Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Materials”
There is a wealth of evidence to suggest that by incorporating Biophilic Design into our built environments, we can increase our health and wellbeing. Biophilic design acknowledges that we are instinctively connected to nature and that through exploring this connection within the spaces that we live, relax and work in, we can positively influence our physical and …
There is a wealth of evidence that Biophilic Design can improve wellbeing when incorporated into the built environment. Biophilic Design applies the principles that humans have an innate attraction to nature and that increasing our connection with natural elements through the spaces in which we inhabit, work or relax, can improve our physiological and psychological health. Imagine what benefits it …
Most of us spend the predominant part of our lives indoors. These spaces where we live, study, work and relax are often lacking in the natural sensory stimuli that is being shown more and more to increase our productivity, happiness and health. Evidence has begun to emerge that the inclusion of Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli (NRSS) can also start to enhance …
The existing layout of the family room was lacking good circulation and the kitchen was isolated and dingy. We solved this by demolishing the wall next to the kitchen to create an open-plan interior where natural light could easily flow throughout the entire space. The new kitchen area now extends behind the fireplace into the rest of the room, however still remains …
The selection of colours we come across everyday affect our mood and behaviour as well as the decisions we make – be it shopping, eating or decorating our home. But why is this? Why do some colours make us feel calm and energised whilst others leave us feeling irritated or sad? Schloss and Palmer’s theory “The Ecological Valence theory” explains our preferences for …
Busy modern day offices, particularly open-plan and collaborative spaces, are filled with many disruptive noises: phones ringing, machines whirring, photocopiers beeping and other people’s conversations. In fact, research demonstrates that we are distracted once every 11 minutes whilst at work and it can take us 23 minutes to regain our concentration. This can make it extremely difficult to remain focused …
Tid for Hjem for Norways TV2’s This dark dingy, unused basement space was in need of some attention. Oliver recently used Biophilic design principles to transform the room into a productive, creative and energising environment. Before, the L-shaped room lacked natural light and a connection with nature. By incorporating a new window plus bright white, reflective surfaces, the …
I’ve talked before about how domestic products are just 1% efficient, it takes 40 tonnes of material to create 1 tonne of useful stuff, and of that 98% gets thrown away! Using household and business waste – from toothbrushes to cassette tapes (remember those?) – to do something amazing like build a house, is not only a mega transformation but …
We ask a lot from the spaces that we inhabit; practicality, durability, energy , aesthetics, acoustics. But where health does that sit within our requirements? It goes without saying that our health is improved by regular fresh air changes through controlled ventilation. But before the times of MVHR (mechanical ventilation and heat recovery) systems there were other ways that the …
I recently attended an inspirational lecture by Jonathan Chapman, Professor of Sustainable Design at Brighton University, one of the key points he makes is that people buy into meaning, not matter. Here’s the full lecture for you to watch on Youtube. Here are some scary numbers: 40.1.98.61.0 Scary……. but why? As Professor Chapman states 40 tonnnes of materials are used …
