Biophilic design is a cutting-edge concept that emphasizes bringing elements of nature into both architecture and interior spaces. The aim is to create a stronger connection between people and the natural world by incorporating features like natural materials, greenery, sunlight, and views of the outdoors. A key component of biophilic design is the use of indoor plants, which not only enhance the look and feel of a space but also come with numerous health advantages. Studies show indoor plants help purify the air, lower stress levels, boost productivity, and promote overall wellness. While many people opt for basic potted plants to achieve these benefits, some take it to the next level by introducing full-sized living trees indoors. Why stop at a few small plants when you can make a statement with an entire tree? A live tree can easily become a stunning focal point, surpassing the traditional fireplace or wall-mounted TV in terms of visual impact.
Brutalist Tropical Home: A Fusion of Nature and Architecture in Bali
Nestled within the serene rice fields of Bali, the Brutalist Tropical Home stands as a striking example of biophilic design and modern architectural innovation. Designed by architect Patisandhika Sidarta—now of the architecture firm Sidarta and Sandjaja—and designer Daniel Mitchell, this residence merges Brutalist aesthetics with tropical influences, creating a harmonious balance between nature and structure.
Open-Air Spaces and Multi-Level Design
The home’s layout embraces the tropical climate, with large open-air spaces inviting natural light and airflow. The multi-level design creates distinct living areas while maintaining an interconnected flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Each level offers a different perspective of the surrounding rice fields, allowing the home to be a part of its natural environment rather than separate from it.
Indoor Tree as a Living Focal Point
One of the most captivating features of the Brutalist Tropical Home is the integration of a living tree planted directly into the concrete floor of the living room. This bold element connects the home’s industrial design with the organic beauty of nature. The tree serves not only as a stunning focal point but also reinforces the home’s commitment to biophilic design principles, enhancing the living experience by bringing nature inside.
Relaxation Redefined: The Hammock in the Living Room
In addition to the indoor tree, the living room features a hammock, offering a laid-back spot for relaxation. Suspended in an airy space, the hammock complements the home’s open design and encourages a lifestyle centered around comfort and connection to the natural surroundings. It’s a perfect spot to unwind while enjoying the lush greenery that permeates the home’s interior and exterior.
A Harmony of Brutalism and Tropical Aesthetics
The Brutalist design, characterized by raw materials such as concrete and steel, is softened by the lush natural environment surrounding the home. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic are counterbalanced by the warmth of tropical wood accents and the vibrant greenery that fills the space. This juxtaposition of industrial and organic elements makes the home visually stunning and environmentally responsive.
Living in Balance with Nature
The Brutalist Tropical Home not only embraces the natural beauty of Bali but also offers a lifestyle that promotes balance and well-being. With its integration of living trees, open spaces, and thoughtful design, it’s a perfect example of how architecture can bring people closer to nature without sacrificing modern comforts.
The Box House: A Harmonious Blend of Concrete and Wood in Araraquara, Brazil
Located in the heart of Araraquara, Brazil, the Box House is an architectural masterpiece designed by Caio Persighini Arquitetura. This modern home showcases a striking contrast between the primary materials defining its aesthetic—concrete and cumaru wood. The thoughtful interplay between these materials creates a balanced and inviting environment while also making a bold architectural statement.
A Dynamic Contrast of Concrete and Cumaru Wood
The design of the Box House leans heavily into the juxtaposition of the cool, industrial concrete and the rich, warm tones of cumaru wood. Concrete dominates the walls and floors, giving the home a clean, minimalist look. However, the strategic use of cumaru wood throughout the interiors brings a sense of warmth and balance, softening the starkness of the concrete. This contrast adds depth to the space and prevents the design from feeling too cold or severe.
A Living Focal Point: The Jabuticaba Tree
At the heart of the Box House lies its most captivating feature—a living Jabuticaba tree planted in the middle of the home. Embedded in a section of wood seamlessly integrated into the concrete floor, this tree serves as the focal point of the interior space. Its placement brings an element of nature indoors and creates a sense of harmony between the natural world and the home’s modern design. The Jabuticaba tree, with its glossy leaves and deep purple fruit, adds life and color, further enhancing the aesthetic and sensory experience of the space.
Wood as a Warm, Inviting Element
The cumaru wood used throughout the house is carefully integrated into the design to create a welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s through wooden cabinetry, ceiling panels, or decorative accents, the warmth of the wood contrasts beautifully with the coolness of the concrete. This thoughtful use of natural materials enhances the aesthetic and promotes a sense of comfort and coziness within the home’s modern framework.
