Understanding the design and delivery of wellness projects

Understanding the design and delivery of wellness projects | Banyan Tree Residences

Words by BSBG Media Team, Monday 24 March 2025

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 which integrates physical comfort, mental well-being, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

Design Overview

BSBG’s award winning design of Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai embraces urban design virtues, but with additional focus on the provision of peaceful surrounds, green spaces, and on encouraging health and wellbeing for residents.

The architecture incorporates many elements that encourage residents to relax, and disengage from the stress that can be associated with the fast-paced nature of working life in Dubai, with additional features to encourage residents to remain active – whether that’s simply walking through the beautifully landscaped grounds, or taking part in a yoga class, swimming or going to the gym, as well as receiving relaxation treatments in the Banyan Spa.

The wellbeing of residents took prevalence in the approach to design – not only physical wellbeing, but mental wellbeing. It’s well documented that people respond to being surrounded by nature, by green spaces, trees and water. Landscaping of the 110,000 square metre plot has focused in on this. Walking through the grounds is a serene and calming experience, with tree-lined walkways, lush green lawns and decorative elements that focus on reinforcing that connection to nature.

Scott Orwin

Senior Partner

“The wellbeing of residents drove our approach to the design. We’ve created a place which interacts with nature, providing a serene, communal experience for those that live there.”

Community inclusion

The Banyan Tree Residences design also aspires to create a community feel for residents. Numerous research studies have shown that people feel far happier when they are part of a friendly and welcoming neighbourhood. Another aim for the development is to enable residents to feel included in their community, able to interact with people just like them, away from the stress of work, in an environment that encourages relaxation and provides a platform for escape from the noise, hustle and bustle of one of the world’s busiest cities.

It’s rare to find a building in the city that encourages interconnection between residents in this way. With such an array of community-focused features, Banyan Tree Residences forges a unique connection among its residents.

The expansive, pristine lawns will be used for group yoga sessions and, in the cooler months, provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic with friends. There is a café with a welcoming terrace, the large gym, spa, and swimming pool area have all been designed to encourage people with common interests to connect with one another, and there are multiple kids' activity areas, which include a playground and climbing wall. The community aspirations within the design are there for all to see, but the creation of a sense of well-being has also been moved to the interior spaces, both private and public.

Interior spaces

The quality of design features, materials, and finishings dictates the overall space, which impacts directly on the end-user experience. Within each of the residential units, natural light in each room is maximised with floor-to-ceiling windows, and all units benefit from the captivating panoramic views across Dubai; from the immediate green surroundings of the adjacent golf courses to the sea and skyline in the distance.

The Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai concept was targeted at helping people live happier and healthier lives. Heightened awareness of the part architecture has to play in wellbeing has seen many developers attempting to replicate the aspirations for the project. This approach garnered the award for the Best Architectural Multiple Residence in Dubai at the International Property Awards 2018, but more importantly, it’s an approach that has offered residents a community-focused place in which they are able to find relaxation and a stress-free lifestyle; living within an environment specifically tailored for happiness and well-being, offering all the amenities of a five-star resort right on their doorstep.

BSBG Media Team

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