Biophilia design trend surfaces

June 28 2018

Think you have heard it all in new home design trends?
How about biophilia?
Biophilia is about incorporating the natural world into a new home. It is trend some see catching on because studies show that Canadians are spending the vast majority of their time indoors, most often at home.
Biophilia design promotes installation of massive glazing that “help us see the movement of the sun and monitor our inner biorhythm” while green walls and roofs purify the air, according to Australian architect Will Sandford.
“The presence of nature reduces stress, improves focus and boosts the general feeling of happiness, relaxation and well-being. Additionally, biophilia sparks interest and appreciation towards nature and motivates people to protect and preserve it,” Sandford adds.
Proponents of the trend forecast the replacement of lawns with organic vegetable gardens; the installation of very large windows (which can be costly); and adding solar panels that are not as productive in Canadian winters as they would be in sunnier climates.
Biophilia also endorses super energy-efficient heating and lighting systems, which have been proven to lower home energy costs. This is important because a recent Angus Reid study shows that more than 60 per cent of Canadians spend less than two hours outdoors a week and 30 per cent are outside for less than half-an-hour a week. While seeing biophilia as a mass design trend in homes is likely a stretch, with biophilia at least more people would feel like they are experiencing nature.