All Is Well: Wellness Trends Shaping Multifamily Design

Though far from over, 2026 has proven to be an exciting year in multifamily design, with a focus on human-centric principles at the forefront of projects across the globe.

Multifamily design this year is defined by a strong emphasis on resident well-being, long-term sustainability, and personalized comfort. Current trends are moving away from minimalism toward more people-focused, authentic, and timeless environments.

Traditional amenities like generic clubrooms, oversized lounges or standard gyms are no longer performing at the level they once did. While still included in new projects and renovations, they are being reimagined to support today's priorities: wellness, resident engagement, and physical activity.

Importantly, biophilic and natural elements, which play an important role in well-being, remain strong components of multifamily community projects. At Arden at Parkside, a group of three multifamily apartment buildings in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, unique design elements enhance the biophilic experience. Natural motifs and textures serve to bring the outdoors inside. Highlights include a semi-transparent glass space divider adorned with a serene forest scene, custom rugs inspired by natural patterns, and artisanal furnishings and lighting.

At **Arden at Parkside**, design intent embodies thephilosophy that the intersection of nature and the built environment shapes human well-being.

Here are three wellness features currently shaping the multifamily landscape:

1. Spaces that Nurture Mind and Body

Spaces that support both mental and physical health have dominated the multifamily market this year and will continue to expand in multifamily design. Meditation rooms, yoga studios, sound therapy rooms, steam and aromatherapy showers, cold plunges, saunas, and advanced in-unit wellness features like enhanced air filtration and acoustic comfort are increasingly expected amenities in multifamily communities.

At HDG’s **Sophia Bethesda**, a state-of-the-art fitness studio includes spaces for personal training and individual workouts, as well as a dedicated yoga and group fitness room

Planned wellness spaces for the design of **7749 Old Georgetown Road**, a new multifamily apartment building in **Bethesda, Maryland.**

7749 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Maryland.

Renovated fitness center at **Ovation at Park Crest** in **McLean, VA**

2. Focus on the Great Outdoors

Exterior activity areas continue to be must-haves for renters. Importantly, these elements extend the usable amenity footprint and can serve as primary social hubs. Outdoor activity zones remain exceptionally desirable, including pickleball courts, outdoor fitness areas, fire pits, lounge zones, kitchens, and gaming areas. A multifamily development located just outside Philadelphia’s northwest suburbs, Coulter Place, features thoughtfully designed market-rate units, where residents enjoy over 15,000 square feet of outdoor spaces across two expansive roof decks.

The outdoor space at **Coulter Place** was planned by the HDG team to inspirea vibrant, connected environment for residents in **Ardmore, Pennsylvania**

3. Spaces that Inspire Creative Exploration

A strong and growing trend in multifamily communities is the addition of creative engagement spaces. Areas for light woodworking, crafting, painting, gift wrapping, and culinary demonstrations are just a few examples that reflect renters’ growing desire for mentally restorative activities.

**Meridian 2250 at Eisenhower** maker space in **Alexandria, Virginia**

**Meridian at Ballston Commons** maker space in **Arlington,Virginia**

As we look ahead to 2027, it’s clear that resident health and well-being continue to influence multifamily design features. These priorities will serve as key drivers of competitive advantage in the market.

‍