The role of timber in biophilic design for office and healthcare spaces

Our connection with nature is stronger than ever. From greenery to natural lighting, nature plays a powerful role in our everyday wellbeing, with the science behind its mental and physical benefits only just being properly understood and appreciated. The biophilic design this connection with nature makes possible is shaping spaces of all uses and sizes.

Offices and healthcare settings are the latest to receive a biophilic makeover. In this guide, we uncover the key principles of biophilic design and how they are changing the way people interact with buildings and other urban spaces.

An Introduction to Biophilia

With a name which means a ‘love of life’, biophilia uses the elements which come naturally to our planet to transform spaces from within. Despite our love for the outdoors, and the happiness and health it brings, we spend up to 90% of our time indoors in the UK. Biophilic design aims to transport the beauty and tranquillity of the outdoors inside to improve wellbeing, comfort and productivity.

The Principles of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design principles centre on facilitating a direct and indirect connection with nature. Directly, natural elements can be incorporated through the presence of:

• Plants and trees
• Living walls and other installations
• Natural lighting
• Fresh air
• Water features
• Green spaces

In biophilic design, the use of materials such as timber, stone and natural fibres is also important. This is further supported through natural colour palettes and patterns, imagery of nature, ambient lighting and a balance of open layouts and sheltered spaces.

Why Biophilic Design Works

Biophilic design unlocks several advantages for health and wellbeing. Exposure to nature is a key stress management tool. It improves mood and supports mental wellbeing to lower stress levels. The physical effects of biophilia are evident also.

Enhanced air quality and natural light is healthier. Improved indoor air quality is connected to higher energy levels and cognitive function, while exposure to natural light during waking hours boosts vitamin D production which positively influences sleep.

Biophilic Offices and Healthcare Settings

Biophilic design has already proven successful in practice. Offices with indoor gardens, timber-rich hospital waiting rooms and medical facilities bathed in natural light are creating warmer, less clinical, calming and cohesive spaces which allow the people within to thrive. In healthcare settings, the healing power of nature is being realised through experimental studies suggesting restorative effects which may aid patient recovery.

Productivity is also positively influenced via biophilic design. Staff in these nature-inspired offices and healthcare spaces tend to experience lower burnout, improved mood, reduced fatigue and enhanced concentration.

How Timber Supports Biophilic Design

Timber is one of the most versatile and powerful tools for achieving biophilic design goals. It brings warmth, richness and texture to a space, while remaining durable and low maintenance. Exposed finishes, varied tones and textures, and timber’s use both indoors and out mimics the natural landscapes which sit central to biophilic design.

In offices and healthcare settings, the creation of timber touchpoints is recommended. This includes timber cladding, handrails, benches, balustrades, wall panelling and other wooden surfaces. Larger clinical spaces can also be softened with timber features to promote richer, healthier and more human-centred interiors.

Species such as Larch, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Oak or even tropical hardwoods are available for so many different opportunities to add natural timbers to your projects.

Find Timber For Your Biophilic Space

At EcoChoice, we supply the timber you need to enrich biophilic design in your office or healthcare space. Get in touch to tell us more about your project.