As we approach 2025, the architecture industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Two key themes, wellness and sustainability, are shaping the future of design. These trends go beyond aesthetic appeal and functionality, reaching into the heart of how buildings can enhance the quality of life for their occupants while minimising environmental impact.
For South Africa and the world at large, these architectural shifts are deeply relevant, given the increasing challenges we face, from energy crises to climate change and the need for healthier living environments.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness Design
Wellness is more than just a trend; it’s becoming an essential aspect of architectural planning. Architects are prioritising spaces that contribute to physical and mental well-being. Biophilic design elements, like natural lighting and greenery, have a profound impact on mood and productivity, while thoughtful layouts ensure accessibility and comfort for all users.
An excellent example of this is the Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Victoria, Australia, which has wellness at its core. It features a warm water pool specifically designed for therapeutic recovery, especially for the ageing population. This focus on accessible, comfortable rehabilitation facilities speaks to how architecture can cater to wellness at every stage of life.
In Cape Town, we saw a local shift toward sustainable building during the city’s water crisis between 2015 and 2018. Architects are adapting by creating water-efficient spaces that not only address immediate needs but also promote better living environments for residents. These designs are a response to both the physical and mental stress brought about by resource shortages, showing how crucial wellness-focused architecture is in times of crisis.
Read more about South Africa’s building industry’s push for conservation here.
Sustainability: From Concept to Practice
Sustainability continues to drive innovation in architecture, particularly with the push toward green certifications like LEED. These certifications are no longer just aspirational; they are becoming a benchmark for excellence. Energy-efficient design and eco-friendly materials aren’t just good for the planet—they’re cost-effective in the long run.
Consider the HE Parker Multi-Sports Complex, where sustainability was integral to the design. With insulated precast panels and Rockwool sandwich panels, the facility reduced internal heat load by an impressive 4°C without relying on active cooling systems. This not only lowered operational costs but also drastically reduced energy consumption—an important consideration for South Africa as the country grapples with rising electricity costs and unpredictable power supplies.
This kind of design shows how sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s necessary, offering tangible benefits for developers and users.
Net-Zero and Energy Efficiency: The Future of Architecture
As climate change accelerates, movement toward net-zero buildings is experiencing an increasing demand. A net-zero building produces as much energy as it consumes, positioning architecture as part of the solution to climate change. Smart technologies, such as automated lighting and temperature control systems, are becoming more affordable and accessible, making this goal increasingly achievable.
In smaller-scale projects like the Wyndham Vale Community Learning Centre, energy efficiency was achieved through thoughtful design adjustments, including skylights that maximise natural light while minimising energy use. These seemingly small changes save energy and create more vibrant, welcoming environments.
The future lies in these innovations—solutions that prioritise efficiency while enhancing the experience of our spaces.
A Shift Toward Resilient Design
The increasing focus on resilient design speaks to architecture’s ability to adapt to environmental and social challenges. Resilient buildings anticipate future disruptions—whether from climate change, resource scarcity, or evolving community needs—through adaptable, modular designs. The importance of creating buildings that are both sustainable and resilient is becoming a global imperative.
In South Africa, climate-related challenges such as droughts or even floods, including the devastating floods that took place in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal a few months ago, are driving a demand for buildings that can withstand these shifts. Incorporating resilient features from the design stage ensures that buildings are not only environmentally friendly but capable of enduring unpredictable changes.
Learn more about the water crisis in South Africa by reading this article.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead to 2025, The emphasis on wellness and sustainability is not merely a response to fleeting trends, but a crucial evolution in how we design and build spaces. From incorporating biophilic elements that enhance well-being to adopting energy-efficient practices that address environmental and economic challenges, architecture is evolving to meet the demands of a changing world.
The shift toward resilient design ensures that these structures can stand the test of time, adapting to environmental uncertainties and providing long-term solutions for both urban and rural settings. These advancements promise to shape the future of how we live, work, and interact with our built environments.
At Root Architecture, we are committed to these principles. Whether you’re looking to redesign an existing space or start a new project, we’re ready to help you navigate these trends and bring your vision to life.
Interested in learning how to integrate wellness and sustainability into your next project? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Root Architecture here, or fill out our contact form to start a conversation.
References
Eloff, H. 2024. Climate change wreaks havoc: Major floods in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. Available: https://www.nsri.org.za/2024/06/climate-change-wreaks-havoc-major-floods-in-kwazulu-natal-and-eastern-cape/.
Hill-Lewis, G. 2023. Cape Town: Lessons from managing water scarcity. Available: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/cape-town-lessons-from-managing-water-scarcity/.
Khatri, T. 2021. For architects, LEED AP Certification opens the gate to greener opportunities. Available: https://www.autodesk.com/design-make/articles/how-to-become-leed-certified-leed-credentials-for-architects.
LoPresti, T. 2024. 2025 Trends Shaping Architecture and Design. Available: https://www.lopresticottosolutions.com/post/2025-trends-shaping-architecture-design.
Mathetsa, S. M. 2024. South Africa’s 36.1% electricity price hike for 2025: why the power utility Eskom’s request is unrealistic. Available: https://theconversation.com/south-africas-36-1-electricity-price-hike-for-2025-why-the-power-utility-eskoms-request-is-unrealistic-240941#:~:text=South%20Africa’s%20state%2Downed%20electricity,an%209.1%25%20increase%20in%202027.
Mianzi. 2024. Top Trends in Green Architecture for 2025: Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Spaces. Available at: https://medium.com/@mianzi.in/top-trends-in-green-architecture-for-2025-pioneering-the-future-of-sustainable-spaces-da35aa250c1c.
Root Architecture. 2024. Work. Available at: https://rootarchitecture.co.za/work/.
Space Refinery. 2024. Everything you need to know about biophilic design. Available: https://www.spacerefinery.com/blog/biophilic-design-101.
Stoll, D. 2024. Water crisis in South Africa: Causes, Effects, and Solutions. Available: https://earth.org/water-crisis-in-south-africa/.
Terblanche, R. 2019. Achieving net zero status in South Africa. IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 323 012182.
U.S. Green Building Council. 2018. South Africa’s water crisis motivates nation’s building industry to push for conservation. Available: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/south-africa-s-water-crisis-motivates-nation-s-building-industry-push-conservation