Building Better: How Biophilic Design Creates Healthier Homes
Written By Alexandré Pinto
At Tectonic Design Build, we conceptualize and execute high-performing homes with consideration of the health of the inhabitants. We carefully select materials that offer long-term durability and are energy efficient. We also employ cutting-edge technologies and systems that are clean, comfortable, and yes, luxurious. We execute this by choosing non-toxic materials and mechanical systems to purify the air and reduce a home’s pollutants. Our dedicated team of designers and architects is committed to building healthier home environments that prioritize well-being through impactful design that goes beyond aesthetics.
What is Biophilic Home Design
When it comes to designing elevated spaces that speak to our client’s diverse tastes and desires, we make sure to incorporate nature-based elements. For this, we refer to Biophilic Design — the studied approach to incorporating nature into architecture and interior design. What we love about this practice is that it looks at the whole human experience, including the physical, mental, and emotional needs of people.
There are two ways to incorporate biophilic interior design into a space: direct and indirect. Direct examples include bringing in live vegetation, including living plants, flowers, or trees as well as animals, and water and fire features. Biophilic home design also celebrates bringing more natural sunlight indoors while creating accessibility to the outdoors through windows and terraces. Indirect biophilic design is all about creating a more subconscious connection to nature through the use of colors, organic shapes, patterns, art, and the integrated use of sounds reminiscent of the wild.
Creating built spaces that are visually appealing and speak to the senses is important, but at its core, biophilic design is about optimizing our health, productivity, and peace of mind. Reports have shown that biophilic design can improve productivity and creativity by up to 15%. This feels especially important considering that remote work is on the rise and home offices are becoming essential to the residential environment. At Tectonic, our objective is to build spaces that are better for you and in harmony with the environment. This is the beauty of biophilia.
We are always on the lookout for more conscious and collaborative ways to elevate our client’s homes. We partner with Boulder Blooms, a local business comprised of nature enthusiasts whose sculptural and wild floral arrangements bring the wonders of the outdoors, in. Our love for plants, both for their beauty and their numerous benefits, is crucial to creating a healthier home in balance with nature. What’s better than the waxy, green leaves of a ZZ Plant displayed in a modern living room or the bold height of a towering Rubber Tree in the bedroom?
Our most recent partnership is a celebration of the healing power of plants brought to you by the brilliant minds at Incrementum.
A Natural Fit: Utilizing Incrementum's Biophilic Design Services
When it comes to incorporating direct links to nature inside of the home, there is no one better than the female-owned, Boulder-based business—Incrementum. Sierra Voss is the CEO and owner of the interior plantscaping company whose values deeply align with our own: to create healthier homes that consider the environment while nourishing and inspiring us.
“We believe that biophilia is an essential element in design. Why? Because plants make people happy, healthy, and productive. At Incrementum, we bring live plants into built environments using thoughtfully executed designs that compliment the interiors,” says Sierra.
Did you know that humans spend 90% of their time indoors?
The truth is that we are meant to thrive and survive in nature. Incrementum’s mission is to create more meaningful and healthy experiences indoors, which has resulted in epic plant installations for both national and local businesses. Their biophilic interior design services range from jungle-inspired oases, living moss walls, hanging plants overhead to 12-foot trees that remind us of the great outdoors. They also work closely with residential clients to breathe fresh life into their homes while making bold design impressions.
Learn more about Incrementum’s biophilic design experts and their plant services.
From inception to completion, Tectonic works with Incrementum and her team of plant designers and plant care experts during the early stages of a home remodel or renovation. Studying light, humidity, and temperature, they determine what species of plants will do best in their new space while carefully considering your unique lifestyle and home ecosystem during the plant selection process.
Going Green
Plants are natural air purifiers capable of filtering toxic chemicals
They increase the humidity in the home and improve respiratory health
Reduce stress and increase positive emotions
Provide visual relief and remind us of our innate connection to the natural world
Some plants, such as calatheas, open and close their leaves from day to night, reminding us of our natural circadian rhythm
We recently brought Incrementum to style Newland’s House—a modern, open-concept home with a minimalist yet earthy ambiance. For the bedroom, their plant experts selected a Ficus Audrey, a stunning statement piece with soft leaf shapes and gorgeous gradient colors. For the dining area, a tropical Bird of Paradise was chosen to anchor the room with bold and sculptural greenery. For the living room, they placed a tall Dracaena Marginata that offered height, color, and texture in this cozy, gathering area. Each of these plants requires bright indirect sunlight to thrive, something the remodeled home provides.
“We believe that healthy, holistic homes are the way towards a more resilient future, and we love creating alongside another local business who share this same vision.” —Sierra Voss
