• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

TerraMai

Contact Us
800.220.9062
  • Acoustic Panels
  • Modular Panels
  • Open Panels
  • Paneling
  • Flooring
  • Decking
  • Siding
  • Tabletops

Biophilic Design

Modern Classics: Unrivaled, Rift & Quartered White Oak

An incredible installation of TerraMai’s MC White Oak both flooring and stair treads. TerraMai image.

When it comes to a near flawless character, three of TerraMai’s sustainably-harvested wood species stand out: MC Walnut, Wide Plank White Oak, and MC White Oak. We’ve already told you about the classic sophistication of MC Walnut, and you can read all about it here. Today, we’re focused on one of the most popular wood flooring and paneling species: Oak. 

Classic wood grain, minimalistic character in TerraMai’s Wide Plank White Oak


Flooring installation at Rice University featuring our Wide Plank White Oak. Image courtesy of Mariella Ayala. 

TerraMai’s clean and warm Wide Plank White Oak is a perfect choice for flooring applications. Bringing the outside in with natural materials like wood have shown to have positive biophilic effects when used in design. The human brain often looks for soothing, natural patterns which can be found in using wood and other natural materials. 

Elegant, sophisticated rift and quartered Modern Classic White Oak

TerraMai’s stunning Modern Classic White Oak brings the outside in with this phenomenal installation of flooring in a Pale Ale finish. TerraMai image.

Refined, minimalist, and impeccable – TerraMai’s MC White Oak brightens up the floors of this space with dynamic and warm flooring at Perkins + Will’s Chicago office. Like its sister (MC Walnut), MC White Oak highlights the rift and quartersawn milling method which brings a pristine tone to any installation, along with linear grain patterns.  

Got an upcoming project that calls for any of TerraMai’s Modern Classics? We’ve got you covered. All three are FSC® and FloorScore® certified, and each offers impeccable style. Click to learn more about our Modern Classics.
Check out our blog here and subscribe to our eCards here.

A tribute to biophilia: TerraMai’s newest modular panel designs

The natural benefits of wood patterns in design

The human eye constantly seeks out patterns – especially ones that occur in nature. No surprise then that biophilic design, and the ways it highlights nature in architecture and design, has skyrocketed in popularity. The physical and psychological benefits this design style creates are countless. Humanity’s love of biophilia is rooted in our attraction to the organic, and biophilic design lets us “return to nature.” When it comes to plotting the course of your next project, bringing in natural elements is a game changer. 

Health benefits of natural patterns and materials in design

Incorporating organic elements in public and private buildings improves job performance and lower blood pressure. 

Biophilic design requires three things: Natural light, ventilation, and quality of view. Essentially, designing a space with the same qualities found in nature. It’s only natural that this connection to a biophilic environment not only increases productivity, but can also minimize illness. Using building materials like wood multiplies these benefits, creating the same perks one enjoys while out in nature.

large scale biophilic design

From Icarus Films: An excellent example of large scale biophilic design

A modular tribute to biophilia

TerraMai has introduced three new designs into our popular modular panels line up, which celebrate the benefits and patterns of biophilia: Honeycomb, Tiled, and Mini Slat. Using sustainably-harvested or reclaimed wood, these new designs add style and beauty to any space. 

These prefabricated panels are built for precision and speedy installation. In addition to our new naturally-inspired designs comes a new, crisp finish: Polar. 

Honeycomb

A cascade of hexagons create a multi-tiered honeycomb – a pattern that’s captivated the eye for ages – straddling structure and wildness. This burst of creativity creates a welcome relief from the mundane.

With four varying levels of thickness to each shape, Honeycomb interlocks in a seamless combination of order and organic. Evoking the natural patterns created by bees, these hexagonal panels are a perfect choice for biophilic-centered designs.

Tiled

Angled, diagonal slats come close but do not touch. Instead, the reveals between these angles allows for customizable patterning, drawing the eye along clean edges and corners. 

Created for beauty, speed, and quick installation, these minimalist points add dynamism to a space with clear sequence. TerraMai’s Tiled Modular Panels can be arranged in multiple ways – from classic chevron styles to blooming, diagonal petals – meeting any design tone and need.  

Mini Slat

A delicate nod to TerraMai’s additional slatted paneling, the Mini Slat Modular Panel design keeps a quiet peace between each wood strip. This airy subtlety brings a sense of breath to the panel – and the space in which it rests. Mini Slat Modular Panels make a graceful addition to any design project with its gentle, ordered arrangement. A little sister to TerraMai’s bolder Square Slat Panels, Mini Slat is ideal for spaces looking for a graceful touch.

Polar

With a touch of opalescent alabaster, TerraMai’s Polar finish opens a space with lightness and brightness. To honor the briskness of the north, Polar pairs with any Modular Panel design, drawing out wood’s natural texture and beauty. 

For more information on the benefits to occupants of patterns in wood design elements, sign up for the TerraMai course, Designing Healthier Spaces with Wood, and get AIA or IDCEC CEU credits.

Get inspired for your next project and view our classic Modular Panels here.

Sign up for our blog here. 

Cassie Ruud

Content Marketing Strategist

cassie@terramai.com

Wood – Miracle Cure for Healthcare Design

Does it really have to feel this bland? This drab? This dreary? If you’ve ever visited a healthcare facility, chances are you felt these thoughts.

The one type of environment that should feel the most calm and nurturing so often feels the opposite.

Thankfully, a miracle cure exists – Wood.

Wood has the unique ability to transform a space, making an otherwise cold, stark, even unhuman, environment feel warm and welcoming.

Studies show wood possess a near miraculous ability to calm the nervous system and settle the mind. The presence of wood in a space has been shown to help lower blood pressure and heart rates. Studies have also shown people report more positive psychological and emotional feelings of well-being in spaces that feature wood.

Most directly in this case – studies have shown patients recover more quickly in environments that feature wood and natural materials. (See below for citations and further reading.)

These wood benefits also extend to the classroom and the workplace – where students and workers perform better, and report feeling better, in spaces that employ wood.

The psychological and emotional design qualities of wood naturally translate to other sectors, such as retail and hospitality. Shoppers and guests who feel more welcome, at ease and overall better in a retail or hospitality space are shown to stay longer, spend more and leave with more positive brand associations. These positive brand associations then carry over to online shopping and reviews, long after a patron has left a space.

At the heart of all these wood health benefits is one core attribute – one elemental feature that is unquantifiable but also undeniable – wood is simply beautiful to the human eye.

Wood is also naturally noise dampening and warm to the touch, qualities that further appeal to the human senses and offer a welcome relief from the cold, clanging, harsh finishes typical of so many medical spaces.

The healing power of Beauty to the human mind and body is well established, yet somehow often ignored or shamefully disregarded.

While it’s easy to make sport of the sad state of healthcare design (bare vinyl floors, pharmaceutical-beige walls, steel surfaces and a Good Housekeeping magazine circa 1997 anyone?), the ramifications become profoundly serious when one considers the full scope of what transpires and can ultimately be at stake in these environments on a daily, hourly, basis.

This is where wood can make a real difference.

Thankfully, many architects and designers share this realization. TerraMai has had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of smart, thoughtful healthcare projects with firms like Perkins&Will, CollinsWoerman, Abramsom Architects, to highlight just a few.

These designers all took advantage of wood’s unique ability to infuse warmth and beauty into the healthcare environments they designed.

Medical environments can be the setting for some of the most stressful conditions imaginable (even unimaginable). It’s fair to say, people simply deserve to be in a space that feels warm and comforting when facing these life-altering challenges. Not just the patients, but also the patient’s family and loved ones, along with the doctors, nurses and staff who also grapple with extreme stress and traumatic circumstances in these environments.

