Unlocking The Benefits of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is increasingly popular with luxury real estate, businesses, homeowners, and other organizations. This nature-based principle adds to a building’s value by improving the occupants’ experience. (The term was coined by E. O. Wilson (1929–2021), one of our greatest natural scientists.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is a concept that focuses on connecting people with nature in the setting of a built environment. It has become increasingly popular in modern architecture and interior design circles, providing psychological, cognitive, and social benefits. In simple terms, biophilia feels good and is beneficial to sustainability.

While Biophilic design benefits the health of the occupants, it can reduce energy costs, lower maintenance, boost workplace morale, increase property values, and enhance overall sustainability efforts. It establishes a peaceful space with natural design elements that promote physical and mental wellness.

Biophilic Design started when?

The term may be relatively new, but this has been a design practice since the beginning. Common sense and necessity were the main design principles that worked with nature-based solutions. This was long before we had central heat, air, and other modern-day adaptations.

Farmers positioned their buildings close to water sources, barns buffered the farmhouse from prevailing winds, homes were orientated to receive solar gain during winter, and root cellars were of geothermal design. In the South, houses with deep verandahs created shade and airflow. Historically, buildings were connected with the outside, from plazas in Ancient times to the conservatories and garden rooms in the Victorian period. This has changed, and buildings are often designed without considering environmental sensibilities for the building and its occupants. Natural site attributes took a backseat to fit square footage in a small lot space and zoning compliance.

Biophilic design inside...

Using natural elements such as plants, wood, and stone adds texture and variations of neutral colors. Wall art with a nature-based theme adds to the calming design effect. Organic materials like wool, cotton, bamboo, or cork for flooring and upholstery add more to the natural pallet. Maximize all available natural light in interior spaces with glass doors, windows, and skylights. Position comfortable furniture near a view. Increase connections with the outside with views of exterior garden rooms. Include attributes of a garden by bringing color tones inside. Showcase a spectacular view by framing it in your interior design. You can make your home a tranquil oasis that promotes restful sleep, improved concentration, creativity, relaxation, and overall well-being. Smaller and less costly renovations than a bathroom or kitchen can be done by adding a large window with a view of a private garden. A long hallway can be a beautiful feature if ending with a garden view. Private courtyard spaces off a bathroom or bedroom can also be uplighted at night, and atriums bring in more natural light and green space.

Biophilic design for the outside.

You might think the outside is already biophilic, but the blending between the inside and outside is often missing. We want to feel connected WITH the outside. This transitional space can be verandahs, lanais, porches, arbors, and more to help blur the transition line of a wall.

Views of endless mountain ranges or a vast ocean provide a calming perspective. This effect is restful and reflective, and finding ways to share this with interior rooms is valuable. Linking spaces that create curiosity, such as a curving path outside the door, invites you to follow. The entry point is always a key consideration. Go beyond a matching pair of containers and consider a courtyard effect by using groups of containers.

Biophilic Design and Commercial Buildings

Biophilic design is not only an important concept for homes but also for any type of commercial space. Incorporating natural elements such as light, plants, and textures into your space can reduce stress and increase comfort and productivity. You can create a productive and tranquil environment with the right elements to improve concentration, creativity, collaboration, and overall well-being. Like the home, workplaces have rooms for quiet, focused work and those that encourage collaboration areas, such as a rooftop garden, patio, or courtyard.

Restaurants can provide calm dining spaces where customers will make repeat reservations because they are relaxed and can engage in meaningful conversations. Nothing is less enjoyable than when noise levels exceed the ability to converse. Fabric, cork, wood, and plants are natural materials that offer sound-absorbing qualities.

Retail spaces with biophilic designs slow customers down to linger and explore products. As importantly, return for another pleasant experience.

Resorts and hotels both recognize the value of Biophilic design and put their marketing into promoting eco-hospitality. Local materials are often a feature in the design to provide a sense of place.

Will biophilic design increase the real estate value of a building?

Biophilic design can also increase the value of a property, as it provides a uniquely beautiful, calming atmosphere that many properties do not provide. This is an understated factor that does not discriminate between design and style preferences.

Conclusion

The biophilic design method creates a calming atmosphere and brings nature indoors using natural materials. It also encourages a deeper appreciation for nature. By making these simple changes, you can enjoy a healthier, more relaxed, beautiful property. Biophilic design is becoming highly desirable for all types and sizes of buildings, including outdoor rooms. To find a building that helps people feel healthy and relaxed is valuable, and to live or work in one is priceless.

The Take Away:

What Biophilia means.

It is much more than plants alone.

The healthy benefits of Biophilic Design.

How to add it to commercial or residential properties.

Minor design renovations can offer great ROI.

The Benefits of Biophilic Design

Bio
With In Green Living, Joni Keefe shares nature-based design choices for urban greenspaces, Interior Design, and outdoor rooms.. Her interests also follow sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly building products, and the latest in sustainable housing. She is a published writer with design work featured in national publications.