natural interior space project

This month long project was aimed at making an outdoor interior space. Using only the materials locally sourced from the land, being the forest. Working with only what we have around us and to maximise the potentiality of the nature.

We were surrounded by a large woodland with beautiful trees, vines and ivy. Which were perfect components to making a functional and inviting space.

The idea was to create a space that felt inhabitable, able to live in, comfortable, welcoming and all natural. We wanted to make a space that not only for these reasons but a space that you genuinly would like to spend time in. A place that is a deeper reflection of the inner world.

In this process we were working a lot with form, natural forms that were appearing through the materials, with the intention of working with them rather than against them. This process was very interesting in learning more in-depth about how we can work with the nature and fully integrate it into our lives and spaces. Working with the will of the materials rather than only the will of our own.

why it is important to work and integrate natural materials in our interior spaces

The consideration of using natural materials in interior spaces aligns with several important factors in our modern era. As societies become more aware of environmental sustainability, human well-being, and the impact of design choices, incorporating natural materials has gained significance.

Here are some reasons why it's crucial to think about using natural materials in contemporary interior spaces:

Environmental Sustainability:

Resource Conservation: Natural materials often have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives. Using materials like wood, bamboo, or cork, which are renewable and biodegradable, contributes to resource conservation.

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Many natural materials have a smaller carbon footprint during production compared to certain synthetic materials. Sustainable harvesting and responsible sourcing further enhance their environmental profile.

Health and Well-Being:

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Natural materials, especially those untreated or finished with low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products, contribute to better indoor air quality. This is vital for occupant health and well-being.

Connection to Nature: Interiors with natural materials provide a connection to the outdoors, supporting biophilic design principles. This connection has been linked to reduced stress, improved focus, and increased overall well-being.

Aesthetic Appeal and Timelessness:

Warm and Inviting Aesthetics: Natural materials often impart a warm and inviting atmosphere to interiors. Wood, stone, and natural fibers add a timeless aesthetic that can adapt to changing design trends.

Individual Character: Natural materials, especially those with unique patterns or variations, contribute to the individual character of each space. This uniqueness enhances the overall design.

Energy Efficiency:

Thermal Mass: Certain natural materials, like stone or rammed earth, have excellent thermal mass properties. They can absorb, store, and release heat, contributing to energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperatures.

Daylighting: Maximizing natural light through the use of glass and other transparent materials reduces the reliance on artificial lighting, lowering energy consumption.

Biophilic Design:

Connection to Nature: Biophilic design principles involve incorporating elements of nature into the built environment. Natural materials play a key role in achieving this connection, promoting occupant well-being and satisfaction.

Stress Reduction: Biophilic design has been associated with stress reduction, improved cognitive function, and increased creativity, making it particularly relevant in office and residential spaces.

Longevity and Durability:

Long-Lasting Materials: Many natural materials, when properly maintained, can be highly durable and long-lasting. This contrasts with some synthetic materials that may degrade more quickly, contributing to a throwaway culture.

Reduced Waste: Durable materials contribute to a reduction in waste over time, as they don't need to be replaced as frequently.

Cultural and Artistic Significance:

Cultural Heritage: Using natural materials may reflect and celebrate cultural heritage. Incorporating traditional materials and craftsmanship can create a sense of identity and continuity with the past.

Artistic Expression: Designers often leverage the unique qualities of natural materials to express artistic visions and create distinctive, visually engaging spaces.

Local Economies and Communities:

Support for Local Industries: Utilizing locally sourced natural materials supports local economies and reduces transportation-related environmental impacts.

Craftsmanship: Traditional craftsmanship associated with natural materials helps preserve cultural skills and supports artisanal communities.

The use of natural materials in interior spaces aligns with contemporary values related to sustainability, health, aesthetics, and cultural significance. As the world evolves, incorporating these materials becomes not just a trend but a thoughtful and responsible approach to creating spaces that enhance both the built environment and the well-being of its occupants.

history of using natural materials in interior spaces

The use of natural materials in interior spaces spans various cultures and time periods.

