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6 Ways Residential Design Can Improve Your Health
Natural light in abundance
Vitamin D is one of the 13 essential vitamins our bodies need. It comes predominantly from sunlight. When we expose ourselves to the full solar spectrum, our seratonin levels increase ~ which improves our mental & emotional wellbeing & maintains homeostasis.
For our bodies to be in total balance to survive & function correctly, we need to give them everything they need ~ one of the basic requirements being natural light.
Oxygen
Our bodies rely on oxygen to make energy. It is carried to our organs and tissues through our blood, and without it we wouldn't be able to carry out normal functions like moving our bodies, digesting our food, or thinking.
Through natural ventilation & quality air, we provide our bodies with the oxygen it needs to function at the basic level.
Living plants in the indoors environment increase oxygen levels in the home, improving health.
Natural Environments
Exposure to green spaces has been associated with a range of positive health outcomes, including improved mental health, reduced stress & anxiety, faster recovery from illness, improved sleep, & hormone balance.
A view of nature resembles the original cave. So incorporate lots of windows & views to the natural outdoor environment to improve health.
Natural water sources assist biodiversity, which in turn strengthens our ecosystem. When we have access to natural mineral water, our bodies gain essential minerals in quantities that make quick improvement to our health. We absorb nutrients by drinking or soaking in mineral water. See below a list of mineral springs throughout New Zealand.
Functionality & Useability
User experience is the main priority in home design. The first thing to be considered is how the occupants will be using the space.
Efficiency in spatial planning & movement patterns create a free flowing environment conducive to relaxed living, even in a busy family home. A home is a series of organised complexity.
Flexibility & adaptability are applicable for changing needs & future growth, so multi functional spaces can be really helpful when planning the layout of the home.
Dedicated Wellness Spaces
For interiors, optimum layout & ergonomics are essential with use of fractiles for nature connection. Spa inspired bathrooms, saunas & exercise spaces like home gym or yoga rooms allow for rejuvenation. Bedrooms can be specifically designed to improve sleep by using certain feng shui principles & colour combinations that foster rest & relaxation.
In the garden space, serene landscapes can be created using natural resources like rock gardens, waterfalls or natural swimming pools. Go another step toward wellness & create a beautiful & productive garden using Food Forest & Permaculture design principles. Combine hard & soft scaping & you have a perfect balance.
Healthy Material Selection
Natural materials are the best thing to use when creating a living environment. They do not leach any nasty chemicals into the air or onto your skin, they are better for the planet, & the contractors!
There are so many beautiful natural products available now, including paint, architectural finishes, & furniture. Using pieces from the natural environment for home decor like an olive branch, a selection of flower stems from your garden, or shells & stones you found while exploring nature. These natural items can be displayed in handmade pottery vases or bowls sourced from your local artist.
Using nature & natural materials with organic shape & texture in the home is a simple way to improve your physical & mental health.