Have you ever noticed how a walk in the bush or time spent by the sea leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated? There’s a reason for that sense of calm and clarity we experience in natural settings – humans have an innate connection to the natural world that runs deeper than we often realise. This connection is at the heart of biophilic design, an approach to our living spaces that seeks to strengthen our relationship with nature even when we’re indoors.
As Kiwis, we’re fortunate to live in a country renowned for its remarkable natural beauty – from our ancient kauri forests to our pristine beaches and majestic mountain ranges. Yet with busy modern lives, many of us find ourselves spending upwards of 90% of our time indoors. This disconnect from nature is where biophilic design steps in, offering thoughtful ways to reestablish that vital connection while creating homes that support our wellbeing on multiple levels.
While adding a few potted plants to your living room is certainly a start, biophilic design goes much deeper than simply decorating with greenery. It’s a comprehensive approach that considers how our evolutionary history has shaped our psychological needs and preferences. The term “biophilia” was popularised by biologist E.O. Wilson, who described it as “the innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes.” In design terms, this translates to creating spaces that satisfy our deep-seated desire to connect with natural systems and forms.
True biophilic design weaves together direct experiences of nature (like plants and water features), indirect references to nature (like natural materials and patterns), and considerations of space and place (like refuge areas and transitional spaces). When thoughtfully integrated, these elements create environments that don’t just look appealing but actually support our cognitive function, creativity, and emotional well-being.
What makes biophilic design particularly compelling is the growing body of research supporting its benefits. Studies have shown that environments incorporating natural elements can reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, improve concentration, and even accelerate healing. This isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating spaces that work with our biology rather than against it.
Research from the University of Otago has demonstrated that even brief exposure to natural environments can significantly improve mood and attention. International studies have found that office workers with views of nature report higher job satisfaction and fewer health complaints, while hospital patients with views of greenery tend to recover more quickly. These findings have profound implications for our homes, where we sleep, recharge, and spend time with loved ones.
The calming effect of nature-inspired spaces isn’t just a pleasant bonus – it’s increasingly essential in our hyper-connected, high-stimulation world. As we struggle with rising rates of anxiety and burnout, creating homes that serve as genuine sanctuaries becomes all the more valuable.
Incorporating biophilic design principles into your home doesn’t necessarily require a major renovation or a substantial budget. Here in New Zealand, we have abundant opportunities to embrace this approach in ways that honour our unique natural heritage and respond to our specific climate conditions.
Start by maximising natural light – a cornerstone of biophilic design. Consider whether heavy window treatments could be replaced with lighter options that maintain privacy while allowing more daylight to filter through. If you’re planning more substantial changes, skylights or well-positioned windows can dramatically transform the quality of light in your home, creating a more natural rhythm to your days.
Materials play a crucial role too. New Zealand’s sustainable timber industry offers beautiful native woods like rimu and tōtara for furniture and architectural elements. If new timber elements aren’t in your budget, consider exposing and refinishing existing wooden features in your home, or introducing smaller wooden accessories with interesting grain patterns or textures.
Our temperate climate also allows many of us to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces – another key biophilic strategy. French doors, covered decks, or courtyard gardens can create transitional spaces that allow you to experience natural elements even during our occasionally temperamental weather. Native plants like harakeke (flax), pōhutukawa, and kawakawa not only thrive in our conditions but also create a distinctly New Zealand character in your garden and indoor plantings.
While plants and natural materials are the most recognisable aspects of biophilic design, some of its most powerful elements are more subtle. Consider incorporating patterns and forms that echo natural structures – what designers call “biomimicry.” This might include fabrics with leaf-like veining, wallpapers with fractal patterns, or furniture with organic forms.
The concept of prospect and refuge – having both protected spaces and views outward – speaks to our evolutionary need to feel safe while maintaining awareness of our surroundings. In your home, this might translate to creating cosy reading nooks with views to the wider room or landscape beyond. Similarly, incorporating mystery and complexity through partially obscured views or layered spaces can engage our natural curiosity and desire for exploration.
Sound also plays an underappreciated role in biophilic design. Consider how you might reduce artificial noise while introducing more pleasant natural sounds. Water features, wind chimes, or simply opening windows to hear birdsong can transform the auditory landscape of your home. Many New Zealanders are fortunate to live within earshot of tūī, korimako (bellbirds) or even kiwi in some regions – a biophilic element that many around the world would envy.
Embracing biophilic design isn’t about following a trend – it’s about recognising a fundamental human need that has been overlooked in much of our contemporary architecture and interior design. By thoughtfully incorporating elements that strengthen our connection to the natural world, we create homes that don’t just house us but truly nurture us.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply looking to refresh your existing space, considering how you might bring more nature into your daily experience is worth the effort. The rewards – better sleep, reduced stress, improved mood, and a deeper sense of connection to the world around us – make biophilic design not just appealing but essential for creating truly healthy homes.
References:
Browning, W.D., Ryan, C.O., & Clancy, J.O. (2014). 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design. Terrapin Bright Green LLC.
Kellert, S.R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2011). Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. John Wiley & Sons.
Ministry for the Environment. (2022). Environmental Health Indicators New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.ehinz.ac.nz
Ulrich, R.S. (1984). View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420-421.
Wilson, E.O. (1984). Biophilia. Harvard University Press.
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