Biophilia is an innate biological and emotional response to the natural world. In garden design, biophilic elements create an emotional connection with nature, resulting in a profound sense of well-being. At Gardens by Keltie & Clark, we specialise in luxury landscape design in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds that embrace the principles of biophilic design, creating dynamic, inspiring outdoor spaces.
Now bear with me—this is a fascinating topic. The deeper you explore it, the more you unveil the psychological layers of our human connection to nature.
Think about what makes you feel safe, calm, and at your most dynamic. It’s a space that creates a connection to something bigger than yourself, allowing you to feel part of something meaningful. Biophilic garden design taps into our primal neurology, rooted in environments that offered prospects, refuge, and a sense of security—a concept captured by the Savannah Hypothesis. This theory suggests that our ancestors gravitated toward landscapes that provided open views, water sources, and protective shade, similar to the wide-open spaces of the African Savannah.
The Savannah Hypothesis has inspired modern landscape design by emphasising natural features that make us feel comfortable and at ease. This is something we embrace in our bespoke garden design in the Cotswolds, crafting outdoor spaces that reflect these fundamental principles. You can read more about how to connect with nature in your garden in our blog on Creating a Hidden Garden Sanctuary.
Keeping it simple, there are three major components of biophilic design that we incorporate into our garden spaces:
1. Nature within the Space
This involves a direct experience of nature. Examples include the feeling of a breeze across a seating area, the scent of potted herbs near an entrance, or watching dappled light play across natural surfaces. Our outdoor designs inspired by biophilia make use of such experiences to create an emotional connection with nature and foster well-being.
2. Natural Similarities
This refers to an indirect experience or representation of nature. It could be soft furnishings with floral patterns, the textures of natural landscape materials like fossil-rich stone, or natural materials incorporated within the garden design. We use these elements to ensure that the sensory connection with the natural world is ever-present in the spaces we create.
3. Nature of the Space
These are the spatial experiences that evoke curiosity, exploration, or a sense of comfort, such as stepping into a garden through a hidden pathway or entering a garden space that unfolds into expansive views—offering both mystery and surprise. This idea connects with our commitment to creating meaningful garden spaces inspired by nature.
We often talk about the concept of “borrowed landscape”—using the view or features beyond the boundaries of your own garden to enhance the space within. This is a powerful bespoke garden design technique we use to create drama and scale in gardens, often linking an individual garden to the broader landscape beyond.
In our approach to luxury landscape design in Cheltenham, the other components of biophilic design are also carefully considered. We prioritize natural sensory experiences: planting scented flowers near seating areas, incorporating natural landscape materials, and providing spaces that create well-being and comfort. The principles of biophilic design may be overarching, but they are applied uniquely in every project to make each garden special and personal.
Whether it’s through water features, natural textures, or seating areas that provide comfort and views, creating well-being through landscape design is at the core of what we do. Our designs are inspired by a desire to craft outdoor spaces that help you connect with the natural world and experience true peace and inspiration.
Ready to transform your outdoor space with a unique biophilic design garden? Gardens by Keltie & Clark specialises in creating personalised gardens that evoke nature, foster well-being, and add luxury to your property. For more advice on designing your dream garden, contact us today!
