Biophilia is the human innate need and desire to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life. To be connected to nature. Just because we have evolved to live in houses and drive cars doesn’t mean we no longer need to be in nature. In fact, our lack of connectivity to nature is harmful to us physically and emotionally.

Sometimes you just need to change your space. While the daily routines we create can be fulfilling and inspiring, they can also become monotonous without us even realizing it. One of the best ways to break the monotony is to get away to a nature retreat.

Throughout history, structures were designed to create spaces open to nature with few or no walls, taking advantage of air flow, with large overhangs that protect from sun and rain. The design evolved out of the need to adapt to the harsh climate. As a result, users were connected to their natural surroundings, feeling temperature changes and enjoying fresh air, which are all part of wellness.

Throughout history, humans have harnessed the power of nature for our benefit. We have used the forces of water for grinding grain, the sun to bake bricks, and the wind to make power. More recently, we are understanding how to harness the power of nature in the built environment to impact our wellness.

Traditionally, people have purchased homes based on three priorities: “location, location, location.” But in today’s world, this just isn’t enough information, or potentially the correct information, on which to base this important decision. Our homes have a major impact on our wellness, and wellness must drive our lifestyle choices when deciding how to live.