How to Integrate the WELL Building Standard

WELL BUILDING STANDARD: HOW TO INTEGRATE IT IN ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS

At AURUS Arquitectura, based in Madrid and with international experience in high-end residential, corporate, and luxury projects, we believe that architecture goes beyond aesthetics—it should be a vehicle for health, comfort, and quality of life. That’s why we integrate the WELL Building Standard® into our creative and technical process, ensuring spaces are designed with the wellbeing of their users in mind.

Healthy Architecture + WELL = Real Wellbeing

Healthy architecture (or Well‑Being Architecture) is grounded in scientific evidence showing how built environments directly impact both physical and mental health. In fact, the WHO notes that we spend over 90% of our time indoors, reinforcing the need for designs that prioritize air quality, natural light, acoustics, biophilia, and thermal comfort.

The WELL Building Standard®, developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), offers a global framework that evaluates criteria such as air, water, nutrition, light, thermal and acoustic comfort, and mental wellbeing (WELL Mind), across 10 core categories. The goal: to make each building a tool that enhances the health and experience of its users.

How We Implement WELL

Expertise and Professional Development

While AURUS is not yet part of Spain’s ITG technological center, we follow best practices shared at events like Wellference 2025, where WELL AP professionals and neuroscience-based designers present case studies and updates on WELL certification in Spain.
Our multidisciplinary team — blending interior design, sustainability, and innovation — integrates WELL principles from the early design phases.

Health and Wellbeing Assessments

· We analyze indoor air quality, natural ventilation, and material emissions (avoiding VOCs).

· We design for maximum daylight to support circadian rhythms and productivity.

· We ensure thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort; select healthy and ergonomic materials; and apply biophilic and neuroarchitectural design to strengthen users’ emotional connection to space.

Integrated Wellbeing-Oriented Design

· Bright, open, well-ventilated, and biophilic environments promote calm and reduce physical and mental stress.

· Flexible layouts that encourage movement, interaction, and ergonomic functionality are key in both homes and high-performance offices.

WELL Certification (Registration & Performance Verification)

· We support WELL registration processes that monitor key parameters: air and water quality, lighting, nutrition, thermal and acoustic comfort, and mental health.

· For clients seeking WELL certification, we partner with accredited professionals — such as ITG in Spain — to handle on-site performance verification needed to achieve WELL Silver, Gold, or Platinum levels.

Post-Occupancy Monitoring

In more advanced projects (like smart offices), we integrate sensor systems to monitor temperature, humidity, air quality (PM2.5/PM10), lighting, and occupancy. This enables a healthy and efficient space management system (as seen in WELL v2 Platinum-certified projects like Actiu).

Benefits for The Clients

· Physical and Mental Health: Environments that support breathing, reduce toxins, provide ideal lighting and reduce stress. WELL Mind focuses on emotional wellbeing.

· Productivity and Performance: Studies show WELL-friendly spaces increase motivation, focus, and reduce absenteeism.

· Market Value: WELL-certified projects have higher rental and resale value, as well as strong corporate branding potential.

· Sustainable Commitment: WELL works hand-in-hand with sustainable architecture — aligned with AURUS’s low-carbon, tech-efficient design philosophy.

Let's Think of a Project

Let’s imagine a premium residence designed by AURUS Arquitectura:

· Large windows and interior courtyards to enhance natural light and cross ventilation (air quality, thermal wellbeing).

· Low-emission materials (no VOCs), natural finishes, and indoor vegetation (biophilia, emotional comfort).

· Rest areas designed to support circadian rhythms: circadian lighting, acoustic and thermal control.

· Kitchen space with filtered, high-quality water, proper ventilation, and optimal lighting.

· Ergonomic furnishings and flexible areas to promote movement and interaction.

· Project registered under WELL Home or Residential categories, in collaboration with certified verifiers to complete the performance audit.

If you want to design a home or corporate space that’s not just beautiful but actively enhances health and emotional wellbeing, contact AURUS Arquitectura. We’ll assess your project, explore WELL opportunities, and guide you through a technical and emotional design journey.