When considered in this light, the true essence and power of architecture and design flash to the fore. The power of design to affect how we feel in a space is perhaps nowhere more apparent than in a healthcare setting. And wood, perhaps more than any other material, can positively affect how one feels in a space.

In a year that has forced a special spotlight on medical facilities, a new awareness of these environments has emerged. As designers rethink their approach and look to new projects, wood remains perhaps their most useful, effective, versatile – and beautiful – resource.

With all this considered, the unique power of wood as a miracle cure for stark, bleak healthcare environments is a saving remedy.

Matt Nichols, TerraMai VP of National Accounts – Western U.S.


Resources and further reading.

Zelenski, J. M. & Nisbet, E. K. Happiness and Feeling Connected: The Distinct Role of Nature Relatedness. Environment and Behaviour 46, 3–23. (2014).
Zhang, J. W., Howell, R. T. & Iyer, R. Engagement with natural beauty moderates the positive relation between connectedness with nature and psychological well-being. Journal of Environmental Psychology 38, 55–63. (2014).
Munir, M.T., Pailhories, H., Eveillard, M., Aviat, F., Lepelletier, D., Belloncle, C. and Federighi, M. Antimicrobial Characteristics of Untreated Wood: Towards a Hygienic Environment. Health, 11, 152-170. (2019).
Browning, W., Ryan, C. & Clancy, J. Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well‐being in the Built Environment. (2014).
Anme, T. et al. Behaviour Changes in Older Persons Caused by Using Wood Products in Assisted Living. Public Health Research 2, 106–109. (2012).
Wolf, K.L. “Trees in the small city retail business district: comparing resident and visitor perceptions.” Journal of Forestry 103, 390–395. (2005).
Pakarinen, T. “Success factors of wood as a furniture material.” Forest Prod J 49(9):79-85. 1999. As cited in Nyrud, Anders Q. and Bringslimark, Tina. “Is Interior Wood Use Psychologically Beneficial? A Review of Pyschological Responses Toward Wood.” Wood and Fiber Science V.42(2): 211. (2010).
Fell, D. R. “Wood in the Human Environment: Restorative Properties of Wood in the Built Indoor Environment.” University of British Columbia, Vancouver. (2010).
Health and Well-being: Building Green with Wood Module 6. 1–4 (reThink Wood, 2015).
Ohta, H. et al. Effects of redecoration of a hospital isolation room with natural materials on stress levels of denizens in cold season. Int J Biometeorol 52, 331–340. (2008).
Welker, C., Faiola, N., Davis, S., Maffatore, I. and Batt, C.A. Bacterial Retention and Cleanability of Plastic and Wood Cutting Boards with Commercial Food Service Maintenance Practices. Journal of Food Protection, 60, 407-413. (1997).
Wahlgren, K. A Look at Sustainable Harvesting in a Hardwood Forest. Wood Floor Business. (2005).
National Report on Sustainable Forests. United States Department of Agriculture | Utilization of Harvested Wood by the North American Forest Products Industry, Dovetail Partners, Inc. (2010).
Oswalt, S. & Smith, B. U.S. Forest Resource Facts and Historical Trends. United States Department of Agriculture. (2014).
Bringslimark, Tina. “Is Interior Wood Use Psychologically Beneficial? A Review of Pyschological Responses Toward Wood.” Wood and Fiber Science V.42(2): 211. (2010).
Tsunetsugu, Y., Miyazaki, Y. & Sato, H. Physiological effects in humans induced by the visual stimulation of room interiors with different wood quantities. Journal of Wood Science 53, 11–16. (2007).
Dementia and memory loss statistics. Available at: https://fightdementia.org.au/about-dementia-and-memory-loss/statistics. (2014).
Kelz C., Grote V., Moser M. “Interior wood use in classrooms reduces pupils’ stress levels.” Retrieved from http://proceedings.envpsych2011.eu/files/doc/342.pdf
Bergman, R., Gu, H., & Falk, R. “Using Reclaimed Lumber and Wood Flooring in Construction.” (2010).
Human Spaces. “The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace.” (2015).
Browning, B., Garvin, C., Fox, B., & Cook, R. “The Economics of Biophilia.” Terrapin Bright Green. (2012).
Toochi EC. Carbon sequestration: how much can forestry sequester CO2?. Forest Res Eng Int J. 2(3):148‒150. (2018).
Ulrich RS. “Aesthetic and affective response to natural environments.” Pages 85-126 in I Altman and JF Wohlwill, eds. Behavior and the natural environment. (1983).



Wood Warms-Up Healthcare Design
Wood Adds Warmth to Healthcare Design

Is Tech-Centric Design a Worthy Pursuit?

Cloud DNS futuristic office

Technology advancements have changed the way we live and function and this tech-centric shift is reflected in both good and some not so good ways in the built environment. The widespread integration of technology into building design and the advent of “smart” design can add  convenience and efficiency. While the added technology has benefits, it is important that the built environment remains human-centric. Too much tech-centricity can feel like a gamer was on the interior design team. This may be a fun aspect to explore but being in such a space can have adverse impact on occupants.

The Current State of Tech-Centric Design

I recently stayed at a hotel in the silicon valley that reflected the global center of high technology, innovation and social media. Although I found the design and its various components rather fascinating, I was very aware that I was not comfortable in the space and that it felt a bit disorienting. The geometric wall behind the reception desk was fine at first glance but it was at an odd angle and the black spaces within the geometric shapes and the fact that the wall stopped just short of the high ceiling leaving a gap of blackness gave it a surreal floating quality.

My room, like the hotel lobby, was decorated with bright and bold colors with few natural or real elements. The wardrobe and desk were fake veneers resembling wood but were cold and unnatural to touch. If you Google digital pixel noise, you’ll know what the artwork looked like. The closet had amber tinted glass doors displaying two robes hanging side by side and facing out. The closet was backlit with orange lighting reminding me of a Stanley Kubrick film that to this day I wish I could unsee.

The room did have some fun technology for controlling the lights, window shades, tv and shower temperature but the room and other spaces in the hotel lacked calming elements. My stay at the hotel got me wondering about tech-centric design and spaces purposely designed to feel like you’ve entered a video game.

Maybe “tech-centric design” makes you think of something a little more futuristic like the office shown below. it’s the office of Chinese data center Cloud DCS, but it looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. A large enclosed area that resembles an otherworldly spaceship sits in the middle of the area, and the design palette is comprised of plenty of white alongside cold toned blues and greens.

Cloud DNS futuristic office
From Archilovers: The office of Cloud DNS is incredibly futuristic

The problem with spaces like this office and my hotel room is that they tend to feel cold and sterile. If you’ve ever been in a space like these, you know what it’s like. On the surface, you may appreciate the intent but this style of design has consequences. These spaces can feel unnatural. Largely, this is a biological response. As humans, we instinctively respond well to natural environments. These tech-centric spaces cut off the natural environment, replacing daylight with harsh fluorescent lighting and swapping natural materials for untextured, manufactured materials.

Architectural theorist Nikos Salingaros told the Clarion Review that this sterile appearance comes from “the deliberate removal of certain mathematical qualities from man-made structures, namely those qualities that characterize living and natural forms.” Here, Salingaros is talking about natural patterns like fractals that are present in nature and have historically been present in architecture. Modern design often removes these patterns, creating abstract, less engaging buildings that don’t satisfy our need for nature.

Of course, technology isn’t bad, but these sterile spaces aren’t optimized for human occupants. Tech-centric design can be an interesting concept to explore, but hopefully not at the expense of cutting off humans from the natural world around them. Designers can tackle the challenge head-on using biophilia as their north star.

