Last updated: 5 August 2026

Biophilic Design is the practice of creating workplaces based on the inherent human need to connect with nature. The nine essential elements are vegetation, refuge, sound, connections with the outdoors, landscape views, natural materials, light, scent, and water. These elements lower stress and restore mental focus in the workplace.

Why the office environment demands natural points of rest

The office environment demands a great deal of our concentration every day. Employees process information continuously and switch constantly between different tasks. Without natural points of rest, mental energy drains quickly.

By weaving specific building blocks of Biophilic Design into interior spaces, we create an environment where focus and energy flow naturally. It is a direct way to transform spaces into places where people feel comfortable and perform at their best.

The 9 building blocks of Biophilic Design in a vital environment

To truly transform an office, hotel, or healthcare facility, these nine elements of Biophilic Design form the foundation:

1. Vegetation

Plants of varying heights, shapes, and colours create a layered, vibrant look that breaks up the stark lines of a standard corporate interior, providing visual calm.

2. Refuge and shelter

People naturally feel more comfortable in spaces that offer a sense of shelter. By positioning green room dividers around seating areas or meeting booths, employees gain a sense of security while distracting background noise is absorbed.

3. Sound

Foliage and living walls are ideal for absorbing or blocking intrusive background noise. Additionally, natural sounds—such as trickling water—can cultivate a serene atmosphere that helps people concentrate.

4. Connections with the outdoors

The hard edges of buildings around windows can be softened with planting, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors to create an open feel across the workplace.

5. Landscape views

Not every building overlooks a forest or park. By combining plants cleverly, the experience of a wide landscape is recreated indoors. This visual depth allows the brain to rest and recover from screen fatigue.

6. Natural materials

Materials like wood, stone, bamboo, and gravel bring outdoor textures inside to cultivate a warm atmosphere. Incorporating moss walls also offers a powerful tactile and visual connection to nature.

7. Light

Daylight is the engine of human well-being. Combined with planting, it creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow reminiscent of a walk under the trees, helping to prevent sensory overload.

8. Scent

Our sense of smell is closely linked to our emotions. A pleasant, natural fragrance in high-footfall areas enhances overall well-being and provides a fresh, welcoming experience throughout the premises.

9. Water

Water brings movement and dynamic energy into a building, whether physically via water features or visually through imagery of water. Looking at or listening to water has an immediate calming effect on our nervous system.

Insights from our experts

"In practice, we see that introducing layered planting and natural elements instantly reduces stress triggers and creates a noticeably more enjoyable working atmosphere across organisations."

Applying Biophilic Design is a direct investment in the people behind the organisation. A nature-inspired workplace lowers sickness absence and fosters an environment where talent thrives. Alongside interior landscaping, extra amenities such as fresh workplace fruit or weekly flower deliveries contribute to a vital and welcoming atmosphere.

Advice tailored to your space

No two buildings are identical. Our experts evaluate daylight levels, footfall routes, and the desired atmosphere of your premises to translate the principles of Biophilic Design into a bespoke plan that suits your unique situation. Contact us today to schedule a site visit.