Wellness Architecture and Interiors

Wellness Architecture and Interiors

25.04.2022| Bentel Associates International

Architecture is just not  about the process of planning, designing and constructing buildings but has a great deal to do with the incorporation and relationship of biophilic designs in this new age society.

As we are in an era post the pandemic, we need to consider how spaces affects our health, mood, physical movement and wellbeing. Biophilic Design draws from our natural attraction to nature and natural processes to improve the many spaces we occupy. Through strengthening the human connection with nature, we can improve people’s experiences of spaces and their ability to perform tasks.

Let us look at some of our sustainable projects with  environmental best practice methods used:

Our most recent design that has incorporated biophilic design methods is Thyme On Nicol. This restaurant expresses both an industrial style and demonstrates other space design principles of the new trend of urban green cafes. An array of bespoke seating and lounging furniture provides diners with the choice of sitting at either the panoramic windows, along the periphery overlooking the indigenous greenbelt, or the central sofa landscape, inspired by the huge bird aviaries, or even at one of the al-fresco dining settings, all of which have been uniquely designed for the space.

Natural materials like wood, stone and handmade tiles are mixed with modern plastic elements entwined in interesting shapes and colours and balanced with more neutral elements like the raw concrete-look vinyl flooring and the industrial steel frame of the ‘birdcage’.

Thyme on Nicol

Our award winning commercial project, Illovo Edge Office Park is a multi-divisible layout allowing for  flexible office space ranging from 200m2 to 1000m2. How this building achieved its green star rating was through the energy efficient building principles that were applied where possible. It speaks to a wide range of sustainability issues and adheres to the strictest environmentally sustainable building principles and requirements.

These include maximizing the use of natural daylight, installation of energy efficient lighting and ventilation systems and using natural materials with a low carbon footprint. Green policies in rainwater harvesting systems, the recycling of solid waste and a waterproofing and thermal insulation roofing system were all incorporated.

Another building worth mentioning for its environmental best practice methods is the FNB Acacia House, Umhlanga. This development has extensive green energy-saving efficiencies in the primary, electrical and mechanical installations. This project has achieved a four-star ‘by design’ and ‘as built’ green rating. The building incorporates construction, design and operational practices that reduce and eliminate the negative impact of development on the environment.

FNB Acacia House, Umhlanga

Our future depends on creating spaces where people and nature can thrive together. Our new normal was realized from the COVID-19 pandemic which gave us a reality check to how precious our planet is and how we can contribute to making it a livable place for us and future generations through sustainable design methods.

About Bentel Associates International:

Bentel is a leading African and Indian-based design firm established in 1960 which has a dedicated and focused service offering across multiple sectors, comprising retail, office, residential and hospitality projects. Today Bentel is an award-winning architectural firm known for having designed many unique and landmark developments throughout the African continent and the Middle-East.

For any media enquiries please contact:

Palesa Moroeng

Palesa.m@bentel.net

010 590 7900

082 841 4111