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In the spa-like primary bathroom—reconfigured so the tub sits directly beneath an existing skylight—basil cement tiles from Clé Tile complement a countertop and surround in mint verde terrazzo from Concrete Collaborative. “Green is my favorite color,” says Nicole. “It connects to nature, which I’m inspired by every day.”

Views from the atrium allow Sarah and Dylan to appreciate the garden year-round, and also serves to physically connect the two buildings that border the garden. The brick building is the former book bindery, and the concrete block building now is the rental property.

“The soils on site were heavily compacted and essentially useless from a plant-growth standpoint,” says Blanding.

Loom House by the Miller Hull Partnership

Several trees were planted in the covered conservatory space in front of the kitchen/dining area. This looks out, past the bath and shower room, to the courtyard, which is planted with 80% edible flowers and herbs. The windows and glazed doors are all fully operational, which allows natural air to flow throughout the interior, and the fragrance from the herbs and flowers in the garden to permeate the home.

Top 10 Sustainable Homes of 2020: From a carbon-negative cabin to a prefab farmhouse, these resourceful designs captivated readers this year.

A house in Sydney combats climate change with its own ecosystem.

The sitting room includes a rug by KIZO Cipria from Loom Rugs, as well as a pillow and throw by MissoniHome. The ceramic pot is by Heather Rosenman.

The field of neuroaesthetics teaches us about our biological responses to beautiful design. The thoughtful homes below showcase how lighting, colors, textures, and shapes can coalesce to become bona fide sanctuaries. Whether it be a focus on outdoor connection, aging-in-place, or accessibility, these projects are designed to promote wellness in mind and body.