Biophilic Design: Bring the Outdoors Inside

Biophilic design trends of 2022 have skyrocketed into the new year. It is a design philosophy that emphasizes the connection between humans and nature, and how incorporating natural elements in our indoor spaces can have a positive impact on our well-being. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of incorporating natural elements into our homes, and provide practical tips on how to achieve a biophilic design in your living space. Whether you are a homeowner looking to redesign your home, or simply interested in learning more about biophilic design, this article is for you. Let's take a closer look at the latest design craze.

Material Elements

Material elements from nature, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology to create a distinct sense of place. Examples include accent details (leather; stone, fossil textures; bamboo, rattan, reclaimed wood), structural systems (heavy timber beams, skylights), footpaths, fireplaces and a natural color palette.

Non-visual Elements

Non-visual connection with nature feels fresh and well balanced; the ambient conditions are perceived as complex and variable but at the same time familiar and comfortable, whereby sounds, aromas, and textures are reminiscent of being outdoors in nature. Examples includes mechanically released natural plant oils, a honeybee apiary and highly textured fabrics/textiles.

Presence of Water

Designs of nature that include aquatic elements help reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Water features, such as an indoor fountain, can also be tied into a building’s cooling system or geothermal system to help moderate temperatures in an aesthetically pleasing manner, while lowering the long-term operating costs.

Dynamic & Diffuse Light

Dynamic and diffuse light leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that change over time to create conditions that occur in nature improving focus/mood. Examples include task and personal lighting, circadian color tuning lighting, personal dimming controls and daylight preserving window treatments.

Conclusion

We hope to inspire you to incorporate biophilic design principles into your home, whether you are looking to redesign your space or simply add a few natural touches. By doing so, you can create a more inviting and peaceful living environment that fosters a deep connection with nature.