Understanding the design and delivery of wellness projects | SHA Emirates

BSBG has an extensive track record in producing concept designs and the executive delivery of world-class hospitality and residential developments that centre on wellbeing. In this series of blogs, we delve into the process of both design and delivery of many of the wellness projects within the BSBG portfolio.

The BSBG +studio design hub is responsible for the design of multiple award-winning developments that focus on wellness concepts, including Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai, JA Lake View Hotel, and SHA Emirates, while the +executive team is also responsible for the delivery of Eywa Dubai, and Six Senses, The Palm, Dubai, two projects that exhibit a holistic approach that integrates physical comfort, mental wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

In this blog we will discover some of the key concepts that drove the design of SHA Emirates, a wellness resort and clinic located on the coastline at Al Jurf, midway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
 

A wellness concept

The practice of designing for health and wellness is founded on numerous research papers that identify planning and architecture as key pillars of support for healthy, happy communities. The aspiration for wellness projects is to produce environments that enhance the quality of life, encourage relaxation, and support health through the thoughtful use of natural elements, materials, space planning, and technology. It involves creating spaces that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing within all those that interact with the project.

Michael Lewis, BSBG Group Design Director, explains more about the +studio approach to wellbeing and placemaking that realised the concept for SHA Emirates, set to become the pinnacle of luxury wellness retreats in the Middle East. “There are many elements that come together to promote wellbeing,” Michael says. “And with a prestigious project such as SHA Emirates, these elements effectively lead the design direction. We looked at incorporating biophilic design concepts, which is immediately apparent as you look at the exteriors of the buildings. This involved incorporating natural elements into the built environment, aiming to connect occupants with nature at every turn. The use and manipulation of natural light within each space was particularly important, as well as the integration of plants and greenery within the architecture itself. We also wanted to focus solely on the use of natural materials, and so there is an abundance of wood and natural stone throughout, to create a warm and inviting environment.”
 

Sensory design

Emotional and sensory design also played an important role in SHA Emirates, implementing colour psychology and circadian rhythm concepts, while exploring senses such as touch and smell as part of the holistic approach to creating the ultimate wellness experience. Michael continues: “We wanted to really engage all the senses. Our approach to wellbeing does not stop at creating visual connections, we were looking at touch, texture and sound. We wanted to incorporate tactile surfaces throughout, like smooth wood, soft fabrics, and textured walls, to create a sensory experience. We then looked at soundscapes, and the use of flowing water features became central to that, as well as ambient soundtracks that would help define different areas within the resort. We introduced different smells for each zone to reinforce the impression of transitioning from one area to the next.”
 

Space planning

Thoughtful space planning and zoning is paramount to the wellness approach, as it directly impacts the end user as they move around the resort and experience each space. Michael explains: “The layout was a critical component, finding the perfect balance of private versus communal spaces and quiet zones. We wanted to offer the opportunity for both social interaction and solitude. Obviously the SHA brand is renowned for its treatments and health programmes, so the areas within which these treatments were to be administered would be very private, but also ambient and relaxing spaces, and then for the areas that would host wellness activities like yoga, meditation, and group exercise, we wanted more open and flexible spaces that featured an abundance of natural light and were more indoor/outdoor experiences.”
 

Air quality and thermal comfort

“We looked to use sustainable and non-toxic materials to ensure that the indoor environment would contribute positively to wellness,” Michael continues. “Air quality in particular was a real area of focus. We wanted to integrate high-quality ventilation systems to ensure a steady flow of fresh air, with air purifiers and HVAC systems with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality. This was really important, because although we used shading and thermal insulation to reduce the requirement for artificial cooling systems, in the hotter months in the UAE there is really no way around it, so we had to ensure that the quality of air is maintained throughout the resort even when air conditioning is in use. We use air quality monitoring technology to safeguard this aspect.”
 

SHA Emirates combines multiple initiatives to accomplish the ultimate wellness experience. The exterior focuses on accomplishing seamless integration with the surrounding environment, with the use of soft edges and clean, white curves, stepped terracing, and cascading gardens that decorate the façades. Internally, the ambience, materiality, and sensory design serves to create a unique experience that significantly enhances the well-being of guests by fostering a calm, healthy, and balanced environment. “It was a long journey towards creating a wellness resort of this stature, and I believe it sets new standards in that regard,” Michael reflects. “We conducted multiple studies across every component of the existing SHA clinic in Spain, and ultimately designed a resort to preserve and have a positive impact on nature, as well as those visiting the resort.”