Having plants at home can prevent diseases and improve quality of life.
Urban gardens are a sustainable alternative, as they adapt to small spaces and require little water.
Maintaining constant contact with nature is a key factor in achieving a good quality of life, as it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stress, high blood pressure, and diabetes, according to a study by the University of East Anglia in England. Moreover, such environments may be the key to happiness, as evidenced by Finland, a country where the population combats stress with “forest baths” and which was crowned the happiest in the world for the seventh consecutive year.
Having green spaces in our homes also improves our learning skills, memory, attention, and can increase productivity at work, making them highly recommended. However, increasingly smaller living spaces, population growth, and changing family structures have made having a garden a luxury that only a few can afford.
Nonetheless, there are cost-effective and adaptable alternatives for small spaces. Here are some ways in which nature can be integrated into real estate developments:
• Green roofs and walls: These natural areas are more common in vertical urban developments, as they do not occupy additional space beyond the construction itself but instead take advantage of rooftops and walls. They are very affordable since they capture rainwater and sunlight, and the species used typically require little maintenance. They are excellent solutions for creating microclimates, as they act as thermal insulators, in addition to being visually attractive and improving air quality.
• Community spaces: In Mexico, the construction of multifamily buildings and condominiums became popular in the 1950s and continues today. The aim of these developments is to meet the growing housing demand in the country, adapt to the dimensions of the land, and also foster a sense of community and improve social interactions. Therefore, many of these buildings allocate areas for community gardens, where residents can access nature and even engage in recreational activities.
• Urban gardens: While not all Mexican homes have exterior gardens, this does not prevent the incorporation of nature.
There are various types of gardens that can even be installed indoors, utilizing balconies, terraces, service areas, and rooftops, using modular multi-level structures where you can arrange different plants. One of the advantages is that they require little water, as vertical distribution prevents water from being wasted, and they are highly sustainable, allowing you to grow vegetables, greens, and some fruits for personal consumption.
• Linear parks and corridors: While not typical of residential developments, these spaces have a significant impact on the community. The trend involves creating parks along medians and roadways so local residents have free access. In addition to enhancing the area’s image and promoting social interaction, green corridors also improve safety through the constant flow of people and lighting. They also provide an alternative mode of transportation for cyclists, especially on heavily trafficked streets.
As you can see, you don’t need a large piece of land to incorporate nature into your daily life. There are community alternatives and more private solutions that can adapt to individual needs. If you’re considering adding one of these features to your home, reach out to a specialist who can help you choose the best option for your property.
https://www.jelpit.com/blog/hogar/beneficios-de-incorporar-la-naturaleza-en-nuestro-hogar
https://www.inmuebles24.com/noticias/especiales/10-beneficios-de-vivir-en-casas-con-areas-verdes
https://www.traveler.es/articulos/finlandia-pais-mas-feliz-del-mundo-informe-mundial-de-la-felicidad