Blending Nature and Modernity
The Box House is an excellent example of how modern design can be both minimalistic and inviting by blending natural elements with industrial materials. The inclusion of the Jabuticaba tree in the center of the home exemplifies biophilic design principles, fostering a connection to nature while still maintaining a sleek, contemporary look. The combination of concrete, wood, and living greenery creates a dynamic space that is both visually striking and deeply calming.
House for a Daughter: A Light-Filled Sanctuary in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Designed by Khuon Studio for a young woman and her visiting family, the aptly named House for a Daughter is a stunning example of modern architecture in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This open and airy residence emphasizes the importance of natural light, greenery, and family connection while creating a serene and welcoming environment.
A Design Rooted in Light and Nature
The primary goal for House for a Daughter was to create a living space that prioritizes natural light and greenery. Khuon Studio accomplished this by incorporating multiple built-in gardens throughout the home. These gardens are carefully designed to bring a variety of plants into the indoor environment, enhancing the atmosphere and encouraging a deep connection to nature.
A Tree at the Heart of the Home
One of the most striking features of the residence is a tree embedded directly into the stairwell landing, positioned in a white-walled void. This central feature draws attention to the interplay between modern architecture and organic elements and serves as a living focal point within the home. The tree brings natural beauty to the minimalist space and reinforces the design’s emphasis on biophilic principles.
Built-In Gardens for an Indoor-Outdoor Experience
Throughout the home, built-in gardens offer a variety of plants that soften the architectural lines and introduce vibrant greenery into the space. These gardens serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose, allowing the homeowner to enjoy a tranquil indoor environment that feels closely connected to the outdoors. The plants are positioned to maximize sunlight exposure, contributing to the home’s light-filled, airy feel.
An Open and Airy Layout
The layout of House for a Daughter is carefully designed to foster openness and allow for seamless transitions between spaces. Large windows and open spaces ensure that natural light flows freely throughout the home, while the placement of plants and greenery helps to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The minimalist design, featuring clean white walls and simple lines, provides the perfect backdrop for the lush greenery to stand out.
A Home Designed for Connection
Beyond its focus on nature, House for a Daughter was designed with family in mind. The open layout encourages connection between family members, whether they are sharing meals, spending time together, or relaxing in the home’s peaceful atmosphere. By blending modern design with thoughtful elements of nature, the residence offers a contemporary and deeply personal space.
The Greenary: A Modern Italian Farmhouse Built Around a Living Ficus Tree
In a stunning fusion of nature and technology, The Greenary by Carlo Ratti Associati reimagines the traditional Italian farmhouse with a modern twist. Built around a majestic 10-meter-tall ficus tree, this residence brings nature indoors in an extraordinary way, allowing the tree to thrive in the center of the home. The result is a unique living space where the boundaries between inside and outside are blurred, creating a harmonious connection between architecture and the natural world.
A 60-Year-Old Ficus Tree as the Home’s Heart
At the core of The Greenary is a towering 60-year-old ficus tree, which stands in the middle of the home. The house is designed around the tree, making it the focal point of the entire space. The tree bathes in natural light in front of a massive glass wall, creating a serene and striking visual feature that dominates the interior. This impressive glass facade highlights the ficus and ensures that sunlight floods the space, enhancing the tree’s growth and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Technology for Harmonious Coexistence
One of the most innovative aspects of The Greenary is the integration of technology designed to create the perfect environment for the tree and its human inhabitants. The house is equipped with systems that regulate temperature, humidity, and airflow, ensuring that the ficus can thrive indoors without compromising the homeowners’ comfort. This careful balancing act highlights how modern design can incorporate living elements sustainably and harmoniously.
A Modern Take on a Classic Italian Farmhouse
While the design of The Greenary embraces cutting-edge technology, it also pays homage to traditional Italian architecture. The residence is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Italian farmhouse, blending rustic charm with contemporary design principles. Natural materials like stone and wood are used alongside modern finishes, creating a warm, inviting environment that reflects both the past and the present.
A Space That Connects Indoors and Outdoors
The design of The Greenary dissolves the usual barriers between indoor and outdoor living. With the ficus tree at its center, the home literally embodies biophilic design, where nature and architecture coexist seamlessly. Large windows and open spaces allow for constant views of the garden outside, while the tree inside reinforces a solid connection to the natural world. This fluidity between indoors and outdoors makes the home feel like an extension of its surrounding landscape.
A Living Space That Nurtures Well-Being
The Greenary is not just a home—it’s a space that promotes well-being for both its human and plant residents. The careful balance of light, air, and natural elements fosters a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. The ficus tree, standing tall in the heart of the home, symbolizes growth, life, and harmony, making The Greenary a perfect example of how modern architecture can support sustainability and personal wellness.
