Biophilic design - plants

Biophilic design – the exciting new trend

Over the last couple of years, biophilic design has become more and more popular. With a lot of people stuck indoors, bringing nature inside the home or office space not only looks great but has helped people’s wellbeing.

What is biophilic design?

The word biophilic comes from the word biophilia which means a love of nature. Biophilia suggests that we all have a deep genetic attraction to nature and the natural world. So the use of biophilic design incorporates nature into spaces that we live and work in. One of the main factors people love this type of design is due an increase in health and wellbeing.

There can be both direct and indirect approaches to biophilic design. For example, a direct approach would include things such as using plants, natural lighting, fresh air and water. An indirect approach is the use of creating a sense of nature through other means such as natural materials (wood over metal for example), colours (neutral/natural), textures etc.

Why would I use biophilic design?

According to Statista, the amount of people in the UK living in urban areas has risen to 83.9% as of 2020. This increase in urbanisation has caused more and more people to stray away from nature. This could potentially be an indicator as to why there has been such an increase in physical as well and mental health issues.

Having people connect more with nature through biophilic design can improve individual health and wellbeing, communities and even the planet. This is because an increase in biodiversity usually motivates people to act and live in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way.

How can I implement biophilic design?

When it comes to implementing biophilic design into your space, you don’t need to strip everything out and start from scratch. Although that may work for some, simple changes can be made to help make your spaces more natural.

Plants

When it comes to plants you can go as big or as small as you wish. Not only are they nice to look at, but many house plants are known to be air purifiers, which could also help with productivity. From small succulents and cacti to bushy peace lilies and even big bird of paradise floor plants. You could even install a living wall! There truly is something for every taste and budget.

Tip: If you’re worried you’re a bit of a ‘plant killer’ you can also get self-watering pots. The little water level will tell you when the plant needs water and the rest of the time you can just sit back and enjoy!

Biophilic design - plants

Natural lighting

You will be surprised at how much better you can feel with natural lighting. If you can, having access to natural light is a huge factor in biophilic design. Whether that means moving your home office to a different room in the house, moving furniture around, or even just simply opening the blinds!

If budget allows, you could consider using full-size windows to let in as much natural light as possible.

If none of this is possible, we highly recommend spending a small amount of time outside every day. Even if it’s just a 10-minute walk around the block or a coffee in your garden!

Biophilic design - natural lighting

Neutral and/or natural colours

The use of natural and/or natural colours in a space can instantly help to create a sense of calm. A common way to incorporate both is by using pale neutral colours on the walls and then adding accents of natural colour with the use of plants or cushions.

It’s very effective and brings a more Scandinavian or contemporary feel to any room.

Biophilic design - natural and neutral tones

Water feature / Aquarium

Not necessarily something for everyone, but having some sort of water feature or even an aquarium can bring a sense of calm.

Obviously many things need to be considered if you were to choose a water option such as health and safety and animal welfare, but it is an option.

Biophilic design - water feature or aquarium

Bring the outside in

The UK isn’t exactly known for its good weather! So having the option to be inside from the cold and the rain whilst also incorporating the great outdoors can be done. Why not bring use garden furniture inside with a rug underneath to protect your floors?

If your garden furniture isn’t looking its best, take a look at our previous post ‘Garden furniture given new life‘. In this post, we show you how you can restore your wooden furniture with Owatrol products. Complete with before and after pictures, the pieces look as good as new!

Biophilic design - plants

Further reading

This is just a brief overview of biophilic design. If you would like to learn more there is an interesting report made by The Building Research Establishment (BRE) who have conducted research on the use of biophilic design in use in office spaces.


So there you have it, we hope you found this post on biophilic design interesting.

If you have any other advice or top tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!

You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest at @OwatrolUK or find us under the hashtag #OwatrolUK

Biophilic design the exciting new trend - Pinterest

Owatrol Team
About Owatrol Team

Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.

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