RESIDENTIAL WELLNESS D E S I G N F O R I M P R O V E D H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G
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CONTENTS
6
The Home as a Retreat
8
Connection to Nature
12
Food
14
Physical Activity
16
Mindfulness
20
Relaxation
24
Hydrotherapy
28
Design Team
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THE HOME AS A RETREAT The home is a place of refuge, set within nature it can be a place of healing and a space for intimate gatherings among family and close friends. Isolation can be a time for inner reflection and a renewed emphasis on health and wellbeing. We are experts in creating spaces that promote healing, the art of living well and being well, and for immersion in nature where everyday life can become a wellness retreat. In light of the ongoing global health concerns, wellness is more important than ever. There are many ways to lower the risk of infection by reinforcing the body’s natural defenses and enhancing the body’s immune response. Through design, we create opportunities and spaces that promote and enhance the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle and to improve health and wellbeing.
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CONNECTION TO NATURE Nature has the ability to enhance the functioning of the body’s immune system. Recent studies have found that living close to nature and spending time outside has significant health benefits. Exposure to greenspace leads to better health and can offer protections against a wide range of diseases including depression, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, stress, and high blood pressure. We design opportunities to interact with nature on many scales, from embracing expansive vistas, to creating intimate garden spaces. Spaces for outdoor living are an extension of the home. Each environment is unique and we work to enhance vital connections to the natural world in each and every project.
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FOOD Micronutrients and antioxidants found in plant foods help fight inflammation, the nexus for disease. A diet full of fresh, healthy whole plant foods is a critical component of health and wellbeing. As landscape architects we believe that each project provides an opportunity to integrate edible gardens. From, fruit trees, herb gardens and raised garden beds to green houses and small scale agriculture, there is nothing more rewarding than enjoying fresh produce grown at home.
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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Regular physical exercise is a fundamental pillar of healthy living. Its known benefits include lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, controlling body weight and protecting against a variety of diseases. Recent research also indicates that there is a correlation between exercise and immune function. Exercise can help the immune system identify and deal with pathogens and it slows down changes to the immune system associated with aging, therefore reducing the risk of infections over time. To promote a healthy lifestyle, there are many ways to design spaces for exercise at home. Lap pools and swim spas, outdoor gyms and exercise spaces, sports courts and trails, are all ways to exercise in nature in the privacy of your own home.
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MINDFULNESS Stress is an immunosuppressant and there is a strong correlation between stress and disease. Meditation, yoga and other contemplative mindful practices help to lower the stress hormones that compromise the immune system and bring us into the present moment allowing a natural calming response. Yoga and other gentle mindful activities also help condition the lungs and respiratory system, stimulate the lymphatic system and bring oxygenated blood to organs helping to ensure optimal function and good health. Our team has unique experience designing reflexology paths, labyrinths, Zen gardens and yoga and meditation spaces and can adapt these elements to fit within any residential scale.
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RELAXATION The calming effects of nature can be integrated into the design of any residential garden space. Aromatherapy gardens use plants with beneficial aromas such as lavender and rose to relieve stress and promote calmness, and plants such as basil, jasmine and mint to help with focus, alertness, and awareness. The sight and sound of water has a positive effect on mental health and creates a soothing atmosphere that can trigger relaxation responses, reduce stress and calm the mind. The mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase the flow of blood to the heart and brain and induce relaxation. Aromatherapy gardens and water feature elements are other ways we help homeowners create a relaxing landscape to improve health and wellbeing.
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HYDROTHERAPY Human beings have a natural affinity for water, which is vital to our health and wellbeing. From Roman baths to hot mineral springs, cultures around the world have used water for centuries to treat a variety of health concerns. Hydrotherapy relies on its mechanical and thermal effects, in order to induce healing. It takes advantage of the body’s reaction to cold or hot stimuli, the pressure exerted by water, the application of heat as well as the sensation of the water. Cold water immersion activates the body’s natural healing powers that can relieve the symptoms of many medical conditions and promote a sense of health and wellbeing. When practiced on a regular basis, cold water immersion can even provide longlasting changes to your body’s immune, lymphatic, circulatory and digestive systems. Hot and cold contrast hydrotherapy promotes circulation and helps to stimulate immune response. Soaking in warm water eases sore muscles, helps improve range of motion, provides relief from aches and pains and decreases anxiety and stress. We are experts in the design of hydrotherapy elements, having worked on a large variety of hot springs projects throughout the country. The benefits of hydrotherapy can be realized at home though use of spas, hot tubs, cold plunge pools and saunas.
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DHM RESIDENTIAL WELLNESS DESIGN TEAM
Jen DiCuollo is a professional landscape architect and specializes in high end residential and resort design, focusing on elements of nature and the built environment that enhance the health and wellness experience. Jen believes in the transformative value of detail and uses color, texture, and materiality as pillars of her design. Her experience in hot springs and wellness design projects along with her academic background in architectural studies, art, and landscape architecture lend a strong foundation in her dedication to enhancing the resort, spa, and wellness experiences at all scales.
Marc is a professional landscape architect and planner whose diverse project experience includes estate properties, public gardens, and world-class resort destinations for top operators such as The Four Seasons and Peninsula Hotels. He understands the challenges of working in pristine coastal and mountain environments, and is highly skilled at both large-scale masterplanning and site-specific detailed design. Marc values a collaborative approach to achieve sustainable and artful design solutions.
A Certified Healing Garden Designer, Laura Kirk has an extensive background and passion for healing landscapes. She believes collaboration is a key component to the success of any project and approaches all design decisions with this philosophy. Throughout the creative design process, she remains mindful of the historic, cultural, and ecological attributes of the landscape.
Contact: jdicuollo@dhmdesign.com
Contact: mdiemer@dhmdesign.com
Contact: lkirk@dhmdesign.com
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