The Importance of Biophilia

Biophilic office space combines tech with nature
From Barbican: This biophilic office space seamlessly merges technology with nature

Biophilia is the simple concept that humans feel and perform best when they’re connected to nature. Over the last several years, the effects of biophilia on mood, productivity, and health have been extensively documented, and the benefits are hard to ignore. Biophilic design has been shown to increase productivity, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even facilitate collaboration and social interaction.

Consequently, architects and designers find when they design with biophilia as their guide, the result is better built environments. In all types of spaces, from corporate offices to local restaurants, the effects of biophilic design are effective. Experts agree that biophilia is an impactful means to achieve smart commercial design. Simply put, people positively respond, mentally, physically, and socially, in biophilic environments.

Many designers have also turned to biophilia to reinvigorate offices by adding some natural components to a sterile space. The idea here is to rethink existing tech-centric spaces and naturally incorporate biophilic elements. Instead of allowing technology to completely consume a space, designers are redesigning with biophilia in mind and anchoring the existing tech space in a more organic fashion.

How Designers Are Merging Nature and Technology

UK Green Building Council biophilic office with living wall
From Morgan Lovell: A living wall helps the UK Green Building Council’s office balance nature and technology

The UK Green Building Council’s office is an excellent example of this hybrid approach to design. Designed by Morgan Lovell, the office’s main area boasts a beautiful living wall comprised of over 1,500 plants. In addition to the living wall, there are plenty of plants mounted around the room, and there’s ample natural light. While the space hosts a computer lab full of technology, the additional wellness features make for a more welcoming lab.

Prescient’s Chicago office is an example of a space that uses wood to add an organic, warming design element. Designed by Perkins+Will, a firm that prioritizes green design, the high-tech global security firm’s office is a combination of contemporary design and biophilic components. Exposed ceilings, glass and steel are nicely paired with plenty of natural light, walnut furniture and reclaimed wood paneling to anchor the space in the natural world. The office feels contemporary and cutting edge, but it’s ultimately grounded in nature.

Prescient's Chicago Office
From The Architect’s Newspaper: Prescient’s Chicago office is techy but feels inviting and natural

Wood is a critical part of biophilic interior environments. Reclaimed wood, in particular, is an excellent green building material, and in many ways it contributes to better occupant wellness. Designing with organic materials like wood can easily transform an unnatural, sterile space into an oasis.

Jet.com’s Hoboken office is another example of how biophilic design can mesh perfectly with technology. Reclaimed Lost Coast Redwood paneling adds an organic touch with its worn, weathered barn wood character. The wood nicely complements the vibrant colors of the furnishings, but most importantly, it places nature at the heart of the space.

Jet.com's office uses reclaimed wood to create a tech-focused and natural work space
From TerraMai: Jet.com’s biophilic office uses reclaimed wood to create a tech-focused yet powerfully natural space

Conclusion

Technology will become more and more essential in the built environment but it should be integrated so it enhances the built environment. Spaces need to be designed such that they are humanistic at the core, and that means designing with a focus on wellness and nature. Humans are living beings. Being in the presence of plant life and weathered landscapes resonate and cognitively stimulate, thus reflecting those aspects in the built environment make sense to enhance building occupant productivity and well-being.

How Biophilia and Reclaimed Wood Go Together

Reclaimed redwood paneling frames a living wall at Crown Castle in this bright common area

Biophilia is one of the most important sources for inspiration in today’s interior design. Architects and designers are looking at design through a biophilic lens to create projects that will have positive long-term impact for the planet and for human health and wellness. Biophilic design creates beautiful spaces that literally make people happy but also spaces that will resonate well into the future.

While there are many ways to implement biophilic design, one popular choice is to use reclaimed wood. Starchitects to Start Architects see its many possibilities, and chances are you’ve seen it in all kinds of commercial environments. Here’s why biophilia and reclaimed wood are such a good pairing.

The Importance of Biophilia

At its core, biophilia is all about connecting humans to the natural world. It’s an increasingly important area of design because it solves many of the problems present in the built environment. Stuffy offices and enclosed retail space environments cut occupants off from nature, which can result in lowered performance and satisfaction. Biophilia’s answer to this problem is simple: incorporate more nature.

One of the most important tenets of biophilic design is the creation of beneficial, enjoyable spaces. We spend 90% of our day indoors, and if our indoor environments are harmful, that can lead to a host of issues. On the flip side, when indoor environments are designed for human health and well being, they become places people love to spend time in.

Biophillic space with full height windows
From Gensler: Biophilic spaces aren’t just healthy––they also create wonderful occupant experiences

So, how exactly should the built environment be designed for humans? In large part, it comes down to using nature as a guide especially when it comes to material selection. Engaging the senses is so important in biophilic design and materials play an enormous role here.

How Reclaimed Wood Achieves Biophilic Goals

Reclaimed wood is a powerful and versatile material. While a lot of designers and occupants love it for its appearance alone, reclaimed wood has many biophilic benefits. Clearly, it is a natural material and establishes an easy connection with the great outdoors. Depending on the species of wood and its patina, the wood can offer many levels of sensorial variability.

Terrapin Bright Green’s 14 patterns of biophilic design underscore the importance of material aesthetic. Since nature is multi-sensorial, biophilic building materials ought to similarly engage our spectrum of senses. Reclaimed wood is able to integrate many of the patterns because of its multifaceted nature. Its appearance, textures, and colors create a visual connection with nature, while its wear and patina make us aware of natural systems. Furthermore, the look of wood grain implements complexity and order into the built environment.

Reclaimed Red Oak flooring at Enthought office
From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood, like the Mission Oak Red Flooring shown above, integrates several natural patterns into the built environment

Natural patterns and fractals are universally soothing. Patterns found in nature deeply affect and nurture us. Incorporating fractals into architecture results in lowered stress levels. Utilizing reclaimed wood in applications like flooring, paneling, tables and stairs are all ways to bring more natural pattern and fractals into design.

Central to the biophilia hypothesis is that people experience better health and happiness when closer to nature. Reclaimed wood has been shown to have many physical health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, slower heart rates, and reduced levels of stress. One fascinating study comes from the Journal of Wood Science. Fourteen participants sat in rooms with either steel or wood paneling, and the researchers found that the participants who viewed wood enjoyed decreased blood pressure. Meanwhile, the participants in steel-paneled rooms experienced significantly higher blood pressure. This landmark study was instrumental in highlighting the wellness benefits of wood.

The Human-Nature Bond in the Built Environment

One of the principles of biophilic design is to use nature as a vehicle to create an emotional connection between occupants and the built environment. Wood can help elicit emotion and feeling better than just about any other surface material. As humans, we are inherently drawn to wood. Wood can help make a geographic connection to a place or help convey a particular spirit of a space. When the wood is reclaimed, it further facilitates an emotional connection through it’s reclaim story and sustainability.

Reclaimed Douglas Fir paneling at Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma
From TerraMai: The Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma, WA uses ample reclaimed Douglas Fir sourced from the Pacific Northwest in their facility

Reclaimed wood also mixes with other biophilic design elements. Ample daylight, greenery, and large windows with views of nature are all commonly used in biophilic design. When used in conjunction with these sorts of elements, reclaimed wood continues the natural design palette, bringing the fullness of nature into the built environment. The result is a refreshing atmosphere that works in any commercial space from a modern office to a relaxing hotel.

