Sisäpihoista

Sisäpihoista, the plural form of the Finnish word sisäpihoja, refers to interior garden spaces that are designed to bring elements of nature into indoor environments. The concept has its roots in Nordic design traditions, where the harsh winters and limited daylight prompted architects and landscape designers to create livable, naturalish spaces indoors. These interior gardens can take many forms, ranging from small herb beds in potted plants on windowsills to large-scale living walls and dedicated greenhouse rooms within residential or commercial buildings.

Internally, sisäpihoista are intended to provide psychological and physiological benefits for occupants. Exposure to greenery has been linked to reduced stress, improved concentration, and overall well‑being. Additionally, in climates with long periods of low natural light, indoor gardens can improve indoor air quality and enhance the aesthetic quality of living spaces. From a design perspective, such gardens are integrated using a combination of plant selection, lighting, irrigation systems, and structural support that complements architectural elements. Common plant families used include ferns, mosses, succulents, and flowering species that thrive in lower light conditions.

In Finland, sisäpihoista are especially popular in urban housing, schools, hospitals, and office buildings, where they are promoted by municipal sustainability policies and design competitions. They are often part of broader biophilic design strategies that encourage occupants to maintain and interact with the plants. The term sisäpihoista is thus recognized as a key component of modern Finnish architecture and environmental stewardship.