How Biophilic Design Creates Sustainable Environments – GWC Mag

Let’s talk about biophilic design! Have you ever felt an innate desire to connect with nature and other forms of life? Biophilia is an inherent tendency to connect with the great outdoors. Many people satiate this inclination by heading outside or traveling, but short trips can only do so much.

Luckily, there’s a simple way to integrate nature into your life from the comfort of your own home. Plus, it’s better for the environment when you do decide to adopt this design concept for your humble abode.

Defining Biophilic Design

People spend a lot of their time indoors, so there’s a great disconnect between society and nature. Designing buildings and landscapes that bring us closer to natural elements is a good solution to becoming one with nature again.

Builders and designers use biophilic design elements in many residences, work offices and learning spaces. Research shows that incorporating nature into these areas can reduce stress and boost creativity in the long run. People benefit greatly from instilling biophilic design, but this style can actually contribute to a more sustainable environment, too.

Environmental Benefits of Biophilic Design

Aside from bringing nature closer, biophilic design makes it a point to give back to the planet in various ways. Integrating this concept into your life can contribute to a more sustainable environment in the long run.

1. It Supports Green Building Practices

The construction industry is a necessary industry, but it can poorly impact the environment in different ways. Such an impact can be attributed to traditional building practices that can destroy land, create pollution and generate waste.

Biophilic construction works with the natural land rather than against it. These projects can help keep the existing environment safe from land clearing or excavation. Plus, limiting fuel and machinery usage can conserve resources.

Constructing with biophilic design in mind also entails the use of more natural building materials. For instance, builders work with wood since it mimics a natural space. This renewable product also reduces carbon emissions.

2. It Uses Organic Furnishing

It’s important to support sustainable brands that distribute more eco-friendly items for your home. There are seemingly endless organic furnishing options to choose from when you want to perpetrate biophilic design. Here are a few examples:

1. Wall paneling: Biophilic green walls feature plants directly in your home, described as vertical gardens you can take care of. Aside from being a striking addition to your home, they can also naturally filter sound.
2. Furniture: Browse through organic furniture and find your next favorite ottoman or coffee table. There are many options made up of bamboo, rattan and other natural materials. You can stick to one particular finish and blend different pieces together, too.
3. Decor: Eco-friendly home decor is another way to add biophilic design to your home. Try thrifting fun decor items or opt for handmade choices made from natural materials.

3. It Regulates Energy Use

A big theme in biophilic design is opening the home to natural light. Soaking in sunlight and moonlight through big open windows can be quite a joy. By having those light sources available, you can rely less on your regular lights.

Aside from using larger windows, the variations used in biophilic windows are much more energy-efficient. These fixtures can provide natural insulation that keeps your home comfortable while letting your HVAC system rest.

Biophilic design also opens up possibilities for using solar power. Households can save around $10,000 to $30,000throughout the life span of a solar panel system. Get the most out of your home and look into using renewable energy over electricity.

4. It Helps With Water Management

Many urban buildings are victims of rainstorms and floods. Biophilic design is a great avenue for implementing effective stormwater management and better biodiversity.

For example, builders might convert stormwater sumps into a community garden. Rather than keeping this waterwaste with nowhere to go, it’s used to create visual appeal in a public space, present for everyone to enjoy.

In that study, researchers noted that blending biophilic design with regenerative design can be helpful for both the public community and overall biodiversity. It may be possible to integrate this design approach on a residential level in the future.

5. It Integrates Natural Landscaping

Traditional landscapes intensively use water and other resources for maintenance. They may also downgrade soil health by focusing on bringing more artificial structures to the space.

By taking an approach that focuses more on connecting with nature, it is possible to make landscaping more sustainable. For instance, start your own garden with native plant species. You can also adopt certain practices, such as mulching and composting, when managing your landscape.

It’s also recommended to create a habitat for bees, butterflies and birds. These wildlife are incredibly vital to the planet’s ecosystem. Having this shelter available can also bring you closer to other wildlife.

6. It Inspires Other Acts of Sustainability

The essence of biophilic design is helping people connect more to nature. Leading a sustainable lifestyle does not come naturally, especially in today’s age of technology. Still, having elements with these natural elements can be a great reminder of the world we live in. 

Biophilic design is a big step toward sustainability, but it’s important to go beyond that. Look at other practices you can adopt for your home. Whether it’s choosing reusable items or making sure food never goes to waste, do what you can to ensure that you continue to enjoy the sight you have right now.

Incorporate Biophilic Design

Biophilic design can positively impact the environment. Try incorporating it into your home when you can, or promote this design concept. A future where you and nature are more connected than ever before can be enlightening.