Residential Applications of Biophilic Design

Jake Kruse is a dog breeder in Salem, Iowa, who enjoys outdoor hobbies like fishing and boating. Similarly, Jake Kruse's profession as a landscaper demonstrates his fondness for the outdoors.

The concept of humans desiring a connection with nature is called biophilia. It extends beyond cultivating plants indoors and involves incorporating building materials that invoke nature with all the senses without sacrificing function. Examples might include using natural stone countertops and floors or marble bathroom fixtures.

The biophilic design relies on the premise that homes should take advantage of what suits humans’ biologically. A prominent example is using light sources that emulate how humans used light before inventing artificial sources. Some ways to increase exposure to natural light include installing larger windows and skylights and selecting minimalist window treatments. Simulated natural light sources include diffuse light sources which emit light via surfaces like walls, task-based sources which only illuminate necessary areas, and lights with time-sensitive colors, like white light during daytime and no blue light at night.