| Connecting with nature through design

“We will never be truly healthy, satisfied, or fulfilled if we live apart and alienated from the environment from which we evolved” - Stephen R. Kellert

An extension of the mid-20th century hypothesis of biophilia, biophilic design is the art of integrating the built environment with nature and its natural materials – something we embrace when designing our prefabricated homes. Rather than simply adding shrubs and earthy textures to architecture and interior design practice, biophilic design curates systems of coexistence between humans and nature.

Coined by Pinterest as the leading home trend in 2022 after topical trending search terms such as ‘Biophilic architecture’ increased to a staggering +150% last year, biophilic design is proving to have a big future as it gains momentum and prominence. Here, we take a look at the benefits of biophilic design and a few ways it can be used in architectural and interior design.

| Why consider biophilic design for your home?

Key to the Koto ethos, we aim to provide a solution to modern life’s chaotic environments by methodically encouraging slow living and deepening users’ experience with nature through our unique design concepts.

As a scientifically proven way of improving both physical wellbeing and mental health, incorporating biophilic living in all of our Koto home and cabin designs is of fundamental importance. Aside from the undeniable aesthetic advantages of utilising natural materials for building and interior design, biophilic elements restore balance to our lives.

Amongst the proven health benefits, studies have shown that biophilic design reduces stress through its calming effect and increases productivity in humans; other studies have shown that introducing a number of appropriate house plants helps to cleanse contaminated air. 

Humankind’s primal instinct to seek nature means that when we embrace biophilic design by bringing the outside in, our senses are stimulated and creativity peaks in the home and work environment.

| Applying biophilic design in homes and cabins

Builds

From the initial design stages of any home or cabin project, we create spaces with nature connectedness front of mind. The distinctive vast glazing featured in every one of Koto’s modular builds allows natural light to drench interior living areas whilst exposing views to the exterior landscape. 

Natural ventilation, an aspect of biophilic design, is one of the principal ways to introduce airflow and cool air in builds without requiring mechanical solutions or air conditioning. Placing doors and windows strategically in the initial design phase of a project helps to opitmise ventilation and encourages a natural breeze to passing through interiors.

At Koto, we adopt a timber construction method and timber cladding for our builds. Opting for timber engages the user with nature by surrounding them with natural structural materials. Using such materials also has a warming and welcoming effect on its occupants whilst being a planet-friendly, carbon-neutral way to design.

Interiors

When considering how to apply biophilic design in home interiors, we aspire to always use beautiful raw forms and textures which encourage the user to feel connected with nature. Natural materials including wood, stone, wool, and plenty of house plants are simple ways to incorporate biophilic design in home interiors.

The use of natural lighting, colours, and shapes for people to explore and align with also help to link interiors to the outdoors. It is possible for any space in the built environment to have biophilic elements which create a relaxing and inspiring haven, bringing the user closer to the natural world.

Access to natural ecosystems plays an important role in sustaining our body and mind’s spiritual and physical health whilst having a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives.

If you are looking to build a biophilic designed home or cabin development, please get in touch with Poppy at poppy@kotocabins.com.

To hear more about how we can help with interior projects or curated furniture packages, please get in touch with Kirstie at info@kotoliving.co.uk.

Architecture - Koto Design
Interior and Branding - Koto Living

Prefabricated Architecture
Sustainable by Necessity