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How humans and nature can live in harmony- retreat to rejuvenate.

Nina Rowland, an interior designer and co-creator of The Water Shed, joined this week’s Brave New Girls podcast to share her transformative journey. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and the drive to create spaces that heal and inspire. Here’s a closer look at her path and the lessons she learned along the way.

The Situation

In a wet, dreary winter in early 2020. Nina and her husband were halfway through building The Water Shed, their dream eco-house in Chichester. The house was still not watertight, and rainstorms were flooding the construction site. It was a seemingly endless battle against the elements, and the situation only worsened when the COVID-19 lockdown brought the project to a standstill.

The Challenge

Nina faced a dual challenge: the physical struggle of managing a halted construction project under severe weather conditions and the emotional toll of looking after her young daughters full-time while living in an unhealthy, moldy house. Her parents' cancer diagnoses added another layer of stress. The mounting pressures seemed insurmountable.

The Desire

Nina’s deepest desire was to create a sanctuary that would provide a peaceful retreat for her family and others. She envisioned a space that harmonised with nature, promoting well-being and connection. But even amidst the chaos, she and her husband Dan kept focused on their dream to complete the house and make it a haven for creativity and healing.

The Decision

Nina and Dan used the forced downtime during lockdown to refine their design. This pause allowed them to evolve their plans, making The Water Shed even better than originally conceived. They decided to embrace the situation as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

The Breakthrough Journey

The journey to completing The Water Shed was arduous but ultimately rewarding. The breakthrough came when they shifted their perspective, viewing the challenges as chances to innovate. As they incorporated biophilic design elements—integrating nature into the architecture—the project took on new life. This transformation was not just about the physical space but also about personal growth.  

The Epiphany

Nina realised that her early love for art and nature was the key to creating the home she envisioned and the sanctuary that The Water Shed would become for all those coming there on retreats- including the Brave New Girls retreat. By integrating natural elements into their living environment they could provide a place of profound healing and inspiration. The whole process was filmed for an episode of Grand Designs TV with Kevin McCloed and when they sat down to watch it on television, they realised that they really had achieved what they’d set out to do. Since then The Water Shed has been featured on Cool Stays with over 7 million views.

The Importance

For Brave New Girls podcast listeners, Nina's story is a powerful reminder that integrating nature into our living spaces can significantly enhance our well-being. Her strategy—using biophilic design to create sanctuaries—demonstrates an effective way to achieve peace, focus, and a stronger immune system. It's a testament to the transformative power of aligning our environments with our natural instincts.

Ten Actionable Steps

Plant Trees and Plants: Begin integrating greenery into your surroundings, even before construction or renovation starts.

Add Water Elements: Consider water features like a small fountain or, if possible, a natural swimming pond.

Use Earthy Materials: Incorporate natural textures and materials into your home to create a tactile connection with nature.

Maximize Natural Light: Ensure your space has plenty of natural light to boost mood and productivity.

Create Outdoor Spaces: Design outdoor areas for relaxation and connection with nature.

Implement Cold Water Therapy: Incorporate a cold shower routine or access to cold water immersion for health benefits.

Use Natural Colours: Choose colour palettes that reflect nature, such as greens, blues, and earth tones.

Install Energy-efficient Systems: Use sustainable energy sources like solar panels and ground source heat pumps.

Encourage Wildlife: Design your garden to attract wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and connection to nature.

Foster Creativity: Make spaces that encourage artistic expression and creativity, integrating these activities into daily life.

Nina Rowland’s journey shows us that designing our environments with nature in mind can restore our bodies and minds, helping us lead healthier, more focused lives.

PS. Listen HERE to NINA’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help the planet.

PPS. Join our Brave New Girls retreats at The Water Shed- find out more HERE