Casa Cachalotes: A Nature-Inspired Family Home in Lima, Peru
Nestled in the vibrant city of Lima, Peru, Casa Cachalotes is a stunning family home designed by Oscar Gonzalez Moix that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Drawing inspiration from its lush natural surroundings, this residence seamlessly integrates nature into its design, creating a serene and light-filled environment that enhances the family’s connection to the outdoors.
A Double-Height Living Space Bathed in Natural Light
The heart of Casa Cachalotes is its impressive double-height living area, which is flooded with natural light from skylights positioned overhead. These skylights allow sunlight to pour in throughout the day, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The tall ceilings add a sense of grandeur to the space, while the abundant natural light highlights the home’s connection to its surroundings.
An Indoor Garden as the Home’s Centerpiece
At the core of the living area lies an indoor garden, which serves as the home’s focal point. This garden, complete with lush plants and a tree, brings the beauty of nature inside and creates a peaceful retreat within the family’s living space. The garden is positioned to take full advantage of the sunlight streaming in from above, ensuring that the plants and trees thrive in their indoor environment.
Bringing Nature Indoors
Oscar Gonzalez Moix’s design of Casa Cachalotes reflects a deep understanding of biophilic principles, as nature plays a central role in the home’s design. By bringing greenery indoors, the residence feels like an extension of the surrounding landscape, creating a living environment that is calming and deeply connected to the natural world. The indoor garden enhances not only the space’s aesthetics but also its inhabitants’ well-being by fostering a sense of tranquility.
A Harmonious Blend of Modernity and Nature
While nature is at the forefront of the design, Casa Cachalotes also embraces modern architectural elements. Clean lines, minimalistic decor, and large open spaces define the home’s contemporary aesthetic, providing a perfect backdrop for the vibrant greenery that fills the space. The combination of sleek, modern design with the organic forms of the indoor garden creates a balanced, harmonious living environment.
A Home Designed for Well-Being
Casa Cachalotes is more than just a family home—it is a sanctuary that promotes well-being through its thoughtful integration of nature and light. By creating a space that connects the family to the natural world, the home fosters a sense of peace and relaxation. The indoor garden, bathed in natural light from the skylights above, is not only a beautiful focal point but also a reminder of the calming power of nature in everyday life.
Melt House: A Nature-Inspired Oasis in Yao, Japan
Located in the city of Yao, within Osaka Prefecture, Melt House is a striking example of how thoughtful design can bring nature indoors, even in narrow urban spaces. Designed by the SAI Architectural Design Office, the homeowners sought to integrate the tranquility of nature into their residences, creating an innovative indoor courtyard that allows them to enjoy greenery year-round.
A Double-Height Enclosed Courtyard
At the heart of Melt House lies a double-height enclosed courtyard, designed as a central feature of the home. This courtyard allows homeowners to experience the calming presence of nature no matter the season. Its enclosed design makes the space usable all year round, protecting the garden from the elements while still maintaining an open and airy feel.
An Indoor Tree with an Outdoor Feel
In front of a large window, a tree is planted in a gravel pit, positioned to give the illusion of being outdoors. The design makes the tree a natural focal point within the home while still creating the sensation that it exists outside. The gravel pit and natural light streaming through the window reinforce this indoor-outdoor connection, enhancing the sense of space and bringing nature into daily living.
Seamlessly Blending Nature and Architecture
SAI Architectural Design Office skillfully blends nature with architecture, creating a tranquil living environment that feels both modern and grounded in the natural world. The double-height courtyard acts as a buffer between the interior and the exterior, offering a sense of openness within the narrow constraints of urban living. This clever use of space provides homeowners with a private oasis where they can enjoy greenery and sunlight without leaving the confines of their homes.
Year-Round Connection to Nature
One of the most unique aspects of Melt House is its ability to connect the residents with nature throughout the year. The enclosed courtyard, paired with the large windows, ensures that the home is constantly filled with natural light, while the tree and garden elements serve as a reminder of the changing seasons. This connection to nature enhances the overall living experience, fostering a sense of peace and balance.
A Modern, Minimalist Approach
True to modern Japanese architectural principles, Melt House embraces minimalism, allowing the beauty of nature to take center stage. Clean lines, open spaces, and simple materials define the home’s aesthetic, while the presence of greenery softens the design and adds warmth. This approach creates a serene and uncluttered living space, ideally suited for urban living.
