Back in 2005, a design firm was asked to create a hospital that lowered blood pressure, and they ended up doing the job in a very unique way that has environmentalists everywhere applauding them. Now, the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore has more than 700 native species of fragrant plants and trees that have been integrated into the structure and surroundings.

The hospital was designed by the Singapore-based firm CPG Corporation, which was asked to create a hospital environment that soothed and uplifted its patients. Since nature has been shown to have numerous mental and physical health benefits, they decided to use lots of foliage and natural greenery in the design.

A recent case study for the hospital, which has treated over 800,000 patients since it opened in 2010, found that it’s “lush greenery and peaceful ambiance have made it a popular spot for students seeking a conducive environment.”

The researchers found that the hospital’s enlarged windows and spacious indoor layout improved air flow throughout the area by 20 to 30%. This then reduced the hospital’s dependency on mechanical ventilation by 60%, and researchers say that the facility likely saves untold amounts of money in energy costs.

In addition, they found that the success of the hospital’s natural ecosystem is “evident in the increasing number of butterfly species sighted on the hospital grounds (increasing from 3 to 83 as of now).” On top of that, the hospital has a volunteer-run rooftop garden with more than 100 species of fruit trees, 50 species of vegetables, and 50 species of herbs, all of which are served to the patients.

The hospital has won numerous awards including the Biophilic Design Award from the International Future Living Institute, a nonprofit which supports healthier and more sustainable public spaces.

“What is most impressive about this project is its post-occupancy evaluation which sampled a group of 200 users comprised of patients, staff, and visitors, of whom 80% responded yes to hospitals investing in implementing biophilic elements,” said Stephen Kieran, a juror for the award. “Thinking of nature as part of the patient hospital experience, Khoo Teck Puat continually treats staff, patients, and visitors to direct access to nature at multiple angles.”

The hospital has been so successful that architects in Malaysia, China, and Pakistan are launching similar projects. Find out more about this in the video below.