Biophilic Design: The Peace of Mind that Comes with a Safe Home

Every home should provide a safe, comfortable environment. Biophilic design reflects the connection of people with natural elements, resulting in a calm, healthy, and soothing ambiance.

Biophilic principles also apply to the safety features, which contribute considerably to your well-being. Safety risks in the home trigger a natural response that reduces your comfort level. Here are some biophilic design tips that will help you experience the peace of mind that comes with a safe home.

Seek control. You will feel safer and more comfortable in a home where you have control over your lifestyle. That means easy access.

• Storage should be within reach. Your cabinets, pantry, closets, and other areas must be reachable. While tall cabinets might appear attractive, they don’t provide you with access. In addition, install drawers in the lower cabinets so you can pull them out rather than rummaging deep into a cabinet.
• Install grab bars. Don’t allow the risk of falling. Grab bars should be installed near your toilet and in your shower and tub.
• Swap door knobs for levers. Whether you’re in a wheelchair or carrying an armload of laundry, it’s easier to pull down or nudge a lever than to twist a doorknob.
• Add railings. Just like grab bars help your balance in the bathroom, railings help you in any area where you might need assistance—from climbing stairs to navigating a hallway.

Prevent slips and falls. Even the tiniest obstruction can cause a major accident. Biophilic design is intended to create a harmonious environment, so look for these hazards that could disrupt your happy home.

• Replace or treat slippery flooring. Some surfaces are more slippery than others. Consider replacing your flooring or have them treated to reduce the slippery surface.
• Beware of area rugs. From small throw rugs to room-sized area rugs, the edges can cause tripping. Make sure all rugs are secured to your floor so they don’t curl back and cause someone to fall.
• Light your way. Add sensor lights in dark corners, stairs, halls, and walkways, so that they are automatically lit up when you approach.
• Move all cords and wires from walking areas. Today’s technology often demands a plethora of cords. Prevent them from being exposed where you can trip or become tangled. Use wireless technology and cord organizers to keep everything safely out of the way.
• Eliminate thresholds. Allow for seamless entry from one space to the next. Replace your shower stall with a step-in shower that has no threshold, and get rid of any threshold bumps in your home.

Provide a safe haven throughout your home so that you can experience the peace of mind that biophilic principles are designed to deliver.

Epcon Communities

Epcon Communities championed the concept of Biophilic design when we developed our Courtyard Collection of homes. We designed each one with a private garden courtyard at the heart of the home so homeowners could enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors any time of year. The large windows and open floor plan layouts connect homeowners with the beauty of a garden view from the main living areas of the home. And there is plenty of daylight streaming into their homes which is believed to have an energizing impact. 

We build luxury single-level homes in communities throughout the country that offer a wide variety of floorplans from 1,300 to over 3,000 square feet with 2-4 bedrooms with many popular features and options, and many of our communities include resort-style amenities.

Contact us to learn more and explore all the benefits we offer including private outdoor living space and plenty of large windows to let in natural light.