Why Reconnecting with Nature Is the Real Luxury
At THC Homes, we’ve always believed that how we build is just as important as what we build. Every lodge, annex, and wellness space we design aims to do more than provide shelter; it’s crafted to bring people closer to nature, to light, to calm, and to the deep breath that comes when you open a door and hear the rustle of leaves or the distant sound of birds.
But as it turns out, we’re not just building beautiful spaces — we’re building the foundation for something much greater: happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction. And science is catching up to this idea in remarkable ways.
A recent study led by Pei-shan Liao at Academia Sinica in Taiwan revealed that emotional connection to nature — not just frequent visits — is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. It’s not about ticking off walks in the woods like a checklist. It’s about pausing to take in the scent of fresh rain, noticing how the light filters through the trees, or allowing your mind to rest in the quiet.
In other words, nature doesn’t just work because you’re in it. It works when you feel it.
Building for Connection — But You Have to Open the Door
Our homes and cabins are designed to encourage this kind of connection. Panoramic windows that frame the morning mist. Timber-clad walls that smell like the forest. Layouts that invite you outside — into gardens, trails, and wild open spaces.
But here’s the part many forget: the building is only the beginning. We can’t force people to enjoy nature. What we can do is set the stage — and invite them to take the final step.
The Taiwan study makes it clear: those who found joy and meaning in nature reported greater life satisfaction than those who simply spent time outdoors without engagement. In our fast-paced world, even being in nature can become passive. A scroll through Instagram under a tree isn’t the same as truly being with the tree.
The Science of Feeling Better — Even in the Rain
What’s even more beautiful is that this connection doesn’t require sunshine and perfect weather. In fact, one of nature’s gifts often goes unnoticed: the air after it rains.
That earthy, refreshing scent that rises after a downpour? It’s called petrichor, and it’s made up of compounds like geosmin (released by soil-dwelling bacteria) and plant oils that have accumulated during dry spells. These natural aerosols are more than just pleasant — they’re actually beneficial to our health.
A study from the University of Arizona suggested that these compounds may lower stress levels and even carry antimicrobial properties. Add to that the psychological impact of watching rain fall over a lake or feeling your boots crunch over wet earth, and you’ve got a sensory cocktail that resets the nervous system.
So next time it’s raining, don’t just sit by the window — go out and breathe it in. Nature doesn’t stop giving because the skies open up.
Skylark Lodges With THC Homes
A Case for Biophilic Living
Our design ethos is rooted in biophilic principles — the idea that humans are hardwired to connect with the natural world. Studies consistently show that biophilic environments reduce cortisol (stress hormone), improve cognitive function, and enhance mood.
Whether it’s the smell of timber inside a passive house lodge, the shifting shadows of a pergola, or the quiet solitude of a sauna tucked into a forest glade — these experiences reconnect us to a rhythm we’ve lost in the noise of everyday life.
But again, the magic only unfolds if you engage with it.
We’re not selling buildings. We’re creating gateways.
How to Get More from Your Time in Nature
Based on the studies above and our own experience working with customers who come alive in natural spaces, here are a few simple ways to deepen your connection:
Go Slow – It’s not a race. Take a walk without headphones. Listen. Smell. Touch the bark of a tree.
Look Up – The sky changes constantly. Clouds, birds, the colours of dusk — they all have stories.
Go Out in All Weather – Rain, snow, or shine, every condition offers something different. Let go of the idea that nature is only enjoyable when the sun is out.
Create a Ritual – Morning tea on the deck. A barefoot walk in the grass. Feeding birds. These routines help us attune to the seasons.
Bring Nature In – Even indoor spaces can benefit from natural textures, views of greenery, and patterns inspired by the wild.
A Call to Remember
The walls we build are made from trees. The windows reflect skies. The foundations rest on earth. Our homes begin and end with nature — and they’re your reminder that life is richer when you remember you’re a part of it.
So when you arrive at one of our cabins or step into your new garden retreat, let that be the start of something deeper. Don’t just admire the landscape — walk into it. Listen to the rain. Sit with the trees. Let the wild inside.
Because in the end, the real luxury isn’t the building. It’s what happens when you step beyond it.
