You may have seen us share some recent trends with you for 2023. One of those trends is biophilic design. And yes we may categorize this as a trend from time to time. However, biophilic design will more than likely be here to stay for the foreseeable future. One of the main reasons is that it creates a healthy environment. Not only is it visibly appealing – having the elements of nature introduced throughout the home or office has a positive impact on mental and physical health it can also boost our moods.
What Is Biophilic Design?
Merriam-Webster defines biophilic as… of, relating to, or characterized by biophilia: relating to, showing, or being the human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature. Essentially, we relate biophilic design as infusing nature or natural elements into the design of the home (or office).
Examples Of Biophilic Design
Natural lighting – A home that meets the biophilic criteria will be designed to rely on natural lighting more than it relies on artificial. Skylights and window walls are good examples of this.
Earth-tone colors – In this case, the home utilizes more earth-tone colors, such as green and brown. You may see only hints of bright colors used throughout the home.
Shapes – Whether it is homes or buildings the use of shapes pays tribute to biophilic design. This could be seen in the use of free-flowing shapes, columns, and arches.
If a home or building is located by the water the architect may incorporate waves or other elements resembling water. Such as The Quadracci Pavilion, which is an exquisite structure near a lake and is also an addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum designed by Santiago Calatrava. When speaking of The Quadracci Pavilion Santiago Calatrava has stated that the building’s design “responds to the culture of the lake: the sailboats, the weather, the sense of motion and change.”
Ambiance – Elevating the ambiance with sound will also play a role in incorporating elements of biophilic design. This could be introducing water fountains and water wall features to the home. Also having gardens on the property that will welcome birds and their melodic sounds.
Greenery – When you bring plants into a space it will definitely amp up the biophilic quality. You will also find that doing so will also improve the air quality. If live greenery isn’t an option you can use artificial plants to implement the feel of nature in the space.
Here at Vertical | Design + Build, we have many examples of what would qualify as biophilic design. We chose this extraordinary home to share with you that pays homage to biophilic design. The below image is a project that is affectionately called Window To The Bay.
Ripples of water influenced the architecture of the home, guiding the design and shapes of its rooms and the grand staircase terracing the front entry. With water on three sides of the property, its curved wall of glass jutting out toward the water simulates the feeling of bringing on the bow of a boat.
We hope you can find ways to incorporate biophilic design into your home and office. Once you do you may find that it helps to reduce stress, increase cognitive performance, and positively affect emotion.
When you are ready to build your very own custom home give us a call. Let us show you why families chose Vertical | Design + Build to build their legacies.
