardens.

This encourages residents to form connections, build friendships, and engage in activities with their neighbors, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and fulfilling living experience.

the role of sustainability in wellness real estate

Sustainability and environmental consciousness are at the heart of wellness lifestyle real estate. By utilizing energy-efficient designs, renewable materials, and green technologies, these properties minimize their ecological footprint and promote a more sustainable way of living.

As a result, residents can take pride in knowing that they are contributing to a healthier planet while enjoying the benefits of a cleaner, greener living environment. This commitment to eco-friendliness sets wellness communities apart from conventional residential developments.

the role of healthy buildings in wellness real estate

The role of healthy buildings in the wellness real estate sector has become increasingly significant in recent years, as both developers and potential buyers recognize the value of creating spaces that promote physical and mental well-being.

One key aspect of this is taking inspiration and guidance from WELL certified buildings that adhere to stringent standards for indoor air quality, natural light, water quality, biophilic design, physical and mental health outcomes, and other factors that directly impact the health of occupants.

Just as a wellness resort explicitly puts people's wellness at the heart of the guest experience, so wellness real estate is proactively pursuing wellness with a focus on the importance of the built environment - in other words, the surrounding environment can impact key markers of human health for residents.

By incorporating wellness-focused design elements, such as access to nature, fitness facilities, and relaxation areas, these healthy buildings play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of wellness real estate.

the role of a wellness real estate consultant or Wellbeing Champion

As wellness real estate industry consultants, we advise developers and funds on how to integrate this concept into their mixed-use developments and communities through a combination of engineering, architecture, interiors and facilities management strategies.

To do this we integrate into the project team, either steering the development towards a formal certification process, such as the WELL Community Standard certification for example, or advocating for the cause of health and wellness on the project team, alongside the lead architects, a sustainability consultant, MEP consultants, engineers and so on on. This role is known as a Wellbeing Champion.

leading examples of wellness communities - BedZED

BedZED in the UK and Serenbe in the USA stand out as two leading examples of hybrid physical and virtual communities that put the practice of personal wellness at their core while leveraging the potential of surrounding environment directly affect the health and indeed lifespan of residents.

BedZED, short for Beddington Zero Energy Development, is a pioneering wellness community located in the London Borough of Sutton, UK. Developed in 2002, this residential and work-space complex was designed with a strong focus on reducing its ecological footprint and enhancing the well-being of its occupants.

BedZED showcases a range of sustainable features such as energy-efficient building materials, solar panels for electricity generation, and a communal heating system that utilizes waste heat from an on-site combined heat and power plant fueled by renewable biofuel.

The community also encourages sustainable living practices with ample green spaces, shared gardens, and easy access to public transportation. BedZED's innovative design has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious World Habitat Award, and serves as an inspiring model of what a wellness community can achieve in the realm of sustainable living and holistic health while combating today's immense health challenges.

leading examples of wellness communities - Serenbe

On the other side of the Atlantic, Serenbe is another exemplary wellness community situated in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, USA. Established in 2004, Serenbe spans over 1,000 acres and boasts a unique blend of residential, commercial, and agricultural spaces.

The community's founders, Steve and Marie Nygren, envisioned a living environment where people could reconnect with nature (biophilia), foster meaningful relationships, and prioritize their health and well-being.

Serenbe's master plan reflects this vision of healthy places by incorporating a diverse range of wellness amenities such as organic farms, fitness centres and gyms, art galleries, meditation spaces, and a variety of community events and workshops.

The community's design also adheres to strict environmental standards to preserve the natural beauty of its surroundings, including the implementation of low-impact development techniques, the protection of green spaces, and the use of sustainable building materials.

WELL Community Standard

The WELL Community Standard advances the cause not just of healthy buildings but of healthy communities and wellness real estate developments. Essentially it is made up of ten concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community.

Typically we integrate into the project team, advising on the WELL community certification features and promoting the cause of health and wellness. This role involves working alongside architects and designers, engineers and construction teams as well as facilities management.

The WELL Community Standard is a pioneering framework that aims to elevate the overall health and well-being of individuals by transforming the built environment into a wellness community.

This innovative approach, developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), focuses on integrating human-centric design, evidence-based health strategies, and sustainability practices into the planning, development, and management of real estate projects.

By fostering a culture of well-being, the WELL Community Standard not only enhances the quality of life for inhabitants but also contributes to the long-term value and competitiveness of WELL certified properties.

These principles serve as the foundation for a comprehensive set of performance requirements that address various aspects of the built environment, such as air quality, water safety, access to healthy food, exposure to natural light, opportunities for physical activity, acoustical comfort, and the use of non-toxic materials in construction and interiors.

To achieve a WELL Community certification, real estate projects must undergo a rigorous assessment process that entails on-site evaluations, documentation reviews, and performance testing by independent third-party verifiers.

This ensures that the projects meet the highest standards of excellence in human health, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

Furthermore, the WELL Community Standard encourages continuous improvement by requiring periodic recertification, which helps maintain and elevate the performance of the wellness community over time.

See also our guide to the World GBC Health Wellbeing Framework

the Global Wellness Institute

As a leading research and educational organization, the (GWI) Global Wellness Institute believes in fostering the growth and development of wellness lifestyle real estate and wellness communities.

By emphasizing the integration of physical, mental, and emotional health in residential and commercial spaces, the GWI drives the expansion and implementation of wellness-focused solutions that cater to the evolving needs of today's health-conscious consumer.

One of the key aspects of GWI's mission is to provide comprehensive research and insights into the wellness lifestyle real estate sector. Through their in-depth studies and analyses, they identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape the growth of wellness communities.

By offering valuable data and resources, the institute empowers developers, investors, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions and create innovative wellness community projects.

Furthermore, the Global Wellness Institute actively facilitates collaboration and networking opportunities among industry professionals in various sectors, including real estate, healthcare, and wellness.

By bringing together experts and thought leaders, GWI encourages the exchange of ideas, best practices, and strategies to create and maintain successful wellness communities.

This collaborative approach fosters the development of cutting-edge concepts and solutions that cater to the diverse needs of health-conscious individuals and families, ultimately enhancing the well-being of residents and the overall livability of these communities.

Another significant contribution of the GWI in promoting wellness communities is their dedication to education and advocacy. The institute offers workshops, seminars, and conferences that delve into various aspects of wellness lifestyle real estate, from design principles and planning to marketing and management.

By providing industry professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in this growing market, GWI helps to raise awareness of nascent industry and establish wellness communities as a viable and desirable option for consumers seeking a more holistic approach to living.

Additionally, the Global Wellness Institute recognizes and celebrates excellence in wellness community development through its annual Global Wellness Awards.

These prestigious awards honor the most innovative and impactful projects and pioneers in the wellness lifestyle real estate sector, inspiring others to strive for excellence in creating and managing wellness communities.

By acknowledging and showcasing the outstanding achievements of industry leaders, GWI helps to elevate the standards and expectations for wellness-focused projects around the world.