The term ‘biophilia’ was coined in 1984 by the psychologist Edward O. Wilson. Literally, it translates to ‘love of nature’, though Wilson described it as ‘the urge to affiliate with other forms of life’. The idea is to reverse urbanisation’s impact on us as people and connect with nature. In turn, this will improve our well-being through reduced stress and enhanced creativity. 

So how does this link into orangeries and conservatories? You’d be hard-pressed to find a more suitable environment than our structures to implement a biophilic design. Their close proximity to the outside world makes them naturally biophilic, as the large glass windows allow an abundance of natural light and heat to stream into the house. By thus exposing you to more vitamin D, your orangery or conservatory will improve your mood and physical health.

Moreover, their naturally warm, light atmosphere makes them the perfect place for growing plants. In fact, conservatories were originally invented to grow tropical fruits in a place that was sheltered from the elements. Incorporating plenty of plants into your structure will not only improve the air quality of the room through increased oxygen but will also add brightness and colour, both of which can impact your mood and mindset.

Leaks are one of the most common causes of damage in sheds. Not only do they cause an unpleasant smell, but also mould and rot. The damage from large areas of rot can be severe and will ultimately lead to the shed’s structural integrity being compromised. If you’ve been noticing a pesky leak again and again, it might be more difficult than initially thought to fix the problem. The best option may be to get a new shed if the wood is damaged beyond repair.

Rain can cause more than just leaks! It’s important to be aware of what else you might not have seen coming. The effects of moisture on wood are not pretty and can lead to lasting damage, such as warped timber. Sometimes, it is possible to manipulate the wood back into place. However, the shed should be scrapped if it has become too misshaped to use.

Before we go too crazy with our suggestions, let’s strip it back to basics. After all, the Georgians might have been on to something with their original intentions for conservatories. Their ability to produce extra heat and moisture whilst trapping sunlight and warding off rain and wind make conservatories the perfect environment for allowing certain plants (that would most certainly not survive outside in unpredictable British weather) to thrive. 

Growing your own produce is highly beneficial in a number of ways. For starters, it can be more environmentally friendly than buying from your local supermarket, as it negates the need for excessive plastic packaging. Moreover, fruit and vegetables from supermarkets are often less nourishing, as transporting them results in a loss of nutrients. Finally, growing your own food can be much more cost-effective than buying it.