Atriums And Beautiful Interior Views -Anywhere
Atriums And Beautiful Interior Views -Anywhere
Atriums: A Revival for Sustainable Home Design
Atriums, once a popular feature in mid-20th-century homes, are making a comeback in modern architecture. They offer a unique way to bring natural elements and light into your home. Even if you don’t have an atrium, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate greenery and natural light into your living space. Here’s a simple guide to understanding atriums and how to achieve a similar effect at home.
What is an Atrium?
An atrium is an open space surrounded by walls, often covered by a ceiling or left open to the sky. It’s similar to a courtyard but is located inside the home. Historically, atriums were large, central spaces in Roman houses that provided ventilation and light. In the 1950s, architect Joseph Eichler popularized the use of atriums in residential design. Though their popularity waned in the following decades, atriums are now returning to favor as people seek more natural light and green space in their homes.
Benefits of Atriums
Enhanced Views: Atriums create an interior view of nature, extending the visual space from surrounding rooms.
Increased Air Circulation: They help improve airflow within the home.
Natural Light: Atriums allow plenty of natural light, which is great for both indoor plants and general ambiance.
Calm Retreat: In windy regions, atriums offer a peaceful, sheltered space.
Biophilic Design: They promote a connection to nature, which benefits both residential and commercial spaces.
Creating Green Spaces Even Without an Atrium
Even if you don't have an atrium, you can still enjoy some similar benefits by adding green elements to your home:
Green Wall: Install a green wall outside a window about 6 feet away from the building. Frame it with plants to create a beautiful view for both you and your neighbors.
Indoor Plants: Hang or place potted plants on shelves inside your home. for verticle height. Use a mix of blooming plants and evergreens for interest throughout the year.
Lighting: Add soft up-lighting to plants for a dramatic effect at night.
A window without an attractive view can be turned into a focal point. Simply plant outside near the window to form an attractive screen.
No matter your space, integrating plants and natural light into your home is easier than ever. Advances in plant care and availability mean that anyone can create a green and inviting living space.
Famous Residential & Commercial Buildings with Atriums
Eichler Homes: Known for atriums to enhance natural light and integrate indoor-outdoor living.
The Salk Institute: Designed by Louis Kahn, featuring a central courtyard that acts as an atrium.
Farnsworth House: Designed by Mies van der Rohe, with an emphasis on integrating nature through its open spaces.
Fallingwater: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, though not an atrium, it integrates nature and light in its design principles.
By exploring these resources and incorporating some of their design ideas, you can create a space that reflects a few of the benefits of atriums and biophilic design, whether you have a traditional atrium or not.
With In Green Living, Joni Keefe shares nature-based design choices for urban greenspaces, Interior Design, and outdoor rooms.. Her interests include agriculture, urban design, and the latest in sustainable housing. She is a published writer and has design work featured in national publications. She encourages the Real Estate industry to be a Northstar in sustainable leadship