Reclaimed redwood paneling frames a living wall at Crown Castle in this bright common area
From TerraMai: Lost Coast Redwood Paneling frames a living wall at Crown Castle in this bright common area

Weathered reclaimed wood with a barn wood look like Lost Coast Paneling or Dark Horse may be considered as a bigger biophilic contributor because of the distressed patina. Weathered woods boast markings and signs of wear that are evocative of the natural world. This can be ideal for biophilic design but all wood brings a natural element to a space.

Using natural, non-toxic materials is also a vital part of good biophilic design. Reclaimed wood is an excellent green building material. Since reclaimed wood is salvaged from various sources, it keeps useful materials from needlessly being landfilled and eliminates the steps and energy needed to harvest and extract new, raw materials.

Reclaimed wood paneling complements potted greenery and trees outside this Seattle Starbucks
From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood paneling complements potted greenery and trees outside this Seattle Starbucks

Reclaimed wood is also a popular choice for spaces that don’t have immediate access to views of nature or excess daylight. It’s an easy way to add a biophilic touch to any design, and it works well no matter the location or type of space. Check out how it creates a natural feeling in the James Perse store pictured below. With no windows nearby, the wood warms and balances the space. This shows it’s completely possible to create an extremely natural look even in a landlocked space.

Reclaimed white oak flooring at James Perse shop
From TerraMai: This reclaimed white oak flooring works its magic even in an enclosed space

Reclaimed wood’s appeal is universal. It packs a biophilic punch, making spaces instantly healthier and more beautiful. Whether juxtaposed with vibrant plant life or all alone, reclaimed wood excels at bringing nature into the built environment. As you explore biophilic design, you absolutely should take a strong look at reclaimed wood.

Conclusion

Reclaimed wood isn’t just another building material; it’s a top material choice for biophilic design. Nothing says nature like wood, whether worn and weathered or clean and classic.  An eclectic look like Acacia Metro or a rustic wood like Dirty Face, still provide all the biophilic benefits that reclaimed wood brings.

We’d love to share our love of reclaimed wood with you. It’s sustainable and beautiful while being mentally and physically beneficial, making humans happier and healthier. If you’re curious about reclaimed wood, check out some of our articles or take a peek at the types of wood available.

Biophilic Design Makes Economic Sense Once You Look at These Data Points

Reclaimed redwood with living wall improves indoor environment

Have you ever thought of biophilic design as a cost-saving design approach? Many people think biophilic design has to  be costly, but thankfully that’s not the case. That’s because while biophilic design can require an upfront investment, it pays dividends in the long run, both environmentally and financially. Here’s a closer look at how biophilic design makes perfect economic sense.

Biophilia, Employee Retention, and the Cost of Turnover

First, let’s look at biophilic design in the office. Biophilic offices are becoming more commonplace, and the natural aesthetic isn’t the only reason for that. Companies are also saving money thanks to biophilia. The key to understanding how biophilic design can help save money is considering how it benefits workers and, more specifically, solves workers’ problems.

Biophilic offices help workers to feel happier and be healthier
From Peldon Rose: Biophilic offices help workers to feel happier and be healthier

Consider the phenomenon of low employee engagement, which is one of the most troublesome issues in the workplace today. In its State of the American Workplace report, Gallup found that a whopping 70 percent of employees are not engaged at work. That in and of itself is costing companies billions; all told, actively disengaged employees cost the US $450 to $550 billion per year.

What’s more, businesses experience large financial losses as a result of high turnover. When salaried workers leave, replacement requires hefty recruiting and training costs. On average, it costs 6 to 9 months’ salary to replace a salaried employee. This is why 47 percent of HR leaders reported that employee retention and turnover is their top workforce management challenge.

So what’s making employees so unhappy and disengaged? Many experts point to poor worker well-being as a primary reason behind problems like low engagement and absenteeism. Research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that direct and indirect costs of poor worker health amount to 25 to 35 percent of payroll. As Knoll pointed out in an article, “Poor employee well-being can reduce engagement and morale, increase overtime, require overstaffing, increase turnover and make people more prone to accidents.”

Poor worker well-being can amount to 25 to 35 percent of wages
From Knoll: Poor worker well-being can amount to 25 to 35 percent of wages

Poor Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is one of the top reasons why worker well-being is suffering. The CDC defines IEQ as being composed of several factors including lighting, air quality, and damp conditions. Poor IEQ can lead to a host of health conditions, including Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Building Related Illness (BRI). While these conditions aren’t often talked about, they’re some of the leading causes of poor worker health. According to a 2016 study in the International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, “SBS leads to an increase in self-reported illness absences and reduced productivity in offices.” That can lead to chronic absenteeism and eventually turnover.

As a result of this increase in engagement-related issues, more and more businesses are turning to biophilic design. Biophilia fundamentally solves the problem of building-related illnesses by promoting workplaces that are inherently beneficial to occupant health. The use of natural and nontoxic building materials in biophilic design results in a cleaner built environment that comprehensively supports wellness.

Capital One’s office fosters a healthy, biophilic environment for workers
From TerraMai: Capital One’s office fosters a healthy, biophilic environment for workers

There have been many studies conducted that found a positive correlation between biophilic design elements and improved well-being. Reclaimed wood is especially powerful in this area as it is an organic material direct from nature that introduces a multi-sensorial design component. A report by Planet Ark looked at the positive effects of wood on physical health and concluded that the material excels at reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. This has enormous implications for occupants, as lowered stress can help prevent significant health consequences such as obesity and diabetes.

Ultimately, biophilic design can help employees to be more present, creative and more engaged at their jobs, which in turn reduces absenteeism and turnover (and the accompanying financial consequences). Studies affirm that workers who are closed off from nature take more sick leave than workers in biophilic spaces. In fact, as much as 10% of employee absences can be attributed to non-biophilic offices. Biophilic design can reduce that number, mitigate turnover costs, enhance employee retention, and create a better working environment.

The Cost-Saving Effects of Good Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the most critical aspects of overall IEQ. Poor IAQ can have a wide range of consequences from reduced productivity to respiratory illnesses. A leading cause of poor IAQ is inadequate ventilation solutions. The American Lung Association notes that effective ventilation “may also help keep bacteria, viruses and other pollutants out of the indoor air.” Ventilation can also reduce the amount of moisture in the air, reducing dampness and preventing “the growth and transmission of viruses and bacteria.”

One obvious solution is a high quality HVAC system that can increase IAQ. This also seems costly upfront, but it pays for itself quickly. One case study that followed an office in Mumbai, India, found that a good HVAC system can result in exceptional savings. The office building’s retrofit that included a $92,000 HVAC upgrade was projected to pay for itself in just 4.7 years––and that number is based on electricity bill savings alone. Keep in mind that India is considered a developing country, which makes these savings even more remarkable.

Biophilic design also promotes the use of plants and greenery, which naturally purify the air and improve air quality. Plants have been shown to remove toxic compounds from the air, and they can even reduce the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that act as carcinogens. Even placing just one plant in a workspace can promote well-being. Plants are extremely cost-effective and offer both biophilic and aesthetic advantages, so whether you use a few potted plants or a living wall, you can easily and affordably improve IAQ.

Reclaimed redwood with living wall improves indoor environment
From Habitat Horticulture: Plants can drastically improve IAQ and create a healthier indoor environment

In addition to plants, wood also helps improve IAQ by helping to moderate humidity. Wood naturally absorbs and emits moisture as it maintains equilibrium with the air in the built environment. The ability of wood to moderate humidity can have a particularly important impact in workplaces. In conjunction to a high quality HVAC system, incorporating wood as well as plants in a space can ensure air quality that will lead to occupant satisfaction and productivity.

