3.1.5CONCLUSION

Through the precedent analysis, it is clear that all of the examples emphasize the connection to nature in some way through their design, ultimately making them examples of “biophilic homes.” They employ direct ways of doing this, such as through ample garden space, courtyards with greenery and trees in the home, and visual or physical connections to surrounding environments, but they also include aspects of biophilic design such as connections to water in innovative ways, implementation of natural ventilation systems, and clear access to daylighting through large expanses of windows and skylights. The use of natural material finishes, such as wood and stone, also indirectly creates a connection back to nature, which can classify as a principle of biophilic design. In studying these homes, it is evident that biophilic design is more than just the incorporation of plants into a project and can be implemented in a variety of ways through the introduction of various natural elements, both in direct and indirect ways. Additionally, these examples show that biophilic design is adaptable to the circumstances of each individual project and site, and the focus for this design approach is not necessarily on the addition of nature, but on the ways in which the elements of the design can create a relationship, either physically or mentally, between the inhabitants and the natural world.

Another conclusion that can be drawn by looking at these precedents is the clear connection between wealth and biophilic design in the built residential work we see today. These projects are some of the most prominent examples in the slim portfolio of residential biophilic projects and while they notably emphasize the design practice and its importance, they also imply that this practice is only available to the wealthiest clients due to their extravagance. As accessibility to biophilic design is one of the main interests of this thesis, it is important to recognize that the available precedents for this design practice are only precedents for implementation examples, and not precedents that demonstrate the accessibility of the practice of biophilic design. With this thesis and accompanying design project, the goal is to address this lack of representation for the accessible and widespread use of biophilic design by providing a resource that can be used by and is helpful to people of all financial backgrounds.