Saumya Saxena
AVP – Head, Design & Product | Max Estates Ltd.
Architect | Real Estate Strategist | Design Leader
Saumya Saxena heads the Concept Design & Product function at Max Estates Ltd., where she shapes the strategic vision, design, and customer experience across a portfolio of over 19 million sq. ft. of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Her work sits at the intersection of design and human experience, shaping how people live, work, and connect.
In today’s post-pandemic urban reality, wellness, open spaces, and nature-integrated living have become active purchase drivers for luxury-seeking buyers. As cities continue to sprawl, there is now a growing, conscious awareness of buildings that provide light, air, and a connection to nature. Homebuyers and renters now demand open floor plans, proximity to green space, and nature-integrated design as requirements, not preferences. Wellness architecture is now taking this into account, as it recognizes that nature, in terms of sunlight, ventilation, and greenery, is now a key component in our physical and mental well-being. What was once seen as a luxury is now seen as a requirement.
The Benefits of Nature
Science today confirms what refined living has long accepted – being close to nature is essential for overall well-being. Even small interactions, such as views of green spaces or time spent in calm, landscaped areas, can lower stress, regulate blood pressure, and lift mood. A key study from 1984 by Roger Ulrich highlighted this, showing that patients with views of natural settings healed faster and needed less medication. This points to our natural connection to nature. For the luxury homeowner, this means a higher standard of living in which well-being is built into the design. Homes that focus on natural light, clean air, and rich green environments do more than look good; they also boost health and resilience.
Creating Healthier Environments
Biophilic design, which is becoming an integral component of modern luxury residences, is all about incorporating elements of nature into the living spaces. With large windows, there is an abundance of natural light, and with the use of plants, natural materials such as wood, there is a sense of refinement, calmness, and connection to the outside environment.
Spatial planning plays an equally significant role in shaping a refined living experience. Thoughtfully designed open areas with landscaped greens, naturally encourage social interaction and creative exchange, while more intimate, nature-infused retreats offer residents a sense of calm, focus, and privacy. Extending beyond individual homes, contemporary urban design is embracing pedestrian-friendly avenues, curated parks, and verdant communal zones that encourage effortless movement and meaningful connections. Elevated features such as green roofs and vertical gardens introduce a refreshing softness to the built environment, offering moments of visual respite, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive well-being.
Not only does nature heal our bodies, but it also rejuvenates our minds and emotions. The term used to describe this is called the ‘Attention Restoration Theory.’ This theory states that exposure to nature can restore us to a state of mind from which we have been drained due to the constant din of the city. Walking in a forest, for instance, or looking at a water stream can restore our energy to think clearly.
Today’s architects are planning spaces that eliminate unwanted sounds and maximize natural sounds such as the sounds of the water fountain in the courtyards or the sounds of the rustling of leaves.
In the context of this, demands too are at record high. According to ANAROCK’s 2026 outlook and 2025 data, luxury residential demand is growing in NCR, with a significant 42% of H1 FY26 new supply in the luxury/ultra-luxury category, largely driven by wellness-focused and nature-integrated projects. Gurugram remains the prime driver, contributing roughly 91% of high-end luxury transactions in the region.
A Guide to Living Wellness
For the development of spaces that are true to the concept of wellness, conscious design is pivotal. Giving priority to natural ventilation, using indoor plants to improve air quality, and choosing non-toxic, safe materials are among the most important considerations. When these are taken to the next level through the concept of green building, the benefits are many times more pronounced.
While buildings designed with energy efficiency and green materials are good for the environment, buildings designed with features such as solar power and green roofs are good both for the environment and the inhabitants’ well being.
As cities continue to grow, a connection to nature is no longer a luxury, rather, an expectation shaping the way premium living is defined. From landscaped terraces to serene, green neighborhood enclaves, the integration of nature into everyday life has become intrinsic to modern urban living. Today, residences are not just addresses, but sanctuaries that enhance well-being and offer a sense of quiet luxury.