These Case Studies Show the ROI of Biophilia

Biophilic design has already helped businesses around the world save millions of dollars. If your curiosity has been piqued, check out these case studies that detail the ROI that biophilia provides.

One of the first businesses to reduce absenteeism through biophilic design was ING Bank in 1978. The company was building a new headquarters in Amsterdam, and they took a radical design approach, incorporating daylighting and water installations. When the new office was finished, absenteeism decreased by an incredible 15%. What’s more, the bank saved an estimated $2.6 million per year thanks to the daylighting and energy saving systems.

These results can happen faster than you might think. At the Sacramento Municipal Utility District Call Center, employees with seated access to views of nature handled calls 6 to 7 percent faster than those without views of nature. The Center made the decision to reconstruct the office to provide all employees with an accessible view of nature. While the expense of this reconstruction totaled $1,000 per employee, the annual productivity savings averaged to $2,990 per employee, and the redesign paid for itself in just 4 months. These results aren’t mere outliers. Companies around the world are seeing similar savings after incorporating biophilic design.

Here’s one more case study that was instrumental in helping the Architecture & Design industry understand the macroeconomic benefits of biophilic design. In 1984, professor and researcher Roger Ulrich analyzed the effects of natural views on hospital patients recovering from gallbladder surgery. 23 patients were placed in rooms with views of nature, while another 23 patients were placed in rooms that just had a brick wall. Ulrich found that the patients with access to views of nature had shorter hospital stays, amounting to an 8.5% difference. Terrapin Bright Green extrapolated that data and estimated that the U.S. could save $93 million yearly by implementing biophilic design in hospitals rooms.

Biophilic design could save U.S. hospitals $93 million each year
From Terrapin Bright Green: Biophilic design could save U.S. hospitals $93 million each year

What About WELL Certification?

The WELL Building Standard fully incorporates biophilic design into its program. It was recently updated with the goal of making the standard more universal, and it won’t be long before WELL Certification becomes the norm.

As you’ve seen in this article, investing in biophilic design pays in the long run, and this is similarly true for WELL Certification. Developers are pursuing WELL Certification to deliver occupant well-being but also see the added value in the realm of building occupancy rate and added property values. John Mooz, Senior Managing Director at Hines in Houston, Texas, knows that high-quality buildings have higher resale value. He notes that buildings with healthy features as outlined by WELL can command up to a 20 percent rent premium over market rate, in addition to savings on operational costs.

The wonderfully biophilic Hyatt HQ in Chicago earned WELL Silver Certification
From WELL Online: The wonderfully biophilic Hyatt HQ in Chicago earned WELL Silver Certification

And since WELL and LEED go hand in hand, there are also many energy-related savings. Some buildings have seen a 12% reduction in overall energy use and 40% reduction in water consumption. These are substantial enough in the short term, but they also add up over time and help you consistently save money.

Why It’s Cheaper To Pay More for Biophilia

Biophilic design may seem like an added expense at first, but it’s important to look beyond the initial price tags. In the long run, biophilia saves money by preventing poor occupant health and optimizing the built environment for human well-being. The upfront costs are small compared to the long term savings, as demonstrated by the above case studies and statistics. Biophilic design is all about making people as healthy and as happy as possible, and that comes with a plethora of benefits that will more than pay for themselves. To wrap-up, if you’re looking to reduce absenteeism, mitigate turnover costs, enhance employee retention, and create a better working environment it is time to explore biophilic design.

Wood in Classrooms: The Secret to Better Grades?

The Energy BioSciences Building at UC Berkeley features rich reclaimed teak ceilings

Outside of the home, the classroom environment is where most children spend the majority of their time. K-12 education is a pivotal time in children’s development that helps them grow intellectually and socially. Since so many factors affect student achievement during this imperative period, having a holistic view of the educational experience is important.

The focus is often on teaching techniques and curriculum, but the physical building and school surroundings shouldn’t be ignored. More and more research is highlighting the impact that classroom design––specifically design materials––has on students. In this article, I’ll explore biophilic design in the educational sector and how reclaimed wood, in particular, can benefit students.

The Benefits of Biophilic Design in Education

Given the importance of a strong education system for student success and to our economic growth and ability to compete in the global economy, it is time to rethink the spaces that our children spend so much time in. In particular, we need to reimagine the classroom as a biophilic space since studies support the positive effect of biophilic design on education. Bringing nature and natural analogues like reclaimed wood into the learning environment makes the classroom more conducive to learning, which results in more productive students and teachers.

Currently, millions of students around the world are attending school in highly urban (and thus highly unnatural) environments. These conditions hinder a child’s development. That’s because biophilic tendencies have been observed in children under two years old. This observation proves the biophilia hypothesis, which states that humans have an innate desire to connect with nature. If children don’t have access to nature, their development will be stifled.

Cherry Crest Elementary School boasts a lush landscape for its students
From NAC Architecture: Cherry Crest Elementary School boasts a lush landscape for its students

In regards to education, this is absolutely critical. Children spend so much time in classrooms, and if the classroom setting is unnatural and lacking in biophilia, student development and enjoyment will suffer. The questions this poses for designers are important. How can design impact the learning process? How can we ensure that students live up to their full potential? These ideas are crucial to the future of the educational sector.

The Power of Biophilic Design in Educational Spaces

The praises of biophilic design are now well-known in regards to the workplace, but using biophilia in the classroom yields similarly beneficial results. One study by researchers at Texas State University and Texas A&M University found that the presence of plants improves students’ learning experience, especially in spaces that lack other natural elements like exposure to sunlight or views of nature. Biophilic spaces clearly make for better learning environments.

Reclaimed distressed wood flooring and paneling has a big impact on students
From TerraMai: Reclaimed distressed wood flooring and paneling has a big impact on students, faculty and visitors at Central Washington University.

Biophilia drastically changes how students interact with the curriculum––and one another. The more biophilic a space is, the more interaction will take place. Basically, biophilic elements (like reclaimed wood) bring natural patterns and systems into the built environment. These patterns and systems activate the brain and help humans engage better within their immediate environment.

On an intrapersonal level, this means students will be more present, enhancing their ability to learn. Mahlum Architects is one firm that has seen this happen firsthand. They’ve seen immense benefits of wood in the classroom as a design firm that’s promoted the use of wood in the educational sector. Wilkes Elementary School on Washington’s Bainbridge Island is a beautiful example of their biophilic approach to Architecture & Design. There’s wood on virtually every surface throughout the school. The result is a highly biophilic environment that brings nature indoors and creates optimal learning conditions. It’s no surprise that the school has won many design awards and is highly rated by parents.

Wilkes Elementary School is resplendent with wood that fosters a biophilic atmosphere
From ArchDaily: Wilkes Elementary School is resplendent with wood that fosters a biophilic atmosphere

Interpersonally, this will facilitate improved social interaction between students. Biophilic design is closely associated with higher levels of interaction, and there’s a substantial body of research that details this. Researcher Alan Ewert looked at the effects of human interaction with the outdoors and found that people who participated in outdoor programs gained “improved cooperation, the ability to work in teams, avoidance of conflict, respect for others, leadership, and the capacity to make new friends.” In a K-12 environment, these effects can benefit children when they need it most and create an ideal balance of nature and nurture.

How Reclaimed Wood Scientifically Improves Schoolwork

The Energy BioSciences Building at UC Berkeley features rich reclaimed teak ceilings
From TerraMai: The Energy BioSciences Building at UC Berkeley features rich reclaimed teak ceilings

So how does reclaimed wood play into all of this? In short, reclaimed wood provides generous doses of biophilia, and this grants all of the benefits mentioned in this article. It’s why schools like Wilkes Elementary that implement lots of wood see such exceptional results.

