What is Biophilic Design? Nature-inclusive Design for Health and Wellness
Images: The Agricultural LakehouseÂ
Green
Living.
Bringing the Outside, In.Â
With advancements in technology, longer hours being spent inside and lengthy commute times, integrating nature into our built environment has never been more important for our health and wellbeing.
Read on to learn more about Biophilic Design and how Arkular enhances our modular homes for health and wellness.
Bringing the Outside, In.
Bringing the Outside, In.
Bringing the Outside, In.
Bringing the Outside, In.
Bringing the Outside, In.
Bringing the Outside, In.
Bringing the Outside, In.
More than Just a Trend – What is Biophilic Design?Â
Originating from the Greek word ‘philia’ meaning ‘love of’ Biophilia translates to ‘love of life’ and describes the strong affinity humans have with living things and our natural surroundings.
Biophilia is the human need to build strong connections with nature to improve health and well-being. Biophilic design aims to integrate these connections with nature through the built form with the use of nature, space and place.
Increasing evidence suggests the disconnection between humans and nature as a result of modern technology is having a significant impact on our health and well-being. Prioritising nature within our daily lives is essential to humans’ happiness and mental and physical health.
The Benefits of Biophilic Design
Consistent exposure to nature through Biophilic Design has been scientifically backed to have several benefits for both physical and mental health and well-being, including:
- Improved mental and physical health
- Improved productivity
- Mental restoration and reduced fatigue
- Increased mood and feeling of well-being
Biophilic Design Elements at Arkular
We incorporate Biophilic Design within our modular dwellings by integrating the following elements when possible:
1. Visual connections with nature (views of the landscape, courtyards, green walls)
2. Non-visual connections with nature (utilising natural textures and materials)
3. Airflow (passive design, shade, vegetation)
4. Water (fountains/flowing water, full-height windows to see rain, creating a relaxing bathroom space)
5. Natural Light (seating close to windows/skylights, blinds to control light, light reflecting surfaces, glass doors/walls)
6. Prospect, refuge and mystery (balconies, seating, walkways, quiet corners, winding paths)
Sustainability & Homes for the Future
Thinking ahead about what we leave behind. We utilise Passive design to maximise energy efficiency and support well-being.
Working alongside the local climate to maintain a comfortable year-round temperature, considering orientation, thermal mass, insulation and glazing to take advantage of natural sources of heating and cooling, such as sun and breezes, and to minimise unwanted heat gain and loss.
Blurring the Boundaries Between Inside & OutÂ
Seamless indoor/outdoor flow is a great way to ensure you are bringing the outside, in. This is done by:
Creating Flow
Creating effortless flow between spaces with a clever floorplan and considered use of space.
Harnessing Inside/Out Connections
Harnessing connections from inside to out with glazing, bifold and sliding doors and considered use of sheer curtains and block-out blinds.
Incorporating Natural Materials
Utilising natural materials including sustainably sourced timber and stone.
View our completed projects that master indoor/outdoor connections here.
Outdoor Living & Wellness Additions
We are passionate about designing homes that speak to the hearts of those who live inside, with considered outdoor and wellness additions including:
Outdoor Baths and Showers
Especially great for coastal and rural areas (but equally as fab in the suburbs), an outdoor shower or bath is perfect to rinse off the day before coming inside and connecting to nature.
Saunas
Saunas can assist with inflammation, stress relief, better sleep, and improved cardiovascular. The inclusion of a sauna at the Agricultural Lakehouse complemented the beautiful natural lake, creating a second dwelling on our client’s property dedicated to health and wellbeing. View the full project here.
Pools
At Arkular, we are well experienced in integrating pools to deepen connections to nature, from architecturally interesting designs as seen here at The Banksia House, to simplistic concrete plunge pools.
Incorporating Biophilic Design Inside the Home
We utilise elements of Biophilic design within internal spaces to help improve mental and physical well-being.
Natural Light
Maximising natural light with considered orientation, clever floorplans, glazing and use of sheer curtains
Increased Ventilation
We harness the sun and wind by applying passive design principles to circulate air to and from different internal spaces. These ventilation systems work to regulate the internal air temperature as well as bring fresh air in and send stale air out.
Curating Spaces for Relaxation
Sleep is one of the most vital elements of life, so we prioritise relaxing bedroom spaces that incorporate blackout curtains, neutral colours, air flow and well insulated for a good night’s sleep.
Enhancing Outdoor Living Spaces
Having a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space will encourage you to spend more time outside and enhance flow. We amplify outdoor living areas by considering the following elements:
Shade
Shade is an essential requirement for any outdoor living space (particularly in Australia) with pergolas, awnings and gazebos all making great options for sun protection.
Warmth
Firepits, outdoor heating and fireplaces are all great additions that help your outdoor areas be actively used even during the cooler months.
Lighting
Adding light to outdoor areas is essential to create a positive atmosphere for alfresco entertaining and create a functional space that can be used throughout the seasons. We choose warmer lights and consider placement around the outdoor areas including along pathways, in entryways and throughout the garden.
Veggie PatchesÂ
A veggie patch is a great addition if space permits. There is nothing better than eating fresh herbs, veggies and fruits picked directly from your garden and is a great way to get your household out into the garden.
Image: Anglesea Beach House
Enhancing Outdoor Living Spaces
Having a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space will encourage you to spend more time outside and enhance flow. We enhance outdoor living areas by including the following elements:
Shade
Shade is an essential requirement for any outdoor living space (particularly in Australia) with pergolas, awnings and gazebos all making great options for sun protection.
Warmth
Firepits, outdoor heating and fireplaces are all great additions that help your outdoor areas be actively used even during the cooler months.
Lighting
Adding light to outdoor areas is essential to create a positive atmosphere for alfresco entertaining and create a functional space that can be used throughout the seasons. We choose warmer lights and consider placement around the outdoor areas including along pathways, in entryways and throughout the garden.
Veggie PatchesÂ
A veggie patch is a great addition if space permits and there is nothing better than eating fresh herbs, veggies and fruits picked directly from your garden.
Top 4 Wellness Trends to Embrace for 2023/2024
1. Sauna, Sauna, Sauna!
Sauna’s are here to say, with their popularity only continuing to increase into next year. Increasing evidence supporting the regular use of both infrared and regular saunas can have the benefits of improved performance, enhanced cognitive functions and reduced chronic pain
2. Mushroom mania
Increased awareness of the power of fungi will see an increasing popularity of using them for wellness. Functional mushrooms have high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that support aspects of health, like sleep, memory, and immunity (Source: Forbes 2023)
3. Sleep Syncing
Adjusting your sleep cycle to the natural rhythms of nature and aligning your schedule with your circadian rhythm could help you get a better night’s sleep.  Influenced by light and dark, it controls hormone release such as melatonin and your digestive enzymes to assist with sleep.
4. Cold plunge therapy
Nothing complements a sauna experience more than a cold plunge! Cold water exposure may help boost circulation and reduce inflammation. Plunging the body into cold water triggers a sudden, rapid increase in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure known as the cold shock response
*Please Note – always ask a medical professional for advice before trying any type of wellness trend.
Sources
– A Review of Psychological Literature on the Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Biophilic Design by Kaitlyn Gillis and Birgitta Gatersleben, 2015
