Enhancing wellbeing with green spaces at home
In today’s fast-paced urban life, finding moments of peace and quiet can feel like a distant dream.
The pandemic was a much-needed opportunity to slow down and realise that home is not just a place to sleep, shower, and host the occasional dinner party. It is a sanctuary that contributes heavily to our physical, mental, and emotional health, and it needs to be a space that elicits joy.
This led to a new trend emerging as people tried to prioritise their well-being – integrating greenery into homes. Be it terraces, balconies, or even small portable herb gardens, the concept of creating green spaces in homes is more relevant than ever. What was once deemed a fleeting design fad now reflects an essential shift towards embracing and prioritising wellness. This movement is rooted in biophilic design principles and encourages people to turn their homes into sanctuaries.
Biophilic Design: A New Frontier in Luxury Real Estate
Biophilic design, a concept that emphasises the connection between humans and nature, is at the forefront of luxury real estate development. This design philosophy is not just about incorporating plants into the home but creating a seamless blend of natural elements within the built environment. Features such as living walls, indoor gardens, and natural light play a pivotal role in this design approach.
- Natural Light: Maximising natural light is a crucial aspect of biophilic design. Floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and open floor plans ensure that spaces are bathed in sunlight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating a more inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can regulate sleep patterns and boost productivity.
- Indoor Gardens: Incorporating indoor gardens into homes allows people to experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening without stepping outside. These gardens can range from small herb patches to expansive terraces and balconies filled with exotic plants. The act of tending to these gardens has been shown to reduce stress and promote a deeper connection with nature.
The Benefits of Nature in the Home
There is growing awareness of the many positive effects that green spaces have on our health3. These findings are particularly relevant in today’s context, where projects have transformed into a multifunctional space for living, working, and recreation. Green spaces like the common areas of the development can serve as natural cooling agents, reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial climate control during hot seasons. In fact, certain plants such as the peace lily, snake plant, and spider plant, are particularly effective at removing toxins from the air4.
Plants – if placed around the perimeter of a balcony, for instance – also act as sound barriers, muffling urban noise and creating a more peaceful living environment. But most importantly, creating green pockets at home will help you to reconnect with nature daily. Whether it’s tending to plants, meditating amidst nature, or simply unwinding in your green oasis after a long day at work, the benefits are manifold.
The greenery outdoors can even elicit a sense of community, providing gathering spaces for neighbours to connect and children to play, enhancing the overall quality of life within residential complexes. Parks and gardens act as spaces for people of all ages to come together and celebrate festivals like Holi, or even every morning for yoga and a laugh.
The Green Future of Luxury Living
Developers and designers are increasingly recognising that true luxury is not just about opulent finishes but creating environments that enhance the quality of life. The popularity of bringing the outdoors inside reflects a broader movement towards sustainability and holistic wellbeing. By bringing nature indoors, people are transforming their luxury homes into bespoke sanctuaries that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. This evolution is not only enhancing the appeal of luxury real estate but also setting new standards for what it means to live well.