Reclaimed wood just might be the most beneficial building material for educational settings. In numerous studies, wood has proven to be particularly effective at stress reduction. One such study analyzed the effect of interior wood use on students in an Austrian secondary school. Students who were placed in solid wood classrooms experienced lower heart rates and reduced levels of stress than students in classrooms without wood. Heart rate variability also increased in the wood classrooms, and high HRV is a sign of a healthy, resilient heart according to Harvard University. In that study, HRV decreased in the solid wood classrooms. The takeaway: wood is a boon to students’ heart health.

Chartwell School uses reclaimed wood in the classroom for a better learning experience
From TerraMai: Chartwell School uses reclaimed wood in the classroom for a better learning experience

Designers are realizing that the use of natural materials is critical to creating better learning environments. One goal, as expressed by NAC Architecture, is to blur the boundaries between the built environment inside and the natural world outside. Schools with biophilic design like Chartwell School (pictured above) or Manassas Park Elementary (pictured below) accomplish this goal beautifully. The textures and patterns available to students help to connect them with nature both visually and tactilely.

This room in Virginia’s Manassas Park Elementary School is a beautiful example of a biophilic classroom
From UNC School of Government: This room in Virginia’s Manassas Park Elementary School is a beautiful example of a biophilic classroom

Additionally, architects are finding that reclaimed wood works well outside the classroom. Libraries, study areas, dormitories, and other on-campus facilities can all reap the rewards of reclaimed wood. In these spaces, reclaimed wood installations will help students work and study more effectively, whether individually or in groups. And since wood has been shown to increase social interaction and improve collaboration, it’s an excellent material choice for any space in which students are working together.

The University of Michigan uses beautiful reclaimed teak paneling throughout its centrally located dormitory complex
From TerraMai: The University of Michigan uses beautiful reclaimed teak paneling throughout its centrally located dormitory complex

An investment in biophilic school design has economic and social benefits. According to PRISM, biophilic design can not only increase the tax dollar value of a school but also provide social support for children: “Nature supplies social support for children as they interact with others. When children become engaged in nature, their neural mechanisms are allowed to rest and recover.” Again, stress reduction is vital here, as the adolescent brain has been demonstrated to be especially vulnerable to stress. Reducing stress when it affects children the most has developmental, social, and emotional benefits that cannot be overstated. Furthermore, these wide-ranging effects of improved childhood development should not be overlooked because these formative years influence an individual’s economic and social outcomes later in life.

Conclusion

With current studies showing that classrooms designed with biophilic elements improve test scores, support health, and increase learning rates, it is time to elicit these positive outcomes by placing more emphasis on classroom design. Architects and designers can reimagine the classroom using biophilic design as their compass. There is an incredible opportunity to have a profound impact on education and students’ daily lives. Using lots of green building materials like sustainable wood will provide students with an environment that will help them stay connected to nature throughout their development. Schools will be healthier and students will spend their days in more productive and happier spaces, sowing the seeds for future generations to reap.

Patterns in Nature: Why we need them in the built environment

Example of biomorphic pattern: Honeycomb 3D wall

Patterns are everywhere in nature. The natural patterns found in nature deeply affect and nurture us. They are imprinted in our physiological-cognitive system and when we spend time in environments devoid of natural patterns, it leads to anxiety and stress which in the short term hampers productivity but in the long term can lead to illness. Nikos Salingaros, architectural theorist and mathematician, emphasizes that there are enormous opportunities to create healing built environments by incorporating the mathematical qualities of those found in living and natural forms.

There are many kinds of natural patterns and those that have a self-similarity are called fractals. According Salingaros, “much, if not all, of natural structure is fractal”. Fractals are patterns that repeat at different scales: If you zoom in on a picture of a fractal, you will still see the same pattern repeated.

Examples of patterns found in nature
Examples of patterns found in nature.

Richard Taylor, a physicist at the University of Oregon, and fractal fanatic, explains that “Your visual system is in some way hardwired to understand fractals,” said Taylor. “The stress-reduction is triggered by a physiological resonance that occurs when the fractal structure of the eye matches that of the fractal image being viewed.” When an environment veers away from natural patterns, it leads to some discomfort, even if subconsciously.

Science has long studied the relationship between natural patterns and the human brain. As it turns out, the brain is a powerful pattern recognition machine. One study even called pattern processing “the essence of the evolved human brain,” noting that humans have recognized the central importance of SPP [superior pattern processing] for their advancement as a species.” In other words, being able to identify patterns is an inherent part of being a human. This instinct is so strong that we even tend to perceive patterns where there are none.

Thus, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that patterns have healing effects. Namely, patterns help to reduce stress. A 2006 study found that incorporating fractals into architecture results in lowered stress levels. Other research has shown that viewing fractals can reduce stress by as much as 60 percent. Another study found that surgical patients with rooms that featured views of nature spent less time in the hospital than patients whose rooms faced a brick wall.

Example of biomorphic pattern: Honeycomb 3D wall
From Distinct Solutions: This honeycomb pattern is an excellent example of a biomorphic pattern

Patterns also have an undeniable visual appeal that’s immediately apparent to the viewer. This has a larger implication as well: that nature and its patterns are inherently beautiful. Indeed, people are drawn toward natural materials like wood in the built environment, as observed by A. Quincy Jones. The closer a constructed environment is to the natural world, the more enjoyable it will be, and patterns play a large role here.

Salingaros, of strong opinion that the way we shape our buildings will shape us, feels minimalist spaces void of nature make us uneasy. We must bring nature and its patterns into design. Designers can incorporate natural patterns into the built environment in many creative ways. People have an affinity for natural materials. Thus, to maximize the positive effect of pattern, it makes sense to use natural materials in the process. Materials can be the vehicle to provide pattern or the instrument to create them. Think wooden spiral staircase. The spiral shape is a reflection of nature and the wood, analogous of nature, provides its own natural patterns.

The patterns present in wood are especially beautiful. The size, type and arrangement of wood cells differ from one wood species to another, and this affects the appearance of the grain.Some wood species have very figured grain pattern while others are more refined, all of which can be presented differently depending on how the wood is sawn. Reclaimed wood that has been weathered or naturally distressed over time adds another level of character that can enrich the patterns found in wood.

Closeup of reclaimed oak tabletop shows multitude of patterns
From TerraMai: This closeup of a reclaimed oak tabletop shows off the multitude of patterns

The Aesthetic Benefits of Patterns

Natural patterns are universally beautiful. When we view the patterns found in wood ––whether it’s a complex fractal or a simple series of cracks ––we perceive beauty. The numerous wellness benefits that patterns can provide present amazing design opportunities.

Even in ancient times, humans grasped the power and attractiveness of patterns. Perhaps that’s why the ancient Pueblo people designed complex geometric structures even though they lacked a number system and alphabet. Patterns that occur in nature, like fractals and the Fibonacci sequence, are timeless and universal. In his book Patterns in Nature, author Philip Ball summed up the effect of patterns: “Natural patterns offer raw delights, but they also point to something deep.”

This focus on patterns has been instrumental to the rise of biophilic design. In the landmark report “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design,” Terrapin Bright Green put forth 14 central concepts that detailed the relationship between humans and biophilic architecture. One of those concepts is Biomorphic Forms & Patterns. A biomorphic pattern is simply a pattern found in nature or a pattern that simulates a natural pattern. As Terrapin puts it, “The objective of Biomorphic Forms & Patterns is to provide representational design elements within the built environment that allow users to make connections to nature.” One of the best (and easiest) ways to make that happen is to use natural materials, which is why reclaimed wood is so useful.

