How a biophilic design strategy equips a house for general wellbeing

 Partial walls and millwork on the ground floor provide spatial definition in an open plan, while still allowing connectivity between spaces and views throughout. A raised breakfast bar connected to the kitchen conceals potentially untidy cooking functions from view.

Visual connectivity to the outdoors is incorporated in every part of the house. From the entry, a direct view to the backyard is visible through a tall, narrow window on axis.

A translucent pendant in the kitchen mirrors the surrounding scenery with a bright hue complementing the warm wood tones of the home's interior.

The dining room window looks out onto a mature pear tree, its foliage casting animated plays of shadow and light while the heady scent of pear blossoms in spring and ripe fruit in autumn filter through the window when opened.

A double-height space in the entry foyer showcases the home’s spatial qualities, enhanced by the generous daylight that pours in from the tall window and the abstracted shadows cast by the triangular light fixtures overhead.

A curved central staircase connects all three levels of the home, while its switchback configuration creates an opportunity for pause on the landing where a horizontal window offers glimpses into the hidden ground-floor study and pantry.

The central staircase is crafted of solid mahogany and features open risers and a curved balustrade that emulates natural organic forms, inviting the hand to run along its sculptural contours.

Green space is maximized through the installation of multiple green roofs on the second storey overhangs and the cabana roof. A hot tub built into the hard-wearing Cumaru outdoor deck and a firepit on the small patio beyond, transforms the backyard into a relaxing oasis for three out of four seasons.

The presence and sound of water features, such as the lap pool and hot tub in the backyard, promote relaxation and help to create cooling breezes when the sliding doors are opened.

The entry and soffits are detailed with Brazilian massaranduba boards, complementing the mahogany windows and front door.

The planting scheme for both front and back of house integrates native plant species, selected for both summer and winter character, and in the front yard, great care was taken in protecting the existing pear tree. Green roofs front and back are visible from all bedrooms, offering multi-sensorial enjoyment to the home’s residents; the lush greenery that thrives, combined with the sweet smell of grass and other plantings, accompany the familiar sounds of buzzing bees.