SANTÉ MATTHEWS WELLNESS CENTER

The Santé Matthews Wellness Center, designed by HELD Architecture for Welltower in partnership with Pappas Properties, serves as the vibrant heart of a wellness-focused mixed-use development in Matthews, NC. Pursuing Living Building Challenge standards, this project exemplifies regenerative design that prioritizes health, sustainability, community connection, and environmental harmony.
The building features a warm, contemporary aesthetic with natural wood cladding, exposed structural elements, and expansive glazing that blurs indoor-outdoor boundaries. A series of gabled roofs with dark metal accents and large glass storefronts create an inviting, human-scaled presence along the street, fostering walkability and visual permeability. Outdoor amenities—including shaded patios, gathering spaces with picnic tables, and lush landscaping—extend the wellness experience into the landscape, encouraging active lifestyles and social interaction.
Integrated into a broader 92-acre community emphasizing wellness and connectivity, the center supports holistic well-being through dedicated spaces for fitness, therapy, relaxation, and community programs. Ample natural light, biophilic elements, and sustainable materials promote physical and mental health while aligning with Welltower's mission to reimagine environments for healthy aging.
Rendered in a dynamic perspective, the design captures energy and movement—cyclists, pedestrians, and golf carts animating the approachable, nature-embraced facade—positioning Santé Matthews Wellness Center as a model for regenerative, community-centered wellness architecture in the Southeast.