The basic premise of biophilic design is that incorporating nature into architectural design has many positive effects on the inhabitants of a space. Popular elements of nature used in interiors include plants, timber, ventilation, water and natural light.
Plants: The colour green on an interior wall inspires calm as it suggests the tranquillity of nature. By incorporating actual green plants into interiors, you can further mimic the outdoor environment.
Greenery can appear in many ways, from potted plants to vertical gardens, planter boxes built into joinery and even entire ceilings softened with vegetation. These approaches make nature part of the architecture itself.
Timber: Warm, earthy and tactile, timber battens bring natural character to interiors without relying on access to daylight. The natural variation in grain and tone enhances sensory richness, creating interiors that feel authentic and grounded.
By combining natural aesthetics with functional qualities, timber becomes one of the most versatile elements of biophilic design.
Light: Light that fluctuates over the course of a day to mimic our circadian rhythm helps link us to the outdoor environment. Maximising natural light enhances visual comfort.
Clerestory windows, light wells and skylights bring daylight deep into interiors, while louvres and shading devices control glare.
Ventilation: Designing well-ventilated spaces so that ample fresh air can pass through open windows and doors helps enhance wellbeing, providing the outdoor air is of high quality.
Natural ventilation strategies, including cross-ventilation and stack effect, reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Sculptform’s Velo Facades support this approach while maintaining design intent.
Water: Water contributes to a sense of calm and tranquillity, while the sound of flowing water adds a refreshing sensory layer. Studies indicate that water can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate and improve memory, making it one of the most powerful sensory cues in design.
It is said that fulfilling this innate desire for natural interaction can lead to happier lives for individuals who regularly engage with such environments, including employees in office settings.
With the United Nations predicting that 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2030, biophilic architecture, along with environmentally friendly building solutions, is at the forefront of the architectural community’s collective mind. The key is to weave elements of nature seamlessly into the design, ensuring they feel intrinsic rather than added on. In areas such as workplace design, integrating plants and using natural materials like timber can have a drastic impact on employee productivity.
Workplaces that incorporate elements of biophilic architecture are linked to decreased stress, enhanced productivity and faster recovery from illness. These benefits also boost employee wellbeing, leading to financial advantages like a reduction in sick days.
Despite the clear benefits, many workplaces remain devoid of plants and natural light, missing the opportunity to improve wellbeing and productivity. Workers worldwide cite the environment as a critical factor when looking for a new job, so architects are taking into account the role of biophilic design in creating desirable workplaces for the growing urban population. With the world dealing with the current pandemic, welcoming and calming spaces are more important than ever.
Built projects demonstrate how natural light, timber, plants and outdoor connections can transform everyday environments through biophilic architecture and design.
The Workshop, designed by Bates Smart, is another project where biophilic design principles were central. Large volumes of natural light, natural ventilation and planters overflowing with greenery were integrated throughout the expansive space. The inclusion of planting at multiple levels not only enhances wellbeing but also softens the scale of the interior, creating a workplace that feels dynamic and welcoming.
Located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Belvedere Main Beach redefines coastal luxury through biophilic design. Sculptform’s Click-on Battens and Click-on Cladding in Wood Finish Aluminium bring warmth and visual continuity from the entrance soffit to the interior lobby. The Walnut Wood Finish complements the surrounding landscape, creating a natural connection between indoors and outdoors. Lush gardens, abundant light, and natural textures transform this multi-residential project into a calm retreat that celebrates biophilic architecture.
AldercastleAldercastle in London, UK designed by Morrow and Lorraine, showcases how biophilic design enhances workplace wellbeing. With Americanrican Oak Click-on Battens line the reception walls, offering warmth, texture, and acoustic comfort. The curved timber installation flows seamlessly around corners, complemented by natural light and greenery to create a balanced, human-centred environment. This project demonstrates how biophilic architecture can blend historic character with modern functionality, delivering calm and connection in a busy urban setting.
Sculptform offers a range of options to help designers incorporate biophilic design principles, from Click-on Cladding to Velo Facades, making it easy to bring natural elements into any project. Using natural materials such as timber battens is one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase a project’s biophilic value.
Timber is a popular choice for our Click-on Batten system, bringing a strong natural aesthetic to interior and exterior applications. Sculptform offers three timber species, Spotted Gum, Grandis and American Oak, offering designers flexibility to match the right tone and texture to their design intent. These options make large-scale statements and subtle detailing achievable while maintaining a premium, cost-effective result.
For projects where traditional timber battens may not be appropriate due to fire ratings or weight restrictions, Real Timber Veneer and Wood Finish aluminium is also available.
Q. What is the difference between biophilic and sustainable design?
A. Sustainable design focuses on reducing environmental impact through strategies such as energy efficiency and low-carbon materials. Biophilic design focuses on improving human health by connecting occupants with nature through elements like timber, natural light and ventilation. While distinct, the two approaches often complement each other.
Q. Is biophilic design expensive?
A. Biophilic design can be adapted to any budget. Simple, cost-effective methods include maximising natural light and introducing indoor plants. Premium natural materials, such as timber battens, provide a higher-end application. In the long term, biophilic environments often deliver strong returns through improved productivity, wellbeing and attendance.
Q. Can biophilic design be used in any building?
A. Yes. The principles of biophilic design are versatile and can be applied to offices, schools, hospitals and homes. Any building can be enhanced by integrating nature-inspired elements, improving the quality of the environment for those who use it.
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