Closeup of reclaimed redwood paneling at Hulu shows patterns
From TerraMai: Weathered Lost Coast Redwood introduces natural patterns into the Hulu office

The Abundance of Patterns in Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed and rustic red oak paneling offer eye catching patterns
From TerraMai: The patterns in this Reclaimed Red Oak are compelling and eye-catching

Closeup of reclaimed redwood paneling shows wavy and spiraling patterns
From TerraMai: This reclaimed redwood has wavy and spiraling figure pattern

TerraMai's Mission Oak Vintage flooring & paneling showcases arches and cathedral patterns
From TerraMai: Mission Oak Vintage showcases arches and cathedral pattern, and displays occasional nail holes and checking from its prior life

No matter the type of wood, the abundance of patterns will have a positive effect on the viewer. The patina and weathering marks present in post-consumer reclaimed wood accentuate the natural patterns and add character.

Conclusion

Patterns make up a critical part of the natural world, and as humans, we’re meant to connect with these patterns on an innate, instinctive level. Knowing how beneficial patterns are, it makes perfect sense to build them into all aspects of design. In short, including patterns into the built environment––especially in the form of natural building materials like reclaimed wood––will optimize the design for the human brain. Occupants will be happier, more productive, and enjoy the overall experience more.

Wood and Wellbeing: The Connection Between Building Materials and Cognitive Health

Microsoft's new office space boosts creativity with plenty of light, air, and wood.

Wood is beautiful, but did you know it can actually improve cognitive health? That’s the conclusion that many recent studies have reached, and it’s inspiring architects and designers to make wood a central locus of the built environment. Wood is now being chosen not only for its looks but also its psychophysiological benefits. This research is changing the way A&D professionals approach their craft, and the resulting design is more human-centric than ever before. Here’s why wood is such a boon to our bodies and brains.

Wood and Psychophysiology

Open work space with wood accents at Saarofsky Studio
From Olson Kundig: Wood’s numerous health benefits make it a popular material choice for starchitects

Psychophysiology is the field of study that analyzes the relationship between mental and physical processes. It acknowledges that there is a strong connection between mind and body and researches how the two affect each other as well as how external conditions affect them. In the built environment, psychophysiology is a crucial factor that will determine occupant enjoyment. From the design all the way down to the specific building materials used, the built environment greatly affects the people who inhabit it. As such, it’s important to pay attention to the psychophysiological impact of a space.

Design psychophysiology is a large part of biophilic design, which aims to create environments that facilitate both mental and physical health in occupants. The field of biophilic design has been instrumental in helping architects and designers understand how buildings affect people and how they can be optimized to be the most beneficial.

Clif Bar's HQ uses Terramai's stunning World Mix flooring and paneling
From TerraMai: The Clif Bar HQ is a stunning example of biophilic design

As it turns out, wood is one material that has been connected to psychophysiological benefits. In their study “Wood as a Restorative Material in Healthcare Environments,” Sally Augustin and David Fell explored the connection between wood and psychophysiology. Their findings aligned with much of the research that has been conducted in biophilic design, but looking at these findings through the lens of psychophysiology gives us a new way of viewing the built environment.

How Wood Helps Reduce Stress

In short, Augustin and Fell concluded that wood is particularly excellent at stress reduction. However, it’s the specific details that have incredible applications to design. First, wood can help people manage existing stress. To illustrate this, Augustin and Fell cited a 2010 study that analyzed how offices (with and without wood) affected participants who completed a stressful mental task. The participants in offices that featured wood were much less stressed than those in non-wood offices.

TerraMai's reclaimed walnut flooring at AutoGravityFrom TerraMai: Wood noticeably reduces stress, a quality that’s ideal for office environments

Wood can also prevent stress from occurring. A 2011 study analyzed stress levels in students who were placed in wood and non-wood classrooms. The findings were similar to the aforementioned 2010 study: students in classrooms that had wood were less stressed than students in non-wood rooms. A similar conclusion was reached in a study that considered wood in residential environments. Fascinatingly, participants’ blood pressure and heart rate dropped when they entered rooms with wood but increased when they entered rooms without wood.

Even the amount of wood has an effect on wood’s stress reduction properties. A 2007 study assessed participants’ responses to rooms that were covered in 0%, 45%, and 90% wood. While heart rate and blood pressure were lowest in the room with 90% wood, participants said they felt most comfortable in the 45% wood room. This is where psychophysiology comes into play. Although the 90% wood room satisfied participants physiologically, the 45% room was the best psychophysiological option, combining lowered heart rate and blood pressure with enjoyment and calmness.

Microsoft's new office space boosts creativity with plenty of light, air, and wood.
From Microsoft: Spaces with about 45% wood provide a good psychophysiological balance

Wood as a Multifaceted Psychophysiological Asset

Wood’s health benefits aren’t limited to stress reduction. A report by Planet Ark demonstrated that wood has been shown to boost social interaction and foster feelings of comfort. On a very simple level, these benefits immediately contribute to short-term occupant health. However, the implications of wood’s many healing properties are astonishing. The Planet Ark study speculated that wood’s social component may help to mitigate dementia in the elderly. The authors also put forth that wood’s stress relieving abilities may help people avoid health complications––including obesity and type 2 diabetes––that arise as a result of stress.

From Mason Design + Development: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge uses biophilic design and lots of wood to create a human-first environment

There are many other enthralling studies that analyze the relationship between wood and psychophysiology. Dr. Yuki Kawamura, a researcher at Sumitomo Forestry Research, measured various kinds of health responses to wood. One experiment studied the effects of wood on the brain and found that wood produces higher alpha wave activity, thus indicating higher levels of relaxation. During mentally demanding tasks, participants exposed to wood had more beta wave activity, which pointed to higher levels of focus. These fascinating studies proved that wood can help people rest or focus more effectively depending on the context. For designers, this means wood is just as useful in a hotel room as it is in a corporate office.

From its stress alleviation properties to its social benefits, wood proves time and time again to be one of the healthiest building materials in existence. Equipped with this new knowledge, architects and designers can work to ensure that the built environment is psychophysiologically optimized for humans. This approach is already ushering in a new era of design that brings biophilia to the forefront and focuses on making the healthiest possible spaces.

Using Wood in Design For Cognitive Health Benefits

Social interactions are facilitated by reclaimed wood and biophilic elements at Station 101
From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood paneling in group areas can facilitate social interaction

There are many ways to use wood in the built environment for positive psychophysiological effects. That said, there are some key concepts to keep in mind. First, it’s crucial to consider the right amount of wood for any given space. As we saw from one of the studies, rooms with about 45% coverage of wood were considered to be the most comfortable. That figure doesn’t need to be an immovable metric for designers to adhere to, but the concept of using the appropriate amount of wood to accomplish the design intention is pivotal.

Kickstarter's HQ includes a healthy balance of wood to non-wood elements
From Terrapin Bright Green: Maintaining a good balance of wood to non-wood elements is critical to achieve the intended outcome for a space

Next, keep the full range of wood’s benefits in mind. Thinking of wood as a healthy building material (and not just a stress reliever) will help you unlock all of its design advantages. For instance, due to wood’s ability to encourage social interaction, many designers elect to use wood in spaces where people gather together. Hotel lobbies, office break rooms, fitness centers, study areas, and event spaces are just a few environments that can utilize wood to foster a more social atmosphere.

Finally, think about the type of wood to employ. Many architects are choosing reclaimed wood as it arguably provides added benefits over new wood. Reclaimed wood can be character-rich with lots of texture and weathering which can elicit a stronger natural, organic connection for occupants to a space. Telling the story of reclaimed wood whether the reclaimed wood has a clean aesthetic or readily displays its prior history through a naturally distressed look, allows occupants to emotionally connect and feel more meaning to the built environment in addition to having a natural affinity for wood.

