Lets Talk Plants

One of the biggest criticisms of modern architecture is how sterile it can make spaces feel. At BONSAI we’ve found that allowing possibilities for planting can help combat this problem. Not by greenwashing a design, but by thoughtfully integrating greenery into the design. Many of BONSAI’s works showcase built-in planter beds, usually in the kitchen area, to encourage plant growth, both decorative and consumable.

Integration of planting into the interior design of a project goes hand in hand with high performance aspects by aiding in indoor air quality and passive cooling of a room. In an article published by the National Library of Medicine in 2023, Phytoremediation (the act of plants cleansing their environments) was shown, in conjunction with improved mechanical and HVAC systems, to aid in removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Carbon sequestration.

Beyond improved air quality a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine concluded that indoor environments with the presence plants created a less stressful environment “Our results suggest that active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress compared with mental work” With the uptick in WFH policies integrating planting into office spaces could also yield benefits.

We also believe that the addition of these spaces, specifically carved out for planting, encourage minor steps towards self-reliance with the ability to grow food, however small. Growth of your own spring onions may reduce one car trip, or one plastic twist tie, and that matters.

For larger scale applications BONSAI has dipped its toes into the world of greenhouses. In the upcoming Oculus house, a semi-detached custom fabricated greenhouse serves the main home as an accessory sunroom and secondary living room. The in-floor radiant heating allows the space to be occupation and plant growth year-round. Colorado features 4 out of the 8 Climate zones and building a greenhouse will allow for plant growth year round in each of these climate zones.

If you have dreams of your own indoor garden or integrated greenhouse BONSAI would love to help, bring that to reality.