Designing with Nature: Why it is So Important (Part 1)

Embracing Our Connection to the Outdoors

In a post-pandemic world, our bond with nature has grown stronger. According to the UK government’s People and Nature Survey, nearly half of adults in England are spending more time outdoors than ever. This shift has been fueled by scientific research highlighting the positive effects of nature on our health and wellbeing. As a result, practices like "Green Social Prescribing" are encouraging individuals to embrace the outdoors to combat stress and anxiety.

In Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, serves as a structured method for reconnecting with nature. This ancient practice has gained renewed attention for its therapeutic benefits. Although the idea of finding solace in nature is not new, it can sometimes be sidelined in design.

At OVS, we are passionate about designing with nature in mind. Our architecture and interior design projects celebrate natural light, landscape views, and biophilic design principles. We believe that integrating the essence of the outdoors into our work enhances our living spaces.

A Seamless Transition Between Indoors and Outdoors

In part 1 of 2, we showcase three design projects that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. These projects offer inspiration for creating a smooth flow between the inside and outside of your home.

Rainscape

Designing in response to a conceptual brief can be both rare and rewarding. For the Rainscape project, we focused on honoring the sound of rainfall. The outcome is a design that enhances our sensory experiences and deepens our relationship with nature.

Drawing inspiration from a rich heritage of tropical architecture and the elegance inherent in Victorian Australian residences, Rainscape achieves a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Central to this design is a deep respect for water, sound, and atmosphere.

The choice of corrugated steel for the roof is both intentional and expressive. This iconic material, entrenched in the Australian vernacular, provides more than just shelter; it creates music. The gentle rhythm of raindrops on metal forms a soothing symphony, serving as a quiet reminder of nature's constant presence.

A spacious covered veranda becomes a sanctuary that merges the indoors and outdoors. Residents can relax, listen to the rain, and reflect in this tranquil space, framed by finely detailed timberwork and elegant Victorian flourishes. Lush plantings and open airways contribute to a tropical ambiance.

Casa Blanco

Traditional London loft extensions often feature tile-clad dormers. However, Casa Blanco offers a fresh perspective. This project explores how an extension can enhance a building's presence while harmonizing with its unique urban context.

Casa Blanco stands out with its striking contemporary dormer, clad in a muted white that interacts beautifully with the building’s façade and London’s grey skies. By mirroring the tone of the overcast atmosphere, the extension complements its environment. On sunny days, its form appears sculptural; during duller moments, it seamlessly blends into the skyline like a cloud.

Inside, a large window invites diffused northern light while ensuring privacy. The chosen materials are designed to age gracefully, adapting to weather rather than resisting it. The result is an extension that evolves with its surroundings, embodying a dynamic rather than static space.

The Urban Refuge

In Urban Refuge, we treat the home as a porous envelope, erasing the boundaries between the interior and exterior. This approach includes a series of single-story, two-story, and loft-level extensions that bring the outside in while pushing the interior outward.

At the center of the design is a dramatic double-height atrium, an open vertical space that channels light deep within the home and establishes visual connections across multiple levels. The internal layout is fluid, with softened thresholds and framed views that encourage movement and quiet reflection. The house transforms from a confined structure into a living sequence of spaces that blurs the line between inside and outside.

Light serves as a key element in this interplay. It enters the home through high-level openings, glazed apertures, and skillfully carved voids. Reflected off surfaces and filtered through textures, light constantly shifts, creating a vibrant atmosphere influenced by time and weather. This dynamic presence of natural light enriches the home, fostering a vital connection to its environment.

Inside, the design embraces a ‘Japandi meets Jungle’ sensibility. Biophilic elements and lush greenery infuse the space, enhancing the overall experience of living harmoniously with nature.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue to explore additional projects that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

If you're considering how to create an environment that fosters a natural connection with the outdoors, get in touch. We would love to discuss how we can help you design a space that embodies these principles.