Biophilic interior design studios are on the rise, seeking to establish a connection with nature in artificial environments. Beyond simply bringing the outdoors inside, these studios incorporate natural light, views of nature, plants, natural materials, textures, and patterns. The benefits of biophilic design are numerous, including reducing anxiety and promoting productivity. To inspire you, we've selected seven biophilic interior design examples from architectural studios that specialize in this field.
VTN Architects - Vietnam
Let's start with Vo Trong Nghia Architects, a Vietnam-based architectural practice known for integrating lush greenery, weathered stone, and abundant natural light into their designs. One outstanding project is the Stepping Park House, a three-story residential building that features a large void cutting diagonally through it. Each floor is adorned with plants and trees, bathed in natural light, allowing residents to connect with the neighboring park.
Biombo Architects - Indonesia
Based in Bali, Biombo Architects draws inspiration from the region's natural beauty, focusing on creating interiors that harmonize with their surroundings. A prime example is their family villa, designed around an indoor tropical garden that mirrors the lush jungle environment. The villa also incorporates natural ventilation, thanks to its mostly glass exterior, enabling a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Charlotte Taylor · Nicholas Préaud - United Kingdom
Design duo Charlotte Taylor and Nicholas Preaud's Casa Atibaia project envisions a modernist "jungle home," taking inspiration from the iconic 'Glass House' by architect Lina Bo Bardi. This concrete and glass structure incorporates nature into its design through the use of accent walls made from protruding boulders, as well as bookcases and headboards that mimic natural elements.
IBUKU - Canada
IBUKU, founded by Canadian designer Eleanor Hardy, creates spaces where people can authentically connect with nature. The studio specializes in using bamboo, shaping spaces that feel like nests or cocoons, almost as if they were organically grown rather than constructed. One of their famous projects is a community of bamboo houses in Bali, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
Design Unit - Indonesia
Design Unit, an architectural studio based in Bali, strives to create spaces that reflect the natural palette of their surroundings. They incorporate greenery and natural finishes, as seen in their Bamboo House project, which is covered in bamboo cladding. Another impressive project by Design Unit is "Factory in the Forest," a prime example of biophilic architecture. This design features a green courtyard and a canopy-like structure, allowing maximum contact with nature.
Makhno Architects - Ukraine
Makhno Architects combines Japanese and Ukrainian influences, embracing the wabi-sabi philosophy and the forces of nature. Utilizing materials such as wood, concrete, copper, and clay, the studio embraces their natural imperfections. The Mazanka Apartment showcases an interior crafted to resemble raw clay, with plaster creating an organic and untouched effect. The studio takes a similar approach in the design of the Japanese restaurant Fujiwara Yoshi, using natural stone walls and an interior garden.
SeARCH - The Netherlands
Finally, we have SeARCH, a Dutch practice that incorporates biophilic design in their projects. Hotel Jakarta in Amsterdam stands out as an excellent example, with its subtropical indoor garden illuminated by natural light. The hotel's unique thirty-meter high wooden main structure is enriched by transparent and glass facades, seamlessly blending with nature. The timber curtain wall is visible throughout the hotel, creating a sense of expansiveness.
These seven biophilic interior design studios demonstrate the innovative ways in which architecture and nature can intertwine, creating beautifully harmonious spaces. By incorporating elements such as natural light, greenery, and natural materials, these studios provide a multi-sensory experience that promotes well-being and connection with the environment. Explore these examples for inspiration and consider how you can infuse biophilic design into your own space.