Inglis street: The Living Habitat
A Masterclass in Multisensory Biophilic Architecture and Design
The “Flying” Waterfall Stairs.
We engineered an unforgettable, multi-sensory transit experience with “flying” stairs suspended by heavy natural ropes. Designed to sway slightly and evoke the feeling of a ship moving, this introduces Risk/Peril; an identifiable, thrilling threat coupled with a reliable safeguard that triggers a dopamine response and arouses curiosity. Flowing directly down the walls and through the stairwell is a cascading waterfall, fulfilling Presence of Water. By seeing, hearing, and touching this dynamic water flow, we actively lower occupant heart rates and blood pressure, making this a prime example of Wellness Interior Design.
Engineering “Flying” Waterfall Stairs
In Biophilic Interior Design, the “Risk/Peril” pattern is defined as the presence of an identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard. We utilize this powerful principle when designing features like our signature suspended waterfall stairs. Designed to “fly” and sway slightly like a moving ship, this transit experience introduces the pattern by combining the perceived natural threats of heights, gravity, and rushing water.
To illuminate the space, we integrated custom lighting channels cut directly into the walls and ceiling, mimicking the double-helix structure of a DNA string. This application of Biomorphic Forms & Patterns taps directly into Neuro-Aesthetic Interior Design by utilising symbolic references to contoured arrangements that persist in nature.
At the heart of the home, a lush vertical garden frames the kitchen technology and television. More than just a striking Biophilic Interior Design feature, this living wall grows edible herbs and plants, providing both a direct Visual Connection with Nature and a Non-Visual Connection with Nature. Engaging the olfactory (scent) and gustatory (taste) senses through fresh herbs engenders a deliberate, positive reference to living systems that reduces stress hormones. This restorative environment bridges the gap between digital entertainment and vital biological nourishment.
The bespoke Italian kitchen is the heart of the home sociable, stylish and highly functional. A dramatic green living wall brings warmth and texture, while a skylit island, Tom Dixon pendants and wrap‑around glazing create a luminous dining space overlooking the garden. Integrated appliances include a wine fridge and a discreet prep area with a second sink, making entertaining effortless.
We selected pure copper as a key sustainable interior material to anchor the wellness and relaxation spaces. Copper not only develops a beautiful, living patina over time a classic Material Connection with Nature, but it is highly conductive, signalling warmth, authenticity, and a distinct sense of place. It retains heat perfectly during moments of relaxation, contributing to Thermal & Airflow Variability. This material choice actively warms the body, enhancing physical comfort and deepening the restorative experience of the space, all within a biophilic urban space.
To maximise space and psychological comfort, the smaller bedrooms are fitted with clever fold-away beds. By day, the beds disappear, transforming the room into a spacious, light-filled day room; by night, the beds are pulled down to create an intimate guest sanctuary. This adaptability creates the ultimate Refuge a protected space for withdrawal from the main flow of activity.
