20 Nature-Loving Homes Where Biophilia Thrives
Our challenging times have propelled new discussions about how to incorporate wellness into home design, and bringing greenery indoors continues to be an important part of the conversation. A key aspect of biophilic design, a direct connection with nature helps us stay healthy, relaxed, and focused.
In 1984, Harvard naturalist Edward Wilson published Biophilia, meaning "love of life," in which he described humans’ innate connection with nature and our tendency to suffer in hermetic, urban environments where it’s largely absent. Biophilic design focuses not only on plant life, but also daylight, ventilation, water, and natural materials. Together, these elements can increase our immunity, boost natural circadian rhythms, regulate temperature, and inspire a sense of tranquility. The biophilic homes below incorporate these principles to promote balanced, peaceful living.
Living Grid House by L Architects
A skylight illuminates this house in Kyoto designed by architect Joe Chikamori of 07Beach. Since the compact site and programming left little room for a backyard garden, the living area was developed as an interior courtyard situated around an indoor ficus tree. The house also features plenty of Hinoki wood, which is soft to walk on and has good heat insulation properties.
Balconies bring the outdoors in. The architect of this apartment in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Chacarita covered the terrace in a perforated skin for shade. During winter, it helps to trap heat and keep the interiors warm. Light streams through the balcony into the interiors of the compact, 269-square-foot home.
An internal courtyard punctuates the main floor of this renovated home near Melbourne, Australia, and adds a practical source of light and air. The local climate patterns were taken into account during the home’s design and layout. Because temperatures can vary quite dramatically, solar control was very important. The large glazed sliders to the east, where the home gets morning sun, strategically contrast with the less extensive glazing to the north.
Sky Pool House by Guz Architects
A kids’ bathroom in a San Francisco home features exquisite botanical tiles by London studio Glithero. A team of Dutch craftspeople use pressed weeds to create organic compositions that are eventually traced onto the tiles in charcoal. "I'll just stop in the hallway and find myself staring at those tiles," says the homeowner. "There are a couple moments in this house that are definitely art; it just happens to be functional."
Outdoor staircases can also incorporate greenery, taking advantage of the sunlight and rain that falls on them. In this house in Poland, a curved wall of windows envelop the open-air living room. The staircases outside leads to a green roof, which helps to retain heat in winter and cool interiors in summer.
Compound House by Linghao Architects
Related Reading: Ask an Expert: What Is Biophilia, Really?
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