Biophilic design: Creating architecture that nurtures human wellbeing

PiP Architects
Aug 15
4 min read

Modern life increasingly disconnects us from the natural world. On average, we spend a shocking 90% of our time indoors, often in sterile environments that ignore our fundamental human need for connection with nature.

The cost of this on our wellbeing is significant. But through thoughtful architecture, we can reduce stress, boost productivity and restore the sense of balance that supports both our mental and physical health.

Biophilic design weaves living elements into our built environments, creating spaces that instinctively feel good to inhabit.

Birds Pasture welcomes the outside in with the landscaped garden easily admired through large openings

What is biophilic design?

Biophilic design recognises the innate affinity humans have with the natural world. Following biophilic principles, we create environments that reconnect us with nature through thoughtful architectural choices.

This approach works on three distinct levels:

Direct connections bring nature indoors through daylight, fresh air, water features and plants.
Indirect connections use materials, textures and patterns that echo the outdoors.
Spatial connections create both shelter and outlook, capturing views from within connected and well-proportioned spaces

The result is architecture that feels instinctively comfortable, reducing stress while enhancing our ability to concentrate and increasing overall wellbeing.

How does biophilic design benefit health?

Our bodies have an automatic response to biophilic environments that researchers can actually measure. Cortisol levels drop, blood pressure lowers and heart rate variability improves.

Natural light regulation is one of the most straightforward ways to boost health and mood. The daylight streaming through a well-positioned window does more than brighten a room. It helps maintain our circadian rhythms, which directly translates to better sleep and more stable moods throughout the day.

Natural ventilation brings fresh air in while filtering pollutants and allergens out. Air moves gently through spaces, maintaining comfortable humidity levels without the artificial sensation of processed air that can leave us feeling drained.

The materials we choose matter more than we might expect. Timber and stone release fewer harmful chemicals than synthetic materials, but they go further than simply avoiding harm. They actively regulate indoor air quality, breathing with the seasons as they absorb and release moisture, creating healthy spaces.

Even something as simple as a view makes a difference. Hospital studies show that patients with a view of trees recover faster than those staring at brick walls. The same principle works in our homes and workplaces – those visual connections to green spaces deliver ongoing psychological benefits we experience every day.

The PiP Architects Belmont Place practice uses biophilic principles to create a positive work environment for creativity

How does biophilic design improve productivity?

Biophilic environments consistently improve our ability to think and focus. When daylight streams through windows, concentration improves while eye strain from artificial lighting decreases. Natural ventilation keeps oxygen levels optimal for maintaining mental clarity, even during the longest days.

The secret lies in reducing what psychologists call cognitive load.

When our surroundings feel effortlessly comfortable, our brains aren't wasting energy processing subtle stress signals from the environment. Instead, that mental capacity gets redirected towards the work that matters.

Organic materials offer just the right amount of sensory interest. The gentle variations in timber grain or the subtle texture of stone give our eyes somewhere pleasant to rest during those crucial mental breaks. This helps us maintain focus over extended periods without becoming overstimulated.

Sound quality matters more than we realise too. Organic materials have a pleasing acoustic quality. They absorb and reflect sound in ways that create clearer speech and reduce distracting background noise.

How does biophilic design support sustainability?

Biophilic design and environmental sustainability work hand in hand. The same strategies that improve human wellbeing are also some of the most environmentally responsible choices we can make.

Natural materials that feel good to live with also tend to be kinder to the planet. Locally sourced timber and stone reduce transport emissions while creating spaces rooted in the landscape. These materials age beautifully rather than deteriorating, developing character over decades.

The biophilic approach also leads to lower energy consumption. When buildings work with natural light patterns and seasonal air movement, they need less artificial lighting and mechanical cooling. The result is architecture that’s more comfortable to inhabit while requiring less energy to operate.

Even the planted courtyards, gardens and green roofs that provide those soothing outdoor views serve a dual purpose, supporting sustainability by managing stormwater and creating habitat for local wildlife.

At Willis Road, materials are continued from inside to out, forming seamless connection with the courtyard garden

How does PiP Architects integrate biophilic design?

At PiP Architects, biophilic principles inform every design decision from the earliest stages. We start by understanding how each site connects to the broader landscape, then design buildings that strengthen rather than sever these relationships.

Our approach centres on three core principles:

Seamless indoor-outdoor transitions

Such as on our Willis Road project where large openings frame garden views and natural materials flow continuously from exterior to interior spaces

Strategic natural light

Willis Road is also a great example of the benefits to be enjoyed from windows positioned to capture the morning sun and bring daylight deep into the heart of a building

Authentic materials

For example, the combination of materials on our Church Lane project offer tactile warmth and visual interest, and will age beautifully over time

Biophilic design creates architecture that doesn't just shelter us – it actively nurtures our health, productivity and connection to the natural world.

Whether you're planning a new build, a major renovation or just want to understand how your current spaces could better support your wellbeing, biophilic design principles offer proven benefits for both health and sustainability.