Timber and biophilic design: bringing the outside in
Biophilic design taps into our innate connection to nature, promoting well-being and enhancing the spaces where we live and work. Timber, with its natural warmth and texture plays a key role in this. Jodie Wight, our Interior Project Liaison Technician shares her expertise on how to incorporate timber into interiors, from wall cladding to flooring, and highlights the ways it can transform both residential and commercial environments into calming, nature-inspired spaces. Over to Jodie to explain more about the principles of biophilic design and how timber can help foster a connection with nature indoors.
What is biophilic design?
Biophilia, according to the theory of Biologist E. O. Wilson, is “an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world.” Surrounding ourselves with nature has been proven to lower stress levels, improve productivity, and even speed up recovery rates following illness.
Biophilic design recognises the bond between people and the natural environment. While we know that going for a walk in nature is beneficial, our increasingly indoor-focused lifestyles make this less achievable. Bringing the outside in by incorporating natural elements into our interiors helps to boost mood and regulate circadian rhythms. This approach can be equally effective in both commercial and residential spaces.
The key principles of biophilic design
Stephen Kellert, a professor of Social Ecology and Senior Research Scholar at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, wrote several books on Biophilic Design and developed six principles that form the foundation for integrating nature into design:
Evolved human-nature relationships: This final principle references how our relationship with nature has evolved and how to recreate that relationship in the built environment. This philosophy is aimed at capturing our emotions when surrounded by nature and representing that feeling in design.
The natural environment: This can be considered in a number of ways through introducing earth tones, natural light, plants and images of nature.
Natural shapes and forms: Using shapes that you would find in nature. These can include curved lines, organic forms, and arches.
Natural patterns and processes: There are a number of patterns which occur in nature. This principle also refers to embracing natural processes such as growth or aging. Timber is a great example of this as the natural figuring highlights the patterns in nature and timber naturally weathers over time, either by turning a silver grey when used externally or by slightly deepening in colour when used internally.
Natural light and space: Allowing natural light into the space helps to balance circadian rhythms and brings an added warmth to a space. Shadows can be just as important to consider in a space as light, as dappled or diffused light can mimic light in the natural environment.
Place-based relationships: This principle refers to creating a sense of place. This includes not only houseplants, but also plant imagery and natural colours and materials. Using a natural material such as timber is a great way to incorporate a natural material into a space where it’s perhaps more difficult to keep living plants.
How to incorporate timber in interiors
There are many ways to incorporate timber into interiors – flooring is a common example, but recently we have been seeing a rise in the popularity of interior cladding on walls and even ceilings. Whether used as a feature wall or to fully clad the space, this can be both a design statement and as a way to incorporate biophilic design practices into your design.
Timber introduces a natural warmth and texture to a space. It feels comfortable underfoot when used on floors and creates a lovely feature when used as a design feature on walls and ceilings.
The Trio and Triple profiles from our Lunawood Collection create the perfect slatted-effect feature wall. Made from Nordic Pine and Spruce, these profiles are perfect for adding warmth and dimension to a space and make a great feature.
Douglas fir for interiors
Our Douglas Fir has beautiful flame-like figuring which can make a striking feature when used on either walls or the floor. This has a luxurious feel and the large scale of the boards make the panels appear almost seamless, allowing the figuring to take centre stage.
European Oak for interiors
Our Oak flooring also works beautifully to bring warmth and natural character to a design.
In this project, Oak flooring in Chalk was installed on all surfaces to create a sense of being fully immersed in the natural environment. As the ceilings are low, a darker finish may have felt overwhelming, however, the pale tone of Chalk keeps the space bright and airy.
Biophilic design project inspiration
Ready to bring the outside in?
If you’re looking to incorporate timber into your next design project, get in touch with our expert team. We’ll guide you through the best options to achieve the perfect space while utilising biophilic design.