House Doctor
Malaysia Tatler|January 2020
Wellness is dependent on more than the gym you attend or the type of yoga you practise—the design of your home and office can boost your health and happiness, too
CHRISTOPHER DEWOLF
House Doctor
How’s your sleep? Your answer may have less to do with you and more to do with the space you inhabit. A growing body of research has found that our homes, offices and public spaces have a direct impact on our health and wellbeing. “We spend 90 per cent of our time indoors,” says

Rowena Gonzalez, founder of Liquid Interiors, an interior design firm with a focus on wellness. Yet so many indoor spaces are hurting us through poor air quality, nervewracking lighting, toxic materials and stultifying design that leave us feeling drained, anxious and generally unwell.

Now there is a movement to undo that damage. In 2014, a group of entrepreneurs, scientists and environmentalists banded together to launch the WELL Building Standard, a performance-based rating system meant to encourage spaces that are good for human health and the natural environment.

“The building standard is just a tool, but at the end of the day, it’s about human understanding and educating the general population about a better way of living and going to work,” says Xue Ya, director of the International WELL Building Institute Asia.

“It came on the scene a few years ago and now it’s all everybody is talking about,” says Alessandro Bisagni, whose Hong Kong-based consultancy, BEE, develops green building strategies. He says the new focus on wellness helps round out thinking about sustainable building, because there is a big overlap between buildings that are good for the Earth and those that are good for your health.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Malaysia Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Malaysia Tatler.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MALAYSIA TATLERView All
CHANGING THE GAME
Tatler Malaysia

CHANGING THE GAME

Our world is ever-changing, and so is the way we experience it. Tatler explores how the travel industry is adapting to the needs and values of a new generation

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
Tatler Malaysia

THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT

More women are taking back their birthing experience—and their power—by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2024
Journal, SHE WROTE
Tatler Malaysia

Journal, SHE WROTE

Journal scrapbooking virtuoso Tercia Goh opens up on embracing the traditionally analogue hobby of putting pen to paper in an increasingly digital world

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
STROKE of INSPIRATION
Tatler Malaysia

STROKE of INSPIRATION

Rooted in the philosophy of harmony and balance, Jaee Tee invites viewers to delve into the layers of meaning within her art

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.
Tatler Malaysia

GOLD.GLORY.GAME ON.

Meet Grills Gaming, the all-women Dota 2 team breaking the glass ceiling to make a name in the Southeast Asian esports arena and beyond

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
Crafting Time
Tatler Malaysia

Crafting Time

A conversation with master watchmaker Dr Rebecca Struthers, the first person in the UK to earn a PhD in horology

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
(Wo) Man of the Hour
Tatler Malaysia

(Wo) Man of the Hour

Tatler chats with Evelyne Genta about her late husband Gérald Genta’s legacy in watchmaking

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Foundation of Excellence
Tatler Malaysia

Foundation of Excellence

Sunway International Schools Kuala Lumpur's new campus marks a year of academic triumph

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Eat, Drink and Fly Merry
Tatler Malaysia

Eat, Drink and Fly Merry

Malaysia Airports entice guests with gastronomical delights

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Elegance Unfolded
Tatler Malaysia

Elegance Unfolded

A day in the life of Marion Caunter with the Honor Magic V2

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024