- Biophilic design is a holistic approach to integrating natural elements into living and working spaces.
- Benefits of biophilic design include improved health, sustainability, enhanced air quality, and mental restoration.
- Biophilic elements can reduce energy usage, reducing carbon footprint and decreasing energy costs.
- Key steps in implementing biophilic design include creating a garden, using natural materials, and maximizing natural light.
- Incorporating biophilic design elements promotes well-being and can be a cost-effective long-term investment.
More often than not, people spend most of their time indoors. Therefore, the spaces people inhabit daily should be in sync with our senses and positively impact their well-being. Biophilic design aims to improve the connection between humans and nature within the built environment. Implementing biophilic design elements in your home can provide numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. Here’s what you need to know about biophilic designs, reasons to have a home with a biophilic design, and how to get started.
What is Biophilic Design?
The term biophilic comes from combining two words: bios, meaning life, and philos, meaning love. As such, biophilic design emphasizes bringing elements of nature to living and working spaces—essentially creating harmony between nature and human life.
Biophilic design is a way to use natural elements in the home or workplace environment while considering individual needs and preferences. It’s a holistic approach to creating inviting and comfortable spaces, allowing people to tap into natural environmental elements.
Benefits of Biophilic Design
Biophilic design offers a variety of benefits for people living in or working within these environments. Here are some of them:
1. Improved Overall Health
People’s bodies crave nature; unfortunately, they often don’t get enough of it daily. Incorporating biophilic design into your home can provide numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that being around natural elements like plants and natural light can reduce stress, improve mood and cognitive abilities, boost productivity and creativity, and regulate blood pressure.
2. Sustainability
Biophilic design has strong ties to sustainability. Bringing natural elements into your home reduces the energy needed for heating and cooling, ultimately reducing your home’s carbon footprint and saving you money on energy bills. Additionally, using sustainable materials like bamboo or cork for flooring and furniture instead of harsh chemicals in other materials contributes to a healthier environment.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality tends to be poor in homes, and poor indoor air quality can negatively affect your health. Adding plants and natural ventilation (through open windows and skylights) can help increase air quality, removing harmful elements like carbon dioxide and improving humidity levels. Plants contribute to a higher oxygen level, and some even purify the air, absorbing harmful chemicals while also being aesthetically pleasing.
4. Physical and Mental Restoration
Exposure to nature and natural elements can help restore both physical and mental balance. Natural light contributes to better sleep patterns and regulates circadian rhythm. Meanwhile, natural views or sketches or pictures of natural views can help reduce the effects of mental fatigue and cognitive overload.
5. Financial Investment
Biophilic features in your home are a wise investment in the long run. These design elements not only add value to your home, but they can also attract potential buyers who value a connection with nature and sustainable features. Additionally, saving money on energy bills and medical expenses is cost-effective in the long term.
How to Get Started
Now you know the benefits of having a home with a biophilic design, here are some steps to get started on creating your own:
Garden
Creating a garden is one of the easiest ways to begin your biophilic design. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, adding plants and trees can make the air in your home fresher, more oxygenated, and healthier. However, ensure that you can water your plants consistently. If not, consider investing in a robust garden watering system. This system works like an irrigation system, with the pipes and nozzles distributed around your garden to keep plants hydrated.
Natural Materials
Using materials like bamboo or cork for furniture and floors is one of the most critical aspects of biophilic design. These materials provide a natural connection and generate less noise pollution than other materials like plastic or metal.
Natural Lighting
Maximizing natural light through windows, skylights, and solar tubes is essential in creating a fully biophilic home. Relying on natural light instead of artificial or LED lighting reduces the energy used to heat spaces while increasing air quality.
Biophilic design can bring nature into your home while promoting well-being and sustainability. Incorporating natural elements into your home can provide numerous benefits for your physical and mental health—and may even help you save money in the long run. Start small, with a garden of plants and natural materials like bamboo or cork for floors and furniture. Maximizing natural light through windows, skylights, and solar tubes is essential in creating a complete biophilic design. Living in harmony with nature will help you feel relaxed and more connected to the world.
