Bian and Kristi Culhane have invested heavily in health and wellness features for their Scottsdale, Arizona, residence, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. The family, which includes their three children, enjoys a range of amenities such as a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, UV air scrubbers, a steam room with aromatherapy and light therapy, a cold plunge, and even an indoor basketball court. They identify as biohackers, part of a community dedicated to a careful regimen of diet, exercise, and supplements aimed at enhancing longevity.
“When I got into biohacking, I thought, ‘Instead of going to the health club every day, why not bring everything to my house?'” Brian Culhane, 50, the cofounder and former president of the real-estate brokerage eXp Realty, shared with Business Insider. “This wasn’t just a novelty anymore; it was a lifestyle. If you’re serious about it, you need all your tools at home.”
The biohacking trend, recently brought to the forefront by Bryan Johnson—a venture capitalist-turned-longevity advocate who has poured millions into health technologies with the goal of reversing his “biological age”—is influencing the luxury real estate market. Wealthy homeowners are going beyond typical features like gyms, integrating state-of-the-art wellness amenities such as infrared saunas and ozone generators to elevate their health journeys.
Brian Culhane, 50.
Cassidy Araiza for BI
Only the best amenities will do
Brian Culhane’s motivation to be there for his children and to outlive his father, who passed away at 63, inspired his path into biohacking. He recounted a pivotal conversation with a life coach in 2015: “He asked, ‘What’s your most probable future?’ I answered, ‘End up like my dad.’ He pressed again, ‘What’s your goal?’ I said, ‘To not die young.’ That conversation marked the beginning of my commitment to a healthier lifestyle.”
This commitment is evident in the home that the Culhanes acquired and enhanced since purchasing 1.1 acres in Scottsdale’s exclusive Troon at Glenn Moor neighborhood for $546,000 in 2019. They commissioned an architect to create a 10,000-square-foot residence featuring five bedrooms and 6½ bathrooms.
Nearly every aspect of their home is tailored to meet their health requirements, including an integrated smart sound system by Crestron Home, which costs between $300,000 to $400,000 for installation. Brian, who affectionately refers to himself as “The DJ Dad,” curates an array of “mood music,” spanning genres from techno to classical. The sound system also fills their space with megahertz music, mimicking white noise vibrations.
The family actively uses their indoor basketball court, where their sons, fond of basketball, and their daughter, a volleyball player, train and practice with friends.
“Several of my friends had indoor courts. It was a treat to play there, though they rarely let me,” he recalled. “I considered it the epitome of success and always thought, ‘I want that.’
The Culhanes own multiple infrared light systems, including an advanced LightStim device usually found at upscale spas, which they purchased for $4,411. This device employs specialized LED therapy to promote collagen production and diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne, and wrinkles.
While Kristi utilizes an LED mask for her skin, Brian supports her wellness routine by holding a sound meditation bowl above her.
“If they’re not already converted, they’re well on their way,” Brian noted. However, gaining community acceptance has taken its toll.
“We’re an active family, and it’s just not the neighbors’ lifestyle,” he acknowledged. “It’s a quiet neighborhood, a golf club predominantly inhabited by retirees. They have older, quieter homes, while we’ve built this large, bright glass house filled with children and numerous outdoor activities.”
Brian faced challenges adhering to homeowners’ association rules regarding construction and architecture. “We probably received around ten complaints about our build and property, ranging from leaving the porta potty open to issues with dust and soil erosion,” he explained.
Another wellness-focused construction project lies ahead
The Culhanes’ commitment to health extends beyond their home; they also consume a variety of daily supplements to boost their wellness. These include Purium Superfoods for nutrition, Ultimate Human Molecular hydrogen tablets enhanced with methylene blue for its antioxidant qualities, and activated charcoal for detoxification.
They underwent Viome gut biome mapping, which analyzes their blood, stool, and saliva to identify foods to avoid and any deficiencies.
“We each got our genetic test once, we perform blood tests every six months, and we have gut biome testing once a year,” Kristi explained. “The goal is to eventually go off supplements.”
For readers interested in exploring a similar supplement regimen, longevity medicine experts recommend starting with bloodwork through a primary care physician to assess vitals. It’s advisable to introduce one supplement at a time for a few months rather than overwhelming the system with multiple additions all at once.
The Culhanes stay updated on the latest biohacking trends by joining various Facebook groups centered on health and fitness. Before permanently incorporating any new elements into their routine, they test each one personally and include it only if it aligns with their “daily protocol,” as Brian phrases it.
