#biophilic-design

#biophilic-design

For the transformation of a former boathouse in Sweden's east archipelago into a serene retreat, it all started with-what else?-the sea. "I was really struck by the first time that I visited the site," says designer Kajsa Melchior. "You come from the forest and from the outside the house looks so simple and tiny, but when you enter, the only thing you see is the sea."

Designer Pei-Ju Wu's Oasis is a clever fusion of planter, lamp, and a primary working table that is integrated into one sophisticated piece of furniture for the modern home. It serves as a functional workstation while bringing greenery and soft lighting into your everyday environment. Water is poured through a central funnel on the tabletop, which channels it to the soil below. Through capillary action, plants naturally absorb moisture, while excess water flows to a hidden tray and evaporates back into the air.

On arrival, guests are greeted by artist Isvald Klingels' "Ghost Forest" installation, which incorporates fallen tree stumps, snags, logs, and branches, alongside old-growth Red Cedars and a unique 16-foot-tall spiraling Yew tree. This site-specific "living landscape" reflects both the area’s historical timber industry and a notion of cyclical renewal, emphasizing how nature is restored in urban spaces.

Noah's Nest is designed to honor the owner's roots while leaning into modern Vietnamese architecture, showcasing locally sourced elements such as baked clay bricks and bamboo poles.

Creating an inviting outdoor work environment often begins with addressing climate control, which is where elements like patio ceiling fans by Hunter Fan become crucial for maintaining comfortable temperatures.

Historically, raw earth such as clay, sand, silt, and organic fibres was used in vernacular architecture due to its local availability, low cost, and thermal performance.

"Plants are one of those je ne sais quoi components; you might not always be able to put your finger on it, but when it's present, the space breathes differently."

The new learning landscape nurtures innate curiosity and encourages exploration, play, and self-expression.

Bringing the outdoors inside has been shown to boost mood, creativity, and mental clarity.