5 homes where nature meets design.
30.04.2025Earth Day, commemorated on April 22 as a global day to honor and serve the health of our planet, has become the world’s largest civic event, observed by more than a billion people, the online magazine Luxury Defined from Christie’s International Real Estate recently wrote in an article worth reading.
Thus, the magazine celebrates the 55th Earth Day with a collection of five homes that reassert the dialogue between human habitats and the natural world through biophilic design.
The Author Lucy Carson writes: “The tenets of biophilic design incorporate the use of simpler, organic forms, sustainably built with natural materials, creating spaces infused with natural light and ventilation, with gardens, plants and water features to bring the outdoors in.
Proponents of biophilic design assert that applying it to the built environment enhances creativity and improves health and well-being. In other words, biophilic homes are second nature for us all.”
Quinta Patino Villa i Estoril, Portugal
This ultra-contemporary villa is one of the luxury resort homes at Quinta Patino, a 123-acre environmentally conscious community in the cosmopolitan coastal town of Cascais, about 30 minutes from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos integrated the home into its garden setting by placing oversized windows to “communicate” with the outdoors. Wide verandas on the ground level look out to a solar-heated infinity pool bounded by lush vegetation. Nature is brought indoors via the winter garden in the dining room.
Richard Neutras “The Brown House” in Los Angeles, California
Master architect Richard Neutra’s 1955 Brown House is a mid-century modern masterpiece in the prestigious Los Angeles residential enclave of Bel-Air.
This iconic residence underwent a meticulous restoration, thoughtfully preserving Neutra’s vision while integrating contemporary luxury and creature comforts.
The property offers commanding 180-degree views of the City of Angels, and restored original cabinetry and terrazzo flooring, enrobed in sweeping walls of glass that blend with its serene Romanesque gardens.
Weathering Steel House in Toronto, Canada
The L-shaped Weathering Steel House, an architectural masterpiece by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, overlooks the Rosedale Golf Club from its urban forest setting on the suburban Toronto ravine. The 7,500-square-foot interior wraps around the two-tiered lily pond and lap pool.
Upstairs, a skylit landing connects three spacious bedrooms, including a serene primary suite with a study, custom closet, and balcony overlooking the pool. The lower level offers a media room, bedroom suite, second kitchen, and gym, all opening to a private garden courtyard designed by Neil Turnbull.
Palm Jumeirah Beach House in Dubai, UAE
This contemporary, turnkey villa on the sands of Palm Jumeirah Island epitomizes luxury living in Dubai.
The 9,400-square-foot home unfolds across three luxurious levels, overlooking a crystalline pool, the beach, and the prestigious Atlantis The Royal, Dubai.
Nature is ever present: Tropical foliage is placed throughout the interior and exterior spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in the light and the breathtaking sea views.
Casa Maleku in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Casa Maleku is perched within the jungle canopy above Rocamar Beach on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula.
Designed by the award-winning Studio Saxe, Casa Maleku offers 5,382 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space just 200 meters from the world-class surf breaks of Santa Teresa Beach.
The central living and dining spaces invite social gatherings. The chef’s kitchen flows effortlessly to a terrace with a saltwater infinity pool with a sunset view over the Pacific.
Find out more about these 5 properties currently for sale or discover more nature infused homes here.