How to Use Natural Stone for Biophilic Design

The climate crisis echoes in our minds, and the problems of a clean environment are always actual. Nowadays, the momentum of biophilic design feels natural.

A little history

Despite its long history, biophilic design became popular in the 1970s, with rising concern for the environment, by way of incorporating "natural themes" in ceramics, arts, and architecture.

Today, as the environmental crisis has become more acute, the approach to concepts that prioritize nature could not escape the social effort toward a cleaner world in all respects.

What is specific

Designers define "biophilic" as an extrapolation of the outside in, with the idea of connecting the built space to the natural. As far as possible, at PIATRAONLINE we go further to identify these spaces. We are doing this by being aware of all the benefits derived from this concept. After all, we place our creativity in the service of our clients, to increase their satisfaction and well-being.

The connection with nature is achieved first in terms of visuals, and then by materials, by way of specific elements, mainly floors, stairs, stone, or wood countertops. These principles of connection and use of natural components made this style consistent and sustainable, besides the novelty.

A necessary escape

The constant rush for current technologies has seized the environment, generating extra stress. With our comfort invaded by phone screens, alarming news, and excessive globalization, a return to nature is not only a logical but also an organic reaction. So, as theorists in the field have pointed out, "the biophilic design offers a break from technology, and helps restore balance".

The impact of using natural stone to support this definition, of interest to our recovery, is huge. Its vibration, discharged by millions of years of existence, will act according to any soul, by refreshing it. The persistence, the unique feature, and the connection to the outer world, only available for natural stone justifies the claims of using it as an essential element of biophilic design.

Guidelines

The easiest way is to follow and imitate nature. Look out the window and try to copy what you see, bring nature into your home, within the limits of the space you have!

Be creative by extending the shine of the season: foliage, wood, stone, and water can all find a blessed place indoors. They won't just stay in the space you live in, they will also come inside you, enjoying a beneficial transformation that only nature, with its subtle connections, can bring about.

When trying to bring stone closer to you, choose colors that allow you to create an intimate connection with nature. Mediterranean shade travertine, marble with a relaxing glow, sallow-colored slate, and persistent granite.

Unprocessed textures, simple finishes, and unsophisticated decoration projects will bring nature before you, in its uncomplicated form.

Any amplification by adding elements that stimulate the senses, such as the carefully chosen plants incorporated into an interior design or wood, a stone brother, will highlight the connection.  Urban, indoor horticulture, with surprising terrariums, tiny Japanese gardens, living moss, and lampshades that diffuse light, successfully mimic nature, and call it into your home.

If on the outside natural stone appears as a natural element, easy to introduce into the decor in the most diverse forms, pebbles, rockery, tiles of various shapes and sizes, furniture, and decorative elements, on the inside, the options are significantly reduced. In here, we find stone as flooring and wall cladding, countertops, glazes, steps, and small interior fittings.

Biophilic design finds a simple way into the interior by using SKIN flexible slate. This 100% natural stone will save you from complicated strength calculations and high labor costs.

For biophilic design enthusiasts, PIATRAONLINE offers premium colors, textures, and finishes, along with a package of custom solutions and services, from stone selection to installation and treatment, so that you have direct and full control of your budget.