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Biophilic Design Guide: How to integrate it into your windows and doors

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is an architectural and interior design concept that aims to enhance the connection between architecture and nature, both in residential and commercial settings.

Biophilic interior design is a growing trend that utilises natural environments, plants, natural light, and materials to enhance the feeling of connection.

The term biophilic design is linked to an ‘innate affinity humans have for other living organisms and natural systems’.

This thoughtfully considered design trend offers a host of health benefits and promotes well-being in our homes.

What are the six principles of biophilic design?

Psychology researcher Stephen Kellert was a pioneer in biophilic design, and through his work, he defined six clear principles that should be incorporated into any project.

If you’re planning to take inspiration from the biophilic design concept with your renovation, here are the six key principles and how you can incorporate them into your plans.

Environmental Features

Use prominent features of the natural world, such as water, sunlight, or plants on varying scales throughout your design.

Natural Shapes and Form

Add greater depths of detail to your design by incorporating natural shapes that don’t always confine to the norm, such as curvatures or arches.

Natural Patterns and Processes

The inclusion of natural sensory features can add new levels of depth to a space, particularly in commercial settings, through the use of greenery and plants, adding new sounds, smells, and textures.

Light and Space

Fill your space with natural light and enjoy the various health benefits that come with increased daylight.

Place-Based Relationships

Create a connection with your local environment by tapping into the history and culture of your location, be that through locally-sourced materials or interior or exterior design features.

Evolved Human-Nature Relationships

Create a deeper relationship with nature in an awe-inspiring environment, further boosting your well-being and mental health.

How to integrate biophilic design into your glazing

The origins of biophilic design date back to 1964, from the social psychologist Erich Fromm. The term has evolved over the following centuries and, to the present day, remains a growing trend in interior design.

Many glazing solutions can support this and help you achieve your desired style.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing

Using large expansive panels of glazing, measuring from your floor to the ceiling with flood your home with natural light, offering extensive views of your surrounding areas.

Open Corner Doors

Open corner sliding or bi-folding doors are a fantastic solution if you want to create unrestricted views.

An open corner door will couple brilliantly to draw attention to, or highlight a particular external area of a garden or courtyard, connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces effortlessly.

Glass-to-Glass Corner Windows

A well-executed glass-to-glass corner window creates a design focal point in any room. They allow for an amazing, uninterrupted view, perfect for extension projects.

Slimline Sliding Doors

If your space doesn’t allow for an open corner sliding door, you could choose from our range of slim sliding doors.

Ultraline’s exceptional slim sliding door offers no visual compromise. The 20mm sightline creates a contemporary, luxurious living space that guarantees a beautiful aesthetic appearance from inside and out.

Rooflights

Adding a rooflight or roof lantern to your extension or new build is a cost-effective method of adding yet more natural light to your home.

Aspect Windows offer a range of roof light solutions and have many on display in our Exeter showroom. Book an appointment to see our options in person and discuss the best choices for your project.

How can Biophilic Design improve your health?

Biophilic design has been linked with several health benefits, both mental and physical.

One of the most common positive associations that comes with biophilic design is improved mental health and overall well-being.

Biophilic design places a great emphasis on increasing the amount of natural light in our homes. Increased exposure to natural light, as well as other natural elements including greenery and areas of water, have been linked to reducing stress levels and increasing productivity.

Its benefits also include improved sleep patterns, reduced fatigue, as well as aiding our circadian rhythm.

The use of natural light and greenery has also been suggested as a benefit to those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Find your aesthetic with Aspect Windows

Our product range can cater to every style or aesthetic. If you have a vision, book an appointment to visit our showroom and discover the wide range of aluminium windows and doors we offer.

Book an appointment, or call us on 01392 444233 for information.