Biophilic design – what is it and what are its advantages?

We hear more and more about the beneficial effect of nature on our health and wellbeing. At every turn we are encouraged to spend time in nature, exercise outdoors or at least bring plants into our homes and offices. Property designers have taken this a step further, creating a distinctive way of designing homes. We are talking about biophilic design – what is it and what benefits does it bring to the people living this way? That is what today's article is about.

The word "biophilia" was first used in the context of social psychology. Over time, its use spread to further spheres of life, such as biology, sociology and medicine. Today the idea is also reflected in architecture. Regardless of the context in which we use the term, it always refers to the influence of nature on people in many aspects of their lives, and to the fact that every one of us really needs a connection with nature.

Escape from big cities

Following this thread, we can increasingly see that people miss living in harmony with nature. More and more people choose to return to the bosom of nature, investing in building a house outside city limits, in the suburbs, or buying properties for sale in villages. Seeing this trend, architects are offering them biophilic design, which aims to give a home's occupants as much contact with nature as possible.

The principles of biophilic design

One of the key aspects of biophilic design, whose aim is to bring us closer to nature, is the use of large expanses of glazing in the houses being built. Thanks to this, while in the living room or kitchen, we can freely enjoy the beauty of the garden or the view of a nearby forest.

Biophilic design also seeks to bring nature into the very design of the house. Such solutions often feature green roofs, or courtyards with a tree in the very centre of the building, waterfalls installed on the walls of the building, or the use of rock as an integral part of the house.

The materials chosen to create buildings in keeping with the idea of biophilic design are also of no small importance. Architects use above all wood and stone, which are a natural extension of the nature surrounding the building.

Benefits of biophilic design

As it turns out, biophilic design not only looks beautiful but also has a very beneficial effect on the occupants of buildings created in line with this concept. Above all, a home in which nature is within arm's reach, and in places almost bursts in, has a soothing effect on us and is excellent at reducing stress. In such spaces we calm down and relax, and recharge our batteries superbly at the same time. This type of property will therefore be an ideal choice for anyone looking for their own oasis of calm to shelter from the ever-increasing pace of daily life in cities.

And if you are thinking of buying a plot in beautiful natural surroundings near Katowice or close to another Silesian city, get in touch with Marta Kulawik. As a professional in the field of real estate, she will find the ideal living space for you and your family.