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Casa Guararapes, Biophilic Design and Green Areas
A Sustainable Refuge Integrated with Nature
Biophilic Design
The Trend in Sustainable Architecture for 2025
IT’S Biophilia Office / IT'S Informov. Image © Alexandre Oliveira – Jafo Photography
The Green Revolution in Architecture: What Is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is more than a trend; it’s a response to the need to integrate the natural world into urban spaces. By 2025, this approach is predicted to be one of the primary pathways for creating sustainable, healthy environments connected to nature.
The principles of biophilic design include:
Visual Connection with Nature: Large windows, vertical gardens, and green roofs bring the outdoors into daily life, promoting well-being and productivity.
Use of Natural Materials: Wood, bamboo, and stone create a welcoming aesthetic while reducing environmental impact.
Natural Light and Cross Ventilation: Spaces designed to maximize light and airflow save energy and enhance comfort.
Water Integration: Features like water mirrors and rainwater harvesting systems enhance sustainability and the beauty of environments.
Benefits Beyond Aesthetics
Biophilic design goes beyond aesthetics to foster a profound transformation in living and working experiences. It reduces stress levels and improves quality of life by connecting occupants with nature, creating spaces that promote health and well-being. Additionally, well-planned environments following biophilic principles use fewer resources for lighting and climate control, increasing energy efficiency.
Another significant impact is on the environment: the presence of vegetation and green roofs helps mitigate urban heat islands and create habitats for wildlife, fostering ecological balance.
Notable examples of this concept can be found worldwide. The Bosco Verticale in Milan is a landmark in sustainable architecture, featuring vertical forests that filter air and uniquely connect residents with nature. In Singapore, numerous urban projects with green roofs demonstrate how gardens can be integrated into skyscrapers, combining aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality in densely populated urban spaces.
Why Invest in Biophilic Design?
With growing urbanization, reconnecting humans with nature is essential for improving quality of life and protecting the environment. Biophilic design presents an opportunity to transform cities into healthier and more sustainable spaces.
Are you ready to explore the possibilities of biophilic design in your projects? Contact us to learn how to bring nature into your urban spaces.
Don’t miss the chance to deepen your knowledge and prepare for the challenges and opportunities 2025 will bring. Join our free event, "Sustainable Architecture 2025," happening January 27–31, 2025.
Seats are limited—this is your opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and earn a participation certificate.
Secure your spot now and be part of the change you want to see in the world.
Green Building Day 4
Guararapes House - Sustainability and Design in Practice
In this edition, we delve into the creation of Casa Guararapes, an innovative showroom located in Caçador, Santa Catarina. This project embodies a fresh vision for sustainable architecture and serves as a convergence point for design, technology, and environmental responsibility.
A Unique Showroom
Developed in collaboration with Ugreen and architect Flávia, Casa Guararapes is the company’s third showroom, showcasing sustainability in every detail. From its strategic location to its flexible interior spaces, the project was designed to be functional, welcoming, and eco-friendly.
Situated on a 1-million-m² site, the showroom was carefully positioned to offer views of the manufacturing park and rainwater treatment lagoons.
Sustainable Architectural Solutions
Early Design: Climate analysis optimized the orientation, window proportions, and materials.
Facades were designed to capture heat during winter and mitigate overheating in summer, ensuring year-round thermal comfort.
Flexible and Innovative Interiors
Furniture exclusively crafted with Guararapes materials, including curved MDF on ceilings and decorative panels.
Versatile spaces accommodate various events, from workshops to corporate meetings.
Acoustic and Aesthetic Comfort
Acoustic panels and biophilic elements, such as a striking MDF sculptural tree symbolizing a connection to wood and nature.
Sustainability at the Core of Guararapes
Casa Guararapes is more than a showroom—it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability. From using certified wood to obtaining Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Guararapes leads the sector in promoting responsible and transparent practices.
Certifications and Initiatives
FSC® certification for responsible forest management.
Newly launched EPDs, contributing to a robust database for sustainable projects in Brazil.
The Project’s Impact and Future
Casa Guararapes is not just a physical space; it’s a hub for exchange, learning, and innovation. Hosting events and welcoming visitors, the showroom reinforces the message that sustainability and design can go hand in hand to create a positive impact.
Visit Casa Guararapes!
Want to experience this innovative project up close?
Casa Guararapes is open for visits, offering a special program for architects, designers, and sustainability enthusiasts.
Green Spaces
Did You Know Green Spaces Can Transform Your City?
Change Starts on the Ground: Replace Concrete with Green Life
Did you know replacing concrete pavements with green spaces can lower the surrounding temperature by up to 2°C? This simple change not only improves thermal comfort but also creates a healthier and more resilient city for everyone.
More Benefits for Urban Environments:
Flood Prevention: Each square meter of exposed soil can absorb up to 30 liters of water during heavy rains, reducing the risk of flooding.
Habitat Creation: Green spaces provide refuge for pollinating insects, playing a vital role in environmental balance.
Improved Air Quality: Vegetation helps filter pollutants, making the air cleaner and healthier.
Global Inspiration: The “NK Tegelwippen” Challenge
In the Netherlands, the NK Tegelwippen project is leading an urban revolution. This initiative challenges cities to replace tiles with green spaces, creating cooler, more sustainable, and welcoming areas. This simple idea is already transforming neighborhoods and inspiring global action.
Together for a Greener Future
Small actions lead to big impacts. Start by replacing concrete surfaces with greenery in your home or supporting community projects in your area. Let’s create more sustainable cities, one green space at a time!
Filipe Boni,
UGREEN
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