In the late 20th century, sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” to describe the vital social spaces that exist outside of home (the first place) and work (the second place). Cafés, barber shops, parks, pubs—these places serve as community hubs, fostering a broader sense of belonging.
At 5th World, we used the third space concept as inspiration for our very own 5th Space. Part sanctuary, part hub for friends and family, 5th Space is a tropical passive solar greenhouse, gym, sauna, and cold plunge—all under one roof.
Imagine stepping into a lush indoor biome, where the air is thick with the scent of greenery, the light is warm and diffused, and everything invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with nature. It’s not just a place for solitude or socializing; it’s a living organism designed to nurture well-being on every level.
A New Kind of Hybrid Space
Unlike the traditional third place, which centers primarily on social interaction, 5th Space recognizes the evolving needs of our time. It blends elements of ecology, fitness, and restoration.
What truly sets 5th Space apart is the greenhouse itself. More than a backdrop, it’s the beating heart of the building. The humidity mimics a rainforest climate, supporting not only exotic plant life but also creating a biome that soothes the skin and lungs. What’s more, the greenhouse provides a regenerative supply of fresh, nutritious food year-round, regardless of location. Imagine easily harvesting bananas for your morning protein shakes, tomatoes off-the-vine and basil for your pizzas and pastas, as well as hearty veggies for the grill.
The gym is intentionally minimal: No crowds or blaring music. Instead, think functional movement areas, open mats, dumbbells, and ready-to-use machines—all with a pleasing view of lush, tropical flora that’s also purifying the air. The gym has a carefully balanced HVAC system to control humidity.
Next to it, a serene sauna glows warmly with beautiful wood tones, contrasted by the cold plunge nearby: A sleek basin that shocks the body into recovery. These are not separate amenities but parts of a cycle—movement, heat, cold, and rest.
Specifically, a short and mild sauna session can help warm up muscles before a workout. Following exercise, another modest sauna session can promote relaxation and blood flow (wait until any inflammation has subsided). After a few hours, engaging in a hot and cold circuit (i.e., alternating between the sauna and the cold plunge) can be beneficial for promoting recovery and circulation, particularly for chronic injuries or overtraining.
Remember to prioritize proper cooling down following the workout. And, rehydrate throughout (5th World can also implement rainwater harvesting onsite to bring you the cleanest water on Earth). Finally, it’s important to refuel the body with nutrient-dense food—conviniently available directly in the adjacent greenhouse area.
Why 5th Space?
Oldenburg argued that third places are essential for democracy and community health because they offer informal gathering spots for serendipity, conversation, and shared presence. 5th Space carries this spirit forward but expands its scope. It’s not just a social “third place” between home and work—it’s designed to address newer gaps: Between the digital and the physical, between stress and restoration, between humans and nature, between isolation and shared embodiment.
In a time when many people work remotely, and in busy fragmented schedules, 5th Space provides an alternative. You might meet a friend in the greenhouse, and drink tea while discussing your favourite health protocols for longevity. You might meet your wife in the gym for a peaceful and rejuvenating yoga session. You might sit in the sauna alone after a circuit workout, in perfect silence, as rain patters against the window.
How 5th Space Supports Regenerative Living
5th Space offers a counterpoint to the commercial wellness industry by bringing people back into contact with living systems. The plants aren’t decorative—they’re part of a carefully curated indoor ecosystem designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul. The cold plunge water is filtered rainwater, which is then used to hydrate the greenhouse. Compost from the greenhouse produce nourishes the soil beds. The building itself uses passive solar design and geothermal heating to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
In this way, 5th Space becomes not just a place of personal health, but of planetary health—a reminder that our well-being is linked to the environments we inhabit. It’s a model for what future home and community infrastructure could look like: Regenerative in every way.
More Than a Trend
While the idea of combining wellness amenities isn’t new, what makes 5th Space distinct is its mindful synthesis of biophilia, fitness, and thermotherapy into a broader lifestyle: Regenerative living.
In a world that often isolates us, 5th Space invites us to come back into contact—with nature, with each other, and with the deeper rhythms that sustain us.
Contact 5th World to get your very own 5th Space.
