5 Properties Bringing New Life to Biophilic Design

Architecture + Design5 Properties Bringing New Life to Biophilic Design It’s a movement, not a trend

By Shivani Vora

January 8, 2022

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Clean lines meet organic shapes and towering palms at this Beverly Hills home at Wallace RidgeDouglas Friedman

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When it comes to new homes and residential developments, biophilic design is quickly gaining traction. It’s a style that connects homeowners to nature with elements such as indoor plants and fountains, terraces, and gardens. Views of the ocean, mountains, and other outdoor landscapes also figure in.

“Biophilic design is a movement today, not a trend,” says the celebrated designer Clodagh who has worked on biophilic-focused projects for the last two decades. Her portfolio includes the Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal that features an organic garden where guest can dine, and a luxury loft in Manhattan that has terraces laden with fragrant flowers.

COVID-19 has accelerated the popularity of biophilia, Clodagh says. “People have woken up and realized that being surrounded by nature can have a positive impact on their mental and physical health and boost their mood,” she says. At its best, according to Clodagh, biophilic design engages all the senses. “You should be able to touch plants and flowers, hear the gurgling of water, and be looking at something beautiful,” she says,

From a new development in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to a $65-million estate in Beverly Hills, we have compiled seven examples where biophilic living takes center stage.

A rendering of the NX condominium rooftop in Brooklyn, New York.

Photo: Binyan StudiosNX at 215 North 10th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Starting price: $930,000

This new condominium began selling in early November. NX features a lobby that doubles as a lounge and work area, and it has lush greenery including a large Ficus tree. Most residences have terraces, and all have 10-foot ceilings and wide windows that create light flooded interiors. There’s also a landscaped sunroof with views over Brooklyn and Manhattan, and it features a lawn where residents can lounge.

The green exterior of 40 Sayres Path.

Rise Media for Sotheby's International Realty - Bridgehampton Brokerage40 Sayres Path, Wainscott, New York

Price: $10.95 million

Square footage: 14,000

Beds/Baths: 9 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, 3 half baths

Indoor-outdoor living goes ultra-luxe at this Wainscott manse that’s less than a mile from the ocean. Biophilia is throughout the home, from the fountains at the entryway, outdoor kitchen, and skylights to the numerous gardens (including several that are edible) and an infinity pool with a waterfall. But there’s more: The residence also boasts a glass enclosed winter dining room, cantilevered terrace, garden views, and a frog pond.

A tranquil residence at The Emerald in Seattle.

Photo: Steel BlueThe Emerald, Seattle, Washington

Starting price: $500,000

A new 40-story development near Pike Place Market, The Emerald has 262 residences, all of which feature views of downtown. The tower’s glass facets reflect Puget Sound, and residents are surrounded by the mountains and water. The large windows offer a great deal of natural light. The Olympic Room, located on the 39th floor, has indoor and outdoor areas and an impressive double-height glass-encased club room. Also, the penthouses feature over 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that intensify the sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains.

An olive tree growing in the courtyard at Wallace Ridge.

Photo: Aaron Kirman1108 Wallace Ridge, Beverly Hills, California

Price: $65 million

Square footage: 24,829

Beds/Baths: 7 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms

With a 150-year-old olive tree from Italy as its showpiece, how could this massive estate be anything less than spectacular? It’s full of biophilic elements including a glass bridge that leads to a towering foyer and an open floor plan, a courtyard, a pool with a deck, and floor-to-ceiling windows in every bedroom that overlook plants, trees, and flowers outside.

A spacious living area at Obsidian.

Photo: Blue HeronObsidian, Las Vegas

Starting price: $4.54 million

Set in the foothills of Black Mountain, Nevada, Obsidian is a gated community with 33 homes, and every single of them has a biophilic heavy aesthetic. The homes feature views of the Las Vegas Valley and the surrounding mountains, and they also have sliding doors that lead to landscaped terraces with plants and seating areas. Additional elements include walkthroughs surrounded by stones, cacti, and water and infinity pools that overlook the desert.

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