Building a house for personal wellbeing

Wellbeing trends are on the rise. Whether at work, home, school, or on holiday, people are more conscious of their wellbeing than ever before, looking for ways to prioritise physical and mental health at every opportunity.

Ashley Svensson, director at Jukka Construction, believes that home is where good wellbeing begins. “We spend most of our resting hours in our houses. It makes sense that personal wellbeing should play a major role in how people design, build, renovate, and decorate their homes.”

4 major house trends that promote health

It has long been said that the greatest wealth a person can possess is good health. That’s why many people are finding ways to pursue their personal wellbeing at home, without having to slog through traffic and crowds for the best results.

The home gym

Once perceived as a privilege only the rich could afford, home gyms are becoming increasingly popular. “The world has changed,” says Svesson. “Social media and online communities now make it possible for people to access fitness programs right at home, with many using only body weight and little to no equipment. Home gyms are becoming the norm.”

For those building or renovating, the top practical features of a home gym include the following:

• Durable rubber flooring provides a safe, non-slip surface that protects the subfloor from heavy weights while reducing noise.
• Sufficient foundational support prevents heavy machines or power racks from causing major damage to the home.
• Good ventilation, airflow, or air conditioning prevents the build-up of odour or moisture and ensures healthy air quality during intense workouts.
• Floor-to-ceiling mirrors help to check your form while working out, to improve personal results and minimise the risk of injury.
• Structural designs should be thoughtful, encompassing elements like strategically placed plug outlets to eliminate the need for hazardous wire extensions, high ceilings for specific machinery, and integrated technology. This integrated technology, such as WiFi and mounted TVs, makes connecting to virtual classes or workout entertainment simple.

Saunas and steam showers

Steam showers and saunas bring simple but powerful wellness benefits into the home. Heat therapies help people relax, relieve muscle tension, support circulation and breathing, and even improve sleep. Installing a sauna at home provides convenient and consistent access to these benefits, creating a private, spa-like retreat available whenever desired.

Svensson urges those considering an at-home sauna to ensure safety and functionality remain the top priorities. He says, “There’s very little room for error when it comes to a sauna or steam room. Always work with a qualified builder who understands how heat and moisture affect your home’s structure, and with professional installers who will use the best practices and materials.”

Reading and meditation nook

Quiet is the new luxury. Seeking respite from a busy world, more people are creating spaces of intentional silence within their homes. Whether tucked into a corner nook or an unused loft area, or building a separate room, meditation rooms are generally simple in design.

• Natural materials like wooden flooring and indoor plants create a warm, alive environment while helping soften room acoustics.
• Balancing plentiful natural light with softer, ambient light facilitates reading and studying, as well as relaxing meditation.
• Shelving and storage keep this room clutter-free while allowing easy access to books, music, incense burners, and other personal comforts.

Zen patios

Zen patios reflect a growing desire for quieter, more restorative living spaces. Designed as calm, semi-outdoor retreats, they blend fresh air, greenery and simple, natural materials to create moments of stillness at home.

“You don’t need a lot of space to achieve this,” says Svensson. “Whether it’s a small patio, balcony or garden corner, these areas encourage home owners to slow down, reconnect with nature, and support their wellbeing. The trick is keep a zen patio simple, and let Mother Nature do the rest.”

Tips for designing a tranquil house

Whether you’re building a house, renovating, or giving one room a simple overhaul, planning for personal wellbeing at home should play a critical role in your design. Some of Svensson’s top recommendations for a health- and wellness-focused home include:

• Smart lighting that encourages healthy, natural circadian rhythms
• Natural textures like brushed linen, stone, wood, and earthcote surfaces are believed to create tactile comfort for emotional regulation.
• Ventilation systems or air purification improve the flow of clean air through the home, and help to prevent damp conditions and mould.
• Plentiful storage reduces visual clutter and minimises the build-up of dust and other allergens.
• Wellbeing-focused homes prioritise thoughtful material choices to reduce long-term exposure to potential toxins. Low-emission paints and finishes support healthier indoor air quality and create living spaces that feel fresher and more comfortable over time.
• Use colour psychology to enhance a space for its purpose, whether it’s calming colours for relaxation, or gentle vibrancy to inspire creativity and energy.

“Building for wellbeing should never be an afterthought,” shares Svensson. “We can achieve so much more if we consider health and wellness at the very start of the building or renovation process. It’s important to ask ‘what does wellbeing look like to you?’ We can then create a home around those benchmarks.”

As leaders in luxury home construction in South Africa, Jukka Construction creates exceptional homes, where people can sink into calm comfort and quiet luxury defined by their own personal needs and design preferences.

Visit www.jukka.co.za for more building insights.