Some architects create buildings as a shelter from the outside world. Biophilic architects create buildings that marry your indoor spaces with nature. With biophilic designs, the design structures of residential architecture firms open traditional indoor rooms into outside greenery, maximising our connectivity with the natural environment. Here are the six elements of biophilic design that make it so unique.

 

1. Environmental features

From an evolutionary standpoint, humans are instinctually drawn to natural environmental features. Plants, wildlife, and raw materials like rock and wood all create a very primal sense of connection within us to these spaces. This can be invoked with natural, soothing colours, water, sunlight, and airy rooms, as evidenced by the Perforated House. By incorporating these elements into biophilic designs, occupants can be connected to the outside world and never feel isolated from it.

Open-concept floor plans with calming greens and wood panelling will remind you of natural spaces. Natural sunlight is always tremendously calming. Mirrors can accentuate the light streaming in from windows, allowing the beams to bounce off their mirrored surfaces and illuminate your rooms. Good natural architectural lighting provides a healthy glow – the key to biophilic designs.

 

2. Natural shapes & forms

Natural imagery found in nature can be simulated indoors for a feel of these shapes and forms truly existing and living within your interior spaces. Wood structures that resemble authentic pieces from nature, shells and spirals that adorn flowing columns, and elements that mimic natural forms, such as trees and leaves, can be incorporated into your spaces, like what we have done at the award-winning House of Greens.

Seeking sculptures that resemble these forms is an easy alternative to obtaining these shapes while skipping out on the upkeep that these natural materials would require.

 

3. Natural patterns & processes

Patterns and processes have been abundant in nature since the beginning of time. Materials ageing, patterns in wildlife and natural materials, and textural contrasts are all part of the patterns and processes in nature. Designs that stimulate the senses, like contrasting colours and ridged objects that feel intriguing to the touch, can hook in the eye and make spaces feel more captivating.

Opt for decor with exciting shapes and materials that only become better with age. Leather pieces can add a modern charm to biophilic areas and, when they become vintage, will maintain their quality and allure.

 

4. Light & space

As mentioned, lighting is a vital aspect of biophilic design. Good lighting can make rooms feel and look more spacious, and open-air interiors usher in a sense of freedom and connectivity to nature. Use mirrors to help reflect light to illuminate rooms, which is excellent for those working with spaces that garner limited lighting. Sculptures like glass chandeliers can play with light, colours, and shapes all in one when rays bounce off of them.

At the Hillside House, sun rays float through the rooms, allowing homeowners to have a piece of tranquillity in every space with filtered and diffused lighting.

 

5. Place-based relationships

Humans have always sought solace in homes. We have a special connection to the unique characteristics that our long-time abodes hold. Create a strong emotional bond with your spaces with objects that remind you of home – whether literal or figurative. Cultural sculptures that trace back to your roots and landscape designs that mimic local or indigenous features all give occupants a strong sense of belonging to their interiors. Cherish and protect your space with this place-based element and never feel out of sorts in your own homey bubble.

 

6. Evolved human-nature relationships

Nature has played a vital part in our development as humans. From nature providing us with shade and shelter to humans finding mastery of its elements, we have always been side by side with the natural world. The aspect of evolved human-nature relationships lends itself to our primal allure of feeling protected and secure in nature, heightened by its prospects, complexities, and beauty.

Nurture this element in your interiors with plants that reside in controlled environments like glass panelling with specifications of air and light quality to stimulate growth. This blooms their attraction and promotes lasting attachment to your spaces. Hone reverence and spirituality with tall columns, stained glass windows, and sacred corners: reminiscent of holy spaces in the past and present. This element satiates the human need for meaning in their relationships and lives.

 

Conclusion

Biophilic-designed spaces merge modern man with nature in a way that satiates our most primal desires. Like connection and nurture, our core wants are achieved by allowing nature to seep in and co-exist within our interiors. Relax your mind’s eye with biophilic designs and feel truly at home within any space.

You can incorporate biophilic designs into your contemporary architecture with ease. Speak to professionals who know it best, and with the help of commercial and hospitality architecture firm in Singapore, you can rest assured that quality living is just around the corner, just the way you like it.