Your Eyes Only

A Lifestyle Magazine by OXO Living. Volume 1 - The Wellbeing Issue

81

Y O U R E Y E S O N L Y

WELLNESS real estate? It's a rapidly growing

movement reshaping the way we think about

where and how we live. At its core, it represents

a fundamental shift from housing as a passive

structure to an active participant in human health

and longevity. The trend is being fueled by an

increasing awareness of the role environment plays

in well-being, from air and water quality to access

to nature, and even the psychological benefits of

community design. As chronic disease, stress, and

social isolation continue to rise, homes designed

with wellness in mind are becoming a powerful

antidote.

This new wave of real estate goes beyond

sustainability, which has long been a focus in

architecture and urban planning. While eco-friendly

homes emphasize energy efficiency, reduced waste,

and lower carbon footprints, wellness properties

take a more holistic approach. Developers and

architects are now integrating features that actively

enhance physical, mental, and emotional health. Air

purification systems eliminate toxins and allergens.

Water filtration ensures safe drinking and bathing.

Lighting and soundscapes are being optimized to

support circadian rhythms and cognitive function.

These elements work in tandem, creating living

spaces that are as restorative as they are functional.

A key feature of wellness real estate is biophilic

design—an

approach

that

strengthens

the

connection between people and nature. Studies

show that exposure to greenery, natural light, and

organic materials reduces stress, boosts mood, and

even accelerates recovery from illness. Forward-

thinking projects incorporate indoor gardens, large

windows, skylights, and materials like reclaimed

wood and stone. It’s an architectural philosophy

that draws from both ancient wisdom and modern

science, recognizing that humans thrive when they

are in harmony with nature.

• Bosco Verticale in Milan is a pair of residential towers that acts

as a rebellion against the grey monotony of city life. Designed by

Stefano Boeri Architetti and completed in 2014, this “Vertical Forest”

stuffs nearly 20,000 trees, shrubs, and plants onto its facades,

turning Milan’s skyline into a living, breathing ecosystem. It’s not just

about aesthetics—it’s about fighting air pollution, slashing noise,

and cooling down the urban heat. A high-rise that gives back to the

planet? It's a blueprint worth copying.