Trending or timeless? Here’s what this wellness-minded design approach is all about — and how a timber frame fits right in.
If you’ve seen “biophilic” come up in recaps of 2024’s design trends and predictions for 2025’s…you’re not alone. While the idea of biophilic design certainly isn’t new, it has been making a louder buzz than ever before.
Wondering what it’s all about? Let’s start with a basic definition. To us, it means using design to create spaces that promote well-being through connections to nature. Pretty intuitive, right? It’s something timber frame homes have been doing for years — centuries actually. Here’s how.
This North Carolina home features “disappearing doors” that fold up to reveal an unobstructed connection between indoors and out. See more here.
Biophilic Design in Our Lives
In biology, biophilic means having an affinity for life and living things. Biophilic design was born from the premise that the human body needs nature.
It’s not just a theory. Countless studies across numerous disciplines have linked the quality of our physical and mental health to our exposure to the natural environment. Measurable benefits include better sleep, reduction in chronic inflammation, reduced stress, strengthened immunity, lower blood pressure, and even pain management, among others. But for many people, spending most of their time outside in nature isn’t practical. Biophilic design — particularly in a timber frame home — bridges the gap by bringing more nature into our daily lives. Read more about the ways a timber frame home can support your health and wellness here.
Water — particularly when surrounded by views of nature — can dramatically enhance one’s connection to the natural world and sense of well-being.
Biophilic Design Basics
Biophilic design does not have to be complicated or elaborate. Think in terms of using objects, textures, and materials that evoke an organic connection. For instance:
- Water features. Being near water features soothes your senses and the sound of flowing water is scientifically proven to promote relaxation.
- Panoramic windows. Regular views of nature are proven to help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Natural materials. Building with materials like wood and stone connect you to the earth.
- Home orientation. Optimizing exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, a critical part of maintaining healthy hormone regulation and sleep cycles.
- Fireplaces. From grand stone fireplaces to cozy fire pits out back, fire is a fundamental part of most custom homes. Practical and ambient, a timber frame home and luxe fire features go hand-in-hand.
Biophilic design is also defined by what it isn’t. Choosing highly consumptive materials such as carbon-heavy concrete or poor-quality furniture destined for a landfill in just a few short years wastes resources and stresses the environment, and is antithetical to the ethos of biophilic design.
Abundant windows are a hallmark design feature of timber frame homes. See more of this home here.
Timber Frames, Naturally
Inherently, timber frame homes are gorgeous examples of biophilic design. Sturdy timbers take center stage, anchoring the home physically and aesthetically. With a forest in its DNA, these brawny posts and beams remind you that your home is a place of comfort, security, and longevity. But there are plenty of other reasons why timber frames are excellent for biophilic design:
Because the exterior walls and timbers support the full weight of the home, a timber frame can use structural insulated panels, or SIPs, for the walls. SIPs provide one of the tightest thermal envelopes available in a structure for exceptional energy efficiency.
The pairing of timbers and SIPs gives timber frame homes their impressive array of endless customizations. This includes using ample windows for panoramic views that blur the space between indoors and out. In a timber frame you can sit in your great room immersed in gorgeous mountain, forest or shoreline views, refreshing your senses and soul. Disappearing doors, expansive outdoor living spaces, luxury fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows are classic features in a timber frame structure.
A Biophilic Beauty
See biophilic design in action with the Woodhouse StreamRock plan, designed in the modern mountain aesthetic. The interior open floor plan flows organically, connecting the kitchen, dining, and living room. Abundant windows saturate the interior with natural light and frame up picturesque views. The great room’s luxurious, three-sided fireplace turns a captivating display of flames into a centerpiece.
Of course, all of Woodhouse’s timber frame homes uphold biophilic design principles. We’ll personalize your design with the elements you love most.
Your Biophilic Timber Frame Home
Step into our online gallery and discover Woodhouse homes in the wild, then explore our timber frame home floor plans. Like what you see? Contact us for an introduction and conversation.
