Bringing the Outdoors In with Biophilic Design
I was recently approached by Pinterest to host my own show on their TV platform, and let me tell you, it took me less than a millisecond to decide on the perfect topic – biophilic design, of course! As an interior designer passionate about reconnecting people with nature, I jumped at the opportunity to share my expertise on harnessing the power of natural light in our homes.
You see, in today’s increasingly urbanized world, we’ve become rather disconnected from the great outdoors. In fact, studies show that we now spend a staggering 90% of our time indoors. Can you believe that some species of whales actually spend more time at the surface than us humans do outside? It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it?
This persistent disconnect from nature has taken a toll on our mental and physical wellbeing. Stress has been dubbed the “health epidemic of the 21st century” by the World Health Organization, and there’s a direct correlation between our urbanization and rising stress levels. But fear not, my friends – through the principles of biophilic design, we can bring the restorative powers of nature right into our own homes.
Harnessing the Power of Natural Light
Lighting is an integral element of biophilic design, and one of the most powerful ways to reconnect with the natural world is by maximizing the amount of natural light in our living spaces. As I mentioned in my Pinterest TV series, natural light has a profound effect on our circadian rhythms, helping to regulate our mental and physical systems.
Imagine a plywood dining nook, flooded with sunlight streaming in from two roof windows, as seen in the Vault House by Bradley Van Der Straeten Architects. That’s the kind of dynamic, diffuse lighting that can work wonders for our wellbeing. When our bodies are exposed to the changing colour and intensity of natural light throughout the day, it helps to regulate our sleep-wake cycles, boost our mood and energy levels, and even reduce the risk of critical illnesses like obesity, heart problems, and breast cancer.
Creating a Bright and Airy Home
So, how can you go about maximizing natural light in your own home? Well, if you’re lucky enough to be building from scratch, the possibilities are endless. Strategically placing ample windows and doors, and using glazed walls to create a “glass box” effect, can really help to flood your living spaces with natural light.
But even if you’re working with an existing property, there are still plenty of ways to let the sunshine in. Rooflights are a fantastic option, whether you have a pitched or flat roof. And the great thing is, you don’t have to stick to standard sizes – many suppliers offer bespoke solutions to suit the unique dimensions of your home.
Take the Vario by Velux roof lights, for example. These versatile rooflights can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them the perfect fit for even the most challenging spaces. And with their sleek, minimalist design, they’ll complement any architectural style, from traditional to contemporary.
Bringing Nature Indoors with Dynamic Lighting
Of course, it’s not just the quantity of natural light that’s important – the quality is crucial too. Biophilic design principles encourage us to seek out dynamic and diffuse lighting that mimics the patterns and rhythms we’d find in the great outdoors.
Think about the dappled sunlight filtering through a forest canopy, or the ever-changing reflections of rippling water. These are the kinds of lighting conditions that our brains are naturally hardwired to seek out and find soothing. By incorporating window films, soft curtains, and even biomimetic lighting fixtures, you can create that same sense of natural, organic movement and change within your own home.
And let’s not forget the importance of colour temperature. Just like the sun, our indoor lighting should shift from warm, yellow tones in the morning to cooler, bluer hues at midday, and back to a cosy, red-tinged glow in the evening. This helps to keep our circadian rhythms in sync and prevent the disruptive effects of artificial light.
Reflections and Refractions: Maximizing Natural Light
Of course, there are other tricks up our sleeve when it comes to making the most of natural light. Mirrors, for instance, can be a game-changer, helping to reflect and distribute that precious sunlight around your living spaces. Placing mirrors strategically, opposite or adjacent to windows, can create the illusion of even more natural illumination.
And if you’re really struggling with dark, gloomy corners, sun tunnels could be the answer. These clever little devices use reflective tubing to channel daylight from the rooftop down into the depths of your home, even in rooms without direct access to the outdoors.
So, whether you’re building your dream home from the ground up or renovating an existing property, I hope I’ve inspired you to think outside the box when it comes to maximizing natural light. After all, a bright, airy living space isn’t just aesthetically pleasing – it’s essential for our health and wellbeing. And with a little creativity and the right products, like those from ABC Home, you can bring the great outdoors in and create a truly restorative, biophilic oasis.