Fold Place: Bringing Nature Indoors in Ottawa’s Harsh Winters
In a city known for its long and cold winters, Fold Place in Ottawa offers a unique approach to staying connected with nature year-round. Designed by LineBox Studio, this family home features an indoor tree garden located right next to the front door, creating an inviting and natural welcome for both family members and guests. This clever integration of greenery not only elevates the home’s aesthetic but also provides a constant reminder of nature, even when the outdoors are covered in snow.
A Tree Garden as a Welcoming Focal Point
As soon as you step inside Fold Place, you are greeted by a tree garden strategically positioned next to the front door. This living feature sets the tone for the home, offering a natural focal point that enhances the entryway and welcomes guests with a touch of greenery. The tree’s presence is practical and aesthetic, bringing a sense of calm and warmth to the space, even during Ottawa’s frosty winters.
A Tree in View from the Kitchen
One of the standout design choices of Fold Place is the placement of the indoor tree garden, which can be easily seen from the kitchen. Whether preparing meals or enjoying time with family, the residents can look out and enjoy the sight of the growing tree. This thoughtful design not only brightens the kitchen with a natural touch but also strengthens the connection between the family and nature during everyday activities.
Bringing the Outdoors In
LineBox Studio’s design for Fold Place embraces biophilic principles, ensuring that nature remains a key part of the home’s experience, even when the outdoors are less hospitable. The tree garden next to the front door symbolizes the studio’s commitment to creating spaces that nurture well-being by incorporating natural elements. This feature brings a sense of life and growth to the home, making it feel more dynamic and connected to the outdoors, no matter the season.
A Thoughtful Blend of Design and Function
The tree garden is not just about aesthetics—it also serves a practical purpose. Placing it by the front door and within view of the kitchen ensures the family can enjoy nature from multiple vantage points. This dual functionality highlights how modern design can thoughtfully blend beauty with practicality, creating visually striking and deeply functional spaces.
A Warm Oasis in Ottawa’s Winters
With its indoor tree garden, Fold Place offers a refuge from Ottawa’s long winters, maintaining a strong connection to nature even during the coldest months. The home’s design showcases how natural elements can be seamlessly integrated into the built environment, enhancing the everyday living experience while promoting well-being and comfort.
Family House in Kyoto: A Nature-Inspired Haven in a Dense Urban Landscape
In the bustling city of Kyoto, Japan, Family House, designed by 07BEACH, provides a brilliant solution for urban living where space is limited. With neighboring houses built closely together, this residence reimagines how nature can be brought indoors, creating a bright, open space that accommodates the needs of an active family while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
An Open Living Plan for Family Life
The home’s open-plan design ensures that the parents can easily keep an eye on their children, no matter where they are in the house. This layout fosters a sense of togetherness and visibility, offering a functional yet dynamic living space that caters to a busy family lifestyle. The open flow between rooms encourages interaction and connection while still maintaining distinct zones for different activities.
Creative Use of Vertical Space
With limited outdoor space due to the tightly packed surrounding houses, 07BEACH embraced an innovative design approach by focusing on verticality. Instead of an outdoor garden, the design team introduced a double-height main room that maximizes the interior volume of the home. With soaring ceilings, this spacious area creates an expansive feel and becomes the house’s centerpiece despite its urban constraints.
A Central Indoor Tree and Skylights for Natural Light
One of the home’s most striking features is the indoor tree in the heart of the main room. Positioned directly beneath skylights, the tree is showered in natural light throughout the day, creating the sensation of being outdoors, even while inside. The combination of the indoor tree and the abundance of sunlight streaming in from above makes the space feel lively, fresh, and deeply connected to nature.
A Home Connected to the Outdoors
Although the house is surrounded by other properties, the clever use of natural elements ensures that Family House still feels grounded in the natural world. The central tree, acting as a living focal point, brings a sense of calm and vitality to the space, while the skylights provide a direct link to the outside environment, making the home feel less enclosed. This connection to nature enhances the home’s atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat within the city.
Biophilic Design in an Urban Setting
Family House exemplifies how biophilic design can be achieved even in dense urban areas. By focusing on natural light, greenery, and open space, the home fosters a healthy living environment that supports its residents’ physical and emotional well-being. The design shows that with creativity and thoughtful planning, nature can become integral to city living, providing families with a sense of openness and connection to the natural world.
Estúdio Elã: A Modern Brazilian Apartment Inspired by Ney Matogrosso
For the prestigious 2019 Casa Cor Rio interior design and architecture fair, designers Natália Lemos and Paula Pupo unveiled Estúdio Elã, a striking modern apartment in Brazil that draws inspiration from the vibrant artistry of Brazilian singer Ney Matogrosso. This creative living space showcases a harmonious blend of materials, colors, and natural elements, creating a unique environment that reflects both contemporary style and cultural depth.
