Property developers shift focus on resident’s well-being with healthy living solutions
Ishrath Jaigirdar
Dubai, UAE
A home is not simply a place to live in. It is a haven where one seeks tranquillity and relaxation. However, there is a cost to everything – more than the monetary expenses. The high cost of living forces residents to spend more time at work and worry about their well-being seeking greater financial security, health issues, both physical and mental. Most people don’t have time for themselves.
Homes that are built with concrete, usually consume 40 percent energy. On top of that, rapid urbanisation is leading to poor air quality that is affecting public health.
There are more than 300 million buildings that houses more than 8 billion people, except the unfortunate homeless population. According to Dubai Statistics Centre data, 3,520 buildings were completed in Dubai in 2023, valued at Dh18.15 billion (US$4.95 billion). These are added to more than 120,000 civil structures that already existed in the emirate in 2022.
“Air pollution kills 13 people every minute worldwide and evidence continues to reveal new connections between polluted air and adverse health effects. As urbanization increases and air quality deteriorates, addressing emissions to protect public health is critical,” said a World Economic Forum report.
In addition to the external air quality, it is also important to improve the indoor air quality in which the residents breathe more while at home. The flow of clean and fresh air helps residents in meditation, physical exercise and mental peace. That’s why, some real estate developers are investing in a more environment-friendly and healthy homes – so that the residents live long.
In the realm of buying property, homeowners forage for options that allow maximum rejuvenation. This has quick-started a trend among developers, both renowned and novice, to innovate ways to amplify homes as venues of elevated living. A good number of residential projects are being crafted that revolve around wellness, a concept which transforms a home into more than just layers of bricks and cement. In fact, home is a retreat that promotes healthy lifestyle for better well-being of its dwellers.
Based on a forecast by the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness-focused real estate will be one of fastest-growing sectors of the global wellness economy between 2020-2025. The market is experiencing a radical surge globally and is projected to reach a remarkable US$887.5 billion by 2027. As properties mushroom in the lively city of Dubai, population thrives with the influx of expats looking forward to making the city their second home. Foreign high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) make a note-worthy bulk of the incoming expat community. To cater to their needs, the city has put effort into building homes that holistically enhance living standards. These include gardens, green spaces, pools, and fitness zones in large-scale communities and suburban homes. However, a handful of developers are taking a step further to incorporate wellness into their portfolios.
R.Evolution, a boutique European developer, is one such developer. It has launched its debut project in the UAE, Eywa, which follows a unique wellness scheme to ensure its residents’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Located in Business Bay, Dubai, Eywa implements the ancient Indian architectural principles of Vastu Shastra coupled with the latest technologies to harmonise the building’s energies, and create an environment that facilitates wellness and supports the well-being of every resident. The term Eywa is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “sacred love”, and stands as an acronym for Energy, Youthfulness, Well-being and Ancient knowledge. It draws inspiration from the Tree of Life to integrate biophilic design for its residents to connect with nature.
The tower is the first urban development that embraces Vastu Shastra, literally meaning “science of architecture”, since its practice in ancient Indian architecture thousands of years ago. Originating in ancient India, the principles of Vastu Shastra were applied in constructing temples, cities, houses, gardens, and water bodies. These include the utilisation of geometric patterns and symmetry to balance energies and retain harmony within the dwelling.
Comprising 48 exclusive units, Eywa also houses a 90-metre-high pyramid of 1,450 crystals and gemstones in its foundation as “well-being generators”. These crystals are thought to play an important role on the residents’ longevity, as well as improve the body’s healing system.
On the other hand, sophisticated technologies are introduced to control air and water quality within the residence. Two in-built water supply systems provide residents with drinking water similar in composition to water collected from Icelandic glaciers and domestic water at a pH level suitable for the skin. On the grounds of sustainability, Eywa also utilises used domestic water to irrigate the green spaces within its biophilic design, enabling a constant connection with nature amidst the urban concrete jungle.
Owing to external factors like pollution, excessive carbon emissions, and climate change, the city air quality is heavily compromised. Eywa has MERV 14 filters installed that purify the external air, ensuring better quality and prevention of mould and fungi within its walls.
Furthermore, R.Evolution has recently announced its collaboration with Mindvalley, a transformation platform that aims to enrich the overall well-being of its residents. Accessible to all, Mindvalley experts or “Masters” will conduct a plethora of workshops, facilitating community engagement and at the same time ameliorating participants’ mental and physical health.
Alex Zagrebelny, CEO of R.Evolution, views Eywa’s partnership with Mindvalley as a novel facet of promoting wellness, stating, “At R.Evolution, we create aesthetically superior, health-centric buildings of the next revolutionary generation of the real estate that pave the way for a brighter future. The benefits of having the Mindvalley home in Eywa will be a huge advantage for its residents. Access to these brilliant minds on their doorstep through scheduled workshops exclusive to residents means that living in Eywa gives them something no other residence can offer.”
Eywa stands as the only real estate development that blends traditional teachings of architecture with modern technologies to improve the holistic health of its dwellers. Moreover, it has been feted as World’s Best Property and Best International Apartment/Condominium Development at the International Property Awards in London due to its expansive sustainable practices. It is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum and WELL Platinum certified, achieving a rating of 90 points for both.
In addition to its comprehensive wellness facilities, Eywa also hosts music lounges, a library with 2,500 books, crystal garden, spa centre, hammam, massage room, swimming pools, gymnasium, fitness club, yoga studio, and a relaxation zone with waterfalls. These, along with the development’s distinctive wellness concept deliver sensorial experiences as well as promote intellectual growth.
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Also read: R.Evolution unveils Dh1.3 billion Eywa project that would cut energy by 40 percent
