Hospital environments can be stressful for anyone - from the sterile smell and the drab decor to the metallic sounds of medical equipment, it's not the most comforting setting for patients and doctors.

So when a design firm was tasked with creating a hospital that actually lower people's blood pressure, they turned to greenery as the solution - and it worked well.

More than 700 native species of fragrant plants and trees have been integrated into the structure and surroundings of the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore.

In addition to the hospital now serving more than 800,000 patients since it opened its doors in 2010, it is also a popular spot for students seeking a conducive environment.

A number of other clever details that contribute to the hospital's ingenious design include the facility's enlarged windows and spacious indoor layout improved airflow throughout the area by 20 to 30%.

Success was also found in the hospital's natural ecosystem with evidence in the increasing number of butterfly species sighted on the hospital grounds (increasing from 3 to 83 as of now).

On top of all this - literally and figuratively - 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's success has already spurred the architects to launch similar projects in Malaysia, China and  Pakistan - and it will likely inspire many more around the world.