A Tribute to Ney Matogrosso
Estúdio Elã captures the essence of Ney Matogrosso, a renowned figure in Brazilian music known for his bold aesthetics and expressive performances. The apartment design pays homage to his eclectic style by incorporating vibrant colors and textures that evoke a sense of artistic flair. The use of materials and design elements speaks to the dynamic energy found in Matogrosso’s music, creating a living space that feels alive and inspiring.
Striking Terra Cotta and Warm Gray Palette
The back wall of the apartment features striking terra cotta tiles that serve as a focal point, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. This earthy hue is thoughtfully juxtaposed with warm gray cabinets that extend seamlessly to the central island, creating a balanced and harmonious color palette. The combination of these materials not only adds visual interest but also creates a cozy environment, making the apartment feel both modern and welcoming.
A Central Island with a Jabuticabeira Tree
One of the most distinctive features of Estúdio Elã is the central island, which is adorned with a live jabuticaba tree planted at one end. This unique addition not only serves as a stunning centerpiece but also enhances the connection between the indoor space and nature. The jabuticaba tree, known for its beautiful foliage and edible fruit, brings a sense of vitality and life into the kitchen area. This thoughtful integration of greenery reflects the biophilic design principles, promoting well-being and a deeper connection to nature.
A Seamless Blend of Functionality and Aesthetics
The layout of Estúdio Elã prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that the space meets the needs of modern living while remaining visually appealing. The open-plan design allows for easy flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, making it an ideal space for entertaining and family gatherings. The thoughtful arrangement of furniture and fixtures enhances the overall experience, creating a welcoming environment that encourages connection and interaction.
Cultural Elements and Contemporary Design
Natália Lemos and Paula Pupo masterfully intertwine cultural elements with contemporary design in Estúdio Elã. The use of traditional materials like terra cotta tiles pays homage to Brazilian heritage while being reinterpreted through a modern lens. This approach highlights the beauty of Brazilian craftsmanship and creates a unique narrative that speaks to the country’s rich cultural history.
House with a Margin: A Nature-Focused Residence by Yukawa Design Lab
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Ibaraki, Japan, House with a Margin is an innovative residence designed by Yukawa Design Lab. This remarkable home is a testament to the studio’s commitment to integrating nature into everyday living, prioritizing light, wind, greenery, and vibrant colors. With a thoughtful layout that encourages interaction with the natural environment, House with a Margin is a tranquil sanctuary for its inhabitants.
An Inner Atrium: A Breath of Fresh Air
At the heart of the home lies a stunning inner atrium, characterized by its double-height space and expansive wall of windows. This design choice allows natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The atrium acts as a central hub of the home, connecting various living spaces while fostering a sense of openness and flow. The abundance of natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall well-being of the residents.
A Central Tree Connecting the Floors
One of the most striking features of House with a Margin is the central tree that grows through the atrium and extends up to the second floor. This design element serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty of nature, allowing it to be seen and appreciated from all interior spaces. The presence of the tree brings life to the home, providing a focal point that draws the eye and encourages a sense of calm and tranquility. This connection to nature is a crucial aspect of biophilic design, enhancing the emotional and physical well-being of the occupants.
Emphasizing Light and Wind
Yukawa Design Lab’s focus on natural elements extends beyond just greenery; the home is also designed to harness light and wind effectively. The large windows in the atrium facilitate cross-ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the space. This not only helps regulate indoor temperatures but also creates a refreshing environment that promotes a sense of vitality. By emphasizing the importance of light and airflow, the architects have crafted a home that feels dynamic and alive.
A Palette of Colors and Activities
The interior design of House with a Margin showcases a thoughtful use of color that reflects the vibrant surroundings. Bright accents and natural materials complement the greenery, creating an engaging and stimulating environment. Each room is designed with specific activities in mind, ensuring that spaces are functional and enjoyable for the family. The interplay of colors and activities encourages creativity and interaction, making the home a lively and welcoming space.
Creating a Harmonious Living Environment
The overall design philosophy behind House with a Margin revolves around creating a harmonious living environment that fosters a deep connection to nature. By integrating the central tree, maximizing natural light, and promoting airflow, Yukawa Design Lab has successfully created a tranquil and invigorating residence. This approach not only enhances the home’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the residents’ overall quality of life.
A Vision of Modern Living
In House with a Margin, Yukawa Design Lab has redefined modern living by prioritizing nature, light, and activity in their architectural approach.
