Harmony in Habitat
In this final instalment of my biophilic design series for Sanctuary Magazine, I explore two essentials for creating homes that foster a deep connection to nature: place-based relationships and evolved human-nature relationships.
These elements reflect the local geography, history, culture and ecology of a place while also addressing our human need for beauty, security, order and complexity. When these concepts are embraced, homes not only feel deeply rooted in their environment but also promote sustainability and harmony with the natural world.
NATURE’S GEOMETRY
Place-based design emphasises connection to the ecology and culture of a specific geographical context. A biophilic home serves as a living, breathing extension of its natural surroundings, reflecting the unique characteristics of its location and anchoring itself within the environment.
Geographical connection to place
A sense of place is often achieved through locally sourced materials and design strategies that respect the site’s natural features. Coastal homes, for instance, may use durable materials designed to withstand the harsh environment while incorporating architectural forms that echo the natural curves and contours of the coastline and dunes. In bushfire-prone areas, fire-resistant materials like rammed earth offer both durability and safety while blending with the landscape’s natural tones and textures. Such choices not only make the home more resilient but also visually connect it to its surroundings, strengthening its relationship with the landscape.
Connection to place can also be achieved by respecting the land’s natural topography, allowing the home’s form to enhance rather than impose upon the landscape. A flat roof, for example, might suit the openness of sweeping plains, while a steeply pitched roof could complement mountainous terrain. By working with the land’s existing topographical features, the home becomes a harmonious part of the environment, fostering a deeper connection to its geographical context and creating a stronger sense of place.
Historical and cultural connection to place
Homes that integrate local or personal history tell a unique story, enriching the design with deeper meaning. Reusing materials salvaged from a demolition is one way to add narrative depth, since they are imbued with the memories and history of a place. By embedding these materials into the design, the home becomes a living tribute to its past, strengthening the emotional connection between the home and its inhabitants.
Incorporating traditional building techniques and local craftsmanship can further enrich a home's historical and cultural connections. This may involve acknowledging the site's ancient history through engagement with Indigenous culture, as well as its colonial past. By researching local heritage and collaborating with Indigenous artists and local artisans to integrate traditional methods, materials, stories or artwork, a home can honour the land's cultural and historical legacy, adding a deeper layer of significance and connection to the design.
EVOLVED HUMAN-NATURE RELATIONSHIPS IN HOME DESIGN
Our affinity for nature is deeply ingrained, and biophilic design taps into this through evolved human-nature relationships. These are the emotional and psychological responses that emerge from our interaction with natural environments, shaped by thousands of years of evolution. Designing homes that satisfy these primal instincts fosters a deep sense of comfort and wellbeing.
Prospect and refuge
Prospect and refuge are key principles in a biophilic home design. Prospect refers to the ability to see outward into expansive, open areas, offering a sense of connection to the broader environment. This can be achieved through features like large windows, open plan living spaces, and views into gardens or natural landscapes.
Refuge, on the other hand, addresses our need for safety and comfort in more enclosed, intimate spaces. Cosy nooks, sheltered corners and quiet, private areas provide a sense of retreat and cocooning from the outside world.
Balancing these elements in a home allows for spaces that encourage exploration and connection, while also offering moments of solitude and peace.
Order and complexity
Similarly, biophilic design aims to balance order and complexity, mirroring how natural ecosystems are organised yet rich in diversity, to create spaces that feel both structured and dynamic.
Geometry can play a central role in achieving this balance, with grid patterns or strong architectural lines creating a sense of order, while contrasting elements like irregular shapes or angles introduce complexity, mimicking the organic diversity that makes natural environments so engaging.
Spatial arrangement and movement can further support the balance between order and complexity. Just as nature presents predictable patterns alongside moments of surprise, homes can feature clear pathways and functional zones to establish order, while elements like varied ceiling heights, asymmetrical layouts, or unexpected nooks introduce complexity, adding depth and interest without disrupting overall harmony.
Attraction and beauty
In the natural world, beauty captivates us, inspiring feelings of awe, peace, and wonder. Biophilic design seeks to evoke similar experiences by crafting spaces that are visually enriching. A well-designed biophilic home achieves this through a thoughtful balance of form, proportion and harmony. For instance, using the golden ratio (a visually pleasing ratio between two measurements of approximately 1.62 to 1) in the proportions of rooms or facades creates a natural sense of balance and order that aligns with our innate perception of beauty. Incorporating symmetry and rhythm in the arrangement of windows and openings further reinforces this sense of harmony. These features make architecture aesthetically satisfying, encouraging us to linger and feel at ease.
A HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE
By embracing place-based and evolved human-nature relationships in our homes, we create thriving spaces that honour the ecology and culture of their surroundings. Biophilic homes deepen our connection to the land, blending beauty and sustainability with the rhythms of nature. This approach nurtures both residents and the environment, fostering a harmonious relationship that enriches life on every level.
CASE STUDY: FOXGLOVE HOUSE
A striking example of place-based and evolved human-nature relationships can be seen in a new residential project nestled in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, where a small stable block has been replaced with a low-carbon family home with low visual impact. Located within a highly sensitive green belt area where building permission is rarely granted, the project was approved due to its very high standard of architecture and significant enhancement of its immediate setting, while remaining sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.
The design respects the geographical setting in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by minimising its impact on valley views. The home’s low-profile green roof reduces visual disruption to the landscape, while its zigzag facades create depth and shadow, allowing the building to blend seamlessly into the backdrop of tall foliage.
The use of cross-laminated timber beams brings a harmonious balance between order and complexity. Exposed beams form a visually rich pattern, while the grid’s strong geometry lends structure and coherence to the home. The internal courtyard, strategically placed at a 45-degree angle to the grid, maximises southern solar exposure for the north-facing rooms (ideal in the northern hemisphere) while also preventing light pollution to neighbouring properties. The courtyard serves as a private, secure space, providing a safe entrance and offering a secluded retreat from the elements.
The external cladding features natural materials with low embodied energy, chosen for their durability and ability to age gracefully. The facades are primarily composed of local waste brick and pre-patinated recycled copper, with the bricks sourced from a facility located just a few kilometres away. The arrangement of various sizes and types of bricks was thoughtfully composed in collaboration with local artisans, resulting in a distinctive biophilic design that also provides habitats for bats, swifts, swallows, bees and native flora.
The surrounding gardens, designed by Bowles & Wyre and James Smith, gently integrate the home into the existing ecosystem. Naturalistic planting and rewilded meadows support local wildlife, including threatened bird species, and enhance the area's ecological vitality.
The understated beauty of Foxglove House lies in its harmonious blend of architecture, ecology, and local heritage. Its thoughtful response to the natural surroundings not only exemplifies place-based and human-nature relationships but also highlights the elegance of biophilic design. The home’s balance of form and function creates a strong connection to the landscape, enhancing the environment and fostering a deep appreciation for its setting.
Designer: Kirkland Fraser Moor
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Photography: Edmund Sumner
Above: Built in a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Hertfordshire, UK, Foxglove House has been designed with connection to place and enhancement of its surroundings firmly in mind.
Above: Exposed beams form a visually rich pattern, while the grid’s strong geometry lends structure and coherence to the home.
Above: The home’s low profile green roof reduces visual disruption to the landscape, while its zigzag facades create depth and shadow, allowing the building to blend seamlessly into a backdrop of tall trees.
Above: Bricks crafted using a wood-fired kiln just two kilometres away, in colours reflecting the local clay.
Above: The internal courtyard is strategically placed at a 45-degree angle to maximise southern solar exposure for northern rooms (ideal in the northern hemisphere).