TerraMai's reclaimed Acacia Metro paneling provides an eye-catching and modern feel
From TerraMai: Acacia Metro Paneling is a reclaimed wood that will instantly turn heads

Conclusion

The link between wood and cognitive health has far-reaching implications for architects and designers. Spaces with abundant wood have always been considered beautiful, but now we’re discovering that such spaces are beneficial to not only the eye but also the mind and body. The result: Built environments that help people rest, focus, and feel better, all thanks to wood.

Blackened & Burned Wood: Why Shou Sugi Ban is More Than A Design Trend

Wood receiving shou sugi ban finish by flame charring

This year, there is a bevy of new, interesting design trends. Almost all of these trends have three things in common: biophilia, sustainability, and authenticity. These goals are what underlie some of the most popular design trends today, from reclaimed wood to net-zero energy usage.

Architects and designers are looking for new and innovative ways to create spaces that are healthier for humans and better for the environment. They are using design to intentionally create experiences. Some trends borrow on past artisanal methods that hearken back to another time.

One captivating design trend is an increased interest in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of preserving wood by charring it. The resulting wood is a deep obsidian that’s strikingly rich, and it’s become more common in all kinds of commercial settings. As trendy as it may be right now, shou sugi ban is much more than just a design trend. I’d like to show you how an understanding of traditional shou sugi ban is paving the way for a new era of sustainability.

How Shou Sugi Ban Wood is Made

Wood receiving shou sugi ban finish by flame charring
From Architectural Digest: Shou sugi ban involved charring wood with flame and then coating the wood to preserve it

The practice of shou sugi ban dates back to the 18th century, although some more primitive examples of the technique have been used since at least 700 AD. At its core, shou sugi ban is a fire-based wood preservation method that was used for exterior siding. Traditionally, it’s only used with Japanese cedar, which reacts to the fire in a unique way to create the trademark charcoal look.

First, pieces of Japanese cedar are handpicked to ensure the resulting wood is both beautiful and high quality. Next, the wood is burned, blackening the wood itself and creating a layer of char. Traditionally, the Japanese cedar planks were bundled into triangular tubes to create a sort of chimney. The interior was lit for an intense exposure to fire and heat. After burning, the char is brushed off and the wood is oiled. The brushing method determines the final look. Today, many try to create shou sugi ban utilizing blow torches and other species of wood. If used properly, the shou sugi ban technique can preserve wood for years, which means little to no maintenance is required. If traditional methods and wood species are not utilized there can be issues with finish longevity and stability.

Shou Sugi Ban used on exterior of commercial building
From Archilovers: This shou sugi ban exterior adds warmth and style and helps this retail space stand out

The process itself provides an insight into the popularity of shou sugi ban. Builders are constantly seeking out materials and methods of creating built environments that last. Having to renovate or update a space every few years is costly and consumes lots of energy. It’s much better for the environment (and design budgets) to develop spaces that are resilient. Since traditional shou sugi ban is durable and requires very little upkeep, it’s a good choice for architects and designers who prioritize lasting and durable siding materials.

That said, while shou sugi ban produces some beautifully unique and memorable woods, depending on the wood and process used, it may not be the most sustainable process. In practice, a deep burn must be achieved or the char on the wood can fall or flake off, dirtying floors or getting onto occupants’ clothing. Loss of the top charred layer not only can create a mess and diminish the look but with it go the functional benefits of shou sugi ban; the pest, fire and weatherproof properties. In an indoor environment, there are also some air quality concerns to consider. Thankfully, there is a convenient and elegant solution to these problems, allowing you to get the appealing looks of shou sugi ban with none of the disadvantages.

Faux Sugi Ban®: A Biophilic, Sustainable Alternative

Redwood, Doug Fir, and Pine Shou Sugi Ban

Enter Faux Sugi Ban®, a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional shou sugi ban. This product line of reclaimed woods has been designed to look like shou sugi ban. Best of all, Faux Sugi Ban delivers on many levels with none of the risks or consequences that come with charring wood. It’s completely biophilic, sustainable and provides an authentic shou sugi ban look. There’s no char to flake off to make a mess, eliminating any air cleanliness concerns. Instead, our finish team has created the unique look using reclaimed wood to provide the charred, detailed look you’d expect from shou sugi ban.

Faux Sugi Ban has been carefully developed for interior and exterior use to mirror many of the benefits of shou sugi ban while keeping sustainability and biophilia in mind. We first select and source the best-reclaimed woods that will provide the shou sugi ban Gendai look, or burned and brushed once. Utilizing reclaimed wood in itself is a sustainable process. The ways in which we source reclaimed wood consume far less energy than traditional sourcing methods. Additionally, all of our woods used for Faux Sugi Ban are FSC-certified recycled.

Next, we use eco-friendly finishes to create a charred appearance on the surface of the wood. Since no flame is used, Faux Sugi Ban bears none of the health risks that are common with shou sugi ban wood. The final product is durable, attractive wood that brings the timeless look of shou sugi ban to contemporary commercial buildings.

How Faux Sugi Ban Benefits Commercial Spaces

The inspired aesthetic of shou sugi ban is perfect for biophilic design applications. Authentic shou sugi ban is biophilic on its own, but we find that using reclaimed wood as the base for Faux Sugi Ban makes the end product even more beneficial. Reclaimed wood is one of the best biophilic building materials, and it boasts additional advantages that don’t come with shou sugi ban.

Shou Sugi Ban meshes perfectly with contemporary building design
From The Wooden Houses: The look of shou sugi ban meshes perfectly with contemporary building design

First and foremost, Faux Sugi Ban is a safe way of incorporating sustainability into building design while delivering an authentic, artisanal look. Specifying reclaimed wood is a choice for reusing current resources, reducing energy consumption and preventing living trees from being unnecessarily cut down.

Conclusion

Ultimately, shou sugi ban’s appearance on the scene points to a love of craftsmanship and need for materials and practices that stand the test of time. Sustainability is of utmost importance in all areas of architecture and design nowadays. More builders are aiming to reduce their energy footprints and improve their impact on the environment while simultaneously implementing the cutting edge of design trends. Faux Sugi Ban is our effort to harmonize the latest trends with groundbreaking sustainable design. With a stunning appearance and a conscious heart, Faux Sugi Ban proves that almost any design trend can become sustainable with just a little work.

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Modern Classics: Unrivaled, Rift & Quartered White Oak
  • From the inside out: TerraMai’s new Exterior Panels
  • Clean, Modern Classic: American Black Walnut
  • TerraMai’s sustainable second life for aging orchard trees
  • Dive into the process behind TerraMai’s Water Reclaimed Wood

View All Posts >>

Contact Us

Footer

Products

  • Acoustic Panels
  • Modular Panels
  • Paneling
  • Flooring
  • Decking
  • Siding
  • Tabletops
  • Stair Treads
  • Specialty
  • Trim

Technical

  • Acclimation
  • Aesthetics
  • Capabilities
  • Capabilities Brochure
  • Care & Maintenance
  • CEU – Designing Healthier Spaces with Wood
  • Fire Ratings
  • Grades
  • Installation Guides
  • LEED
  • Panels Brochure
  • Sourcing
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Warranties

About

  • Team
  • Careers
  • Our Story
  • Blog
  • eCards
  • Sustainability

Contact

8400 Agate Rd,
White City, OR 97503
United States

800.220.9062

Contact Us

© 2023 · TerraMai