A Window Into Serenity
Embracing Biophilic Design
BY EMMA GEARY
Marvin is bringing natural light into everyday life, effortlessly.
An integral moment in any Minnesotan’s life is when every spring, the sun reappears after a long, dark winter and suddenly, living in our great northern state starts showing off again. The streets become abuzz with energy, and a vibrant, wonderful summer doesn’t seem so far away.
The way a few hours of warm sunlight can reawaken our souls is profound–natural light regulates our circadian rhythms, improves mood, and reduces the need for artificial lighting. Biophilic design—a concept rooted in integrating natural elements into architecture—is quickly becoming a centering idea in creating spaces that not only look beautiful, but for its ability to improve well-being and create a sense of calm. At the heart of this movement lies one essential element: natural light. Marvin has long been a champion of bringing the outdoors in, designing windows that maximize daylight and foster a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. A commitment to craftsmanship and innovation ensures that every window both enhances aesthetics and promotes a healthier, more restorative living environment.
Creating a Sanctuary with Biophilic Design
A well-designed space goes beyond aesthetics—it invokes a feeling of peace and comfort the moment you step through the door. Biophilic principles extend beyond just incorporating plants or organic materials; they focus on fostering an innate bond with nature through thoughtful design. Marvin’s expansive window and door designs, from floor-to-ceiling glass panels to thoughtfully placed skylights, invite an abundance of sunlight into homes, creating bright, airy interiors that feel both open and grounded in nature. We stepped inside a few biophilic dream homes, where the interiors are aglow and putting on a show at every sunrise and sunset. Oftentimes, the way light falls on a wall or emanates through a space is something you can only experience in person, but the creative team at Marvin are experts on showcasing light-drenched spaces in all their glory. We got the scoop from their team to understand how they photograph their spaces to capture the golden hour glow.
“Expansive glass offers more than an impressive view. It elicits an emotional response. As more natural light fills a space, there tends to be more optimism that fills the day. And the deeper the connection to the surrounding natural environment, the more reflective and grounded one feels.” – Emalie Wichmann, Creative Director
“The natural light highlights a custom wallpaper that connects the indoors and outdoors, giving you a sense of the person’s personality: warm and whimsical. Through minimal, intentionally placed props, like the tea kettle and mug, as well as an effortless, cozy wardrobe, you can imagine yourself getting lost in this moment.” – Terese Isaacson, Art Director
“Marvin’s visual content team deeply understands both the details and mechanics of our windows and doors and the tremendous value these products bring to people’s lives. The nuanced perspective they’ve created in this photo captures the essence of the brand with a blend of warm glow and moody shadowing.” – Shandra Soderberg, Director–Marvin Creative Studio
“We look for those just-right moments of daylight that allow for interesting interplays. In this composition, one element highlights the other as the shadow cast by the window’s divided light pattern overlaps with the walls’ wainscoting.” – Tim Bjerk, Senior Photographer
Thank you to Marvin Windows and Doors for being Collective’s Premier Community Partner, helping us to bring connection, creativity, and a celebration of local to the Twin Cities. To learn more, visit Marvin.com
Emma is Collective Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and LAB’s Brand + Editorial Manager. She loves getting lost in a story and is sharing her own on her Substack, Hot Girl Walk. Find her staring at the sun on her daily lap around Lake of the Isles.