Throughout history, people have incorporated natural elements into their living spaces for practical, aesthetic, and symbolic reasons.

Looking at these historical times helps us contextualise why it is relevant and important to continue exploring these possibilities in a present day.

Ancient Civilizations:

Egyptian Civilization:

In ancient Egypt, interiors often featured natural materials like stone, wood, and clay. Ornate carvings and paintings depicted scenes from daily life, nature, and mythology.

Greek and Roman Cultures:

Ancient Greek and Roman interiors utilized marble, stone, and wood. Columns, arches, and mosaics made from natural materials were common in grand structures like temples, palaces, and villas.

Incas Civilisations:

In the time of the Incas, they built interior spaces using natural materials like clay made from the local land. Also using local rocks to build the structural forms.

Middle Ages and Renaissance:

Medieval Architecture:

Castles and medieval homes often featured stone walls and wooden beams. Interiors were adorned with tapestries, wooden furniture, and handcrafted textiles.

Renaissance Period:

The Renaissance saw a revival of classical influences. Palaces and homes featured ornate woodwork, marble columns, and intricate frescoes. Furniture often incorporated wood carving and inlay work.

17th to 19th Centuries:

Baroque and Rococo Styles:

The Baroque and Rococo periods embraced opulence and ornamentation. Interiors showcased rich woods, gilded details, and luxurious fabrics. Natural materials were used to create elaborate furniture and decorative elements.

Victorian Era:

The Victorian era favored dark woods, including mahogany and walnut, in furniture and paneling. Interiors were adorned with ornate wallpapers, floral patterns, and botanical motifs.

20th Century:

Arts and Crafts Movement:

Reacting against industrialization, the Arts and Crafts Movement promoted handmade, natural materials. Interiors featured exposed wood, handcrafted furniture, and earthy color palettes.

Mid-Century Modern:

The mid-20th century emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural materials. Designers like Eames and Wegner favored materials like wood, leather, and natural fabrics.

Scandinavian Design:

Scandinavian interiors embraced natural light, simple lines, and natural materials such as wood and stone. Furniture often featured minimalist designs.

Contemporary Design:

Sustainable Design:

In recent decades, there's a growing emphasis on sustainability. Interior designers prioritize eco-friendly and recycled materials, incorporating elements like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design emphasizes the connection between humans and nature. Interiors incorporate natural materials, colors, and textures to create environments that promote well-being and reduce stress.

Modern Trends:

Contemporary interiors often blend natural materials like wood, stone, and glass with modern aesthetics. Open spaces, large windows, and organic forms contribute to a harmonious integration of the indoors and outdoors.

The history of using natural materials in interior spaces reflects a dynamic interplay between cultural, technological, and design influences. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the appreciation for the beauty and functionality of natural materials continues to shape interior spaces and continue to grow in necessity for the direction of our lives.

100% Natural

Making a space 100% natural is a challenging task, it takes time, patience and a lot of commitment to tune into the space, discover what is in it. What the space calls for, what can be locally sources and what can be done within the boundaries of the space and its landscape.

Arguably there are many different materials which are being used which are natural for example…

wood, stone, marble, metal, concrete, glass.

However natural expands beyond the idea of only using materials that are found in nature and tunes more into the specifics of the location. The man made, locally sourced initiative to really consider the land and what is possible within it.

Integrating materials more attuned to the natural fibres of the area, considering the biophilics of plants, greenery and nature into the space and using more materials like bamboo and cork which are renewable, vastly sourced and can be used in many functional ways. Considering more about the local land and what it can provide within its capabilities. As well as thinking independently about what the individual or collective want to reflect in the space and to bring this vision and idea to life.

In this way we are not only making a commitment to natural materials as the basis for our structures but also reflecting how to create healthier environments for our living spaces by incorporating elements that think more deeply and cohesively with nature and what our spaces really call for. Through their authentic potentiality.