Biophilic Design and Its Role in Sustainable Buildings

Much ado about biophilic design.

While it is quaint to think about getting in touch with nature, most commercial developers are often more concerned about performance. Do biophilic features actually enhance the functionality of a commercial structure?

Overwhelmingly, the answer is “yes.”

Moreover, not only can biophilic design improve the performance of a building, but it can do so while making the structure a leader in the realm of sustainable design.

From occupant wellness to runoff management, keep reading as we explore the various ways that biophilic design plays a key role in sustainable commercial buildings. 

Wellness Architecture

An emerging component of sustainable design lies with wellness architecture. How well does the building promote the health of occupants?

Biophilic features can reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Large windows for enhanced sunlight transmission. Stone accent walls. Exposed wooden roofing beams. All can leverage these biophilic benefits.

In terms of physiological benefits, a premier strategy lies in improving indoor air quality. Architectural louvers circulate ambient air throughout the structure while blocking unwanted debris. Installing a living moss wall can introduce oxygen and filter VOCs. Sourcing non-toxic insulation materials (sheep’s wool, recycled denim) limits the risk of toxic off-gassing present in some fiberglass batts and spray foam products. 

Energy Efficiency

Biophilic buildings are often more energy efficient than their counterparts. Open interiors. Large windows. These features enhance the transmission of natural light. This limits reliance on artificial lighting sources. A heavy focus on ventilation allows for better passive cooling. This keeps the HVAC from kicking into overdrive on hot days. Strategic orientation can improve the building’s performance along both of these fronts. Orientation leverages sun exposure for lighting and heating as desired while maximizing prevailing wind patterns for optimal ventilation. 

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Circular construction and manufacturing are part and parcel of biophilic principles. It encourages the use of recycled, renewable, and locally-sourced materials–particularly wood and stone. Repurposed furniture. Salvaged wood shelving. The aforementioned recycled denim insulation.

Another particularly impactful idea lies with countertops made from recycled glass. These innovative surfaces grind down post-consumer glass and bind it with an epoxy resin for a nonporous finish with unique visual appeal. These countertops balance the lines between a crystalline glass aspect and earthy stone classics, making for a stunning focal point in a commercial building. 

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance. 

It’s one area where natural materials typically score low in terms of sustainability. 

For example, wood surfaces need to be painted or stained to resist damage from sun and moisture. Stone features must be sealed to limit porosity.

This has given rise to composites. Many composite products, such as brick rainscreen cladding, can be manufactured in finishes that are nearly indistinguishable from natural rustics. This gives them biophilic charm while meeting modern sustainability standards. 

An innovative idea that blends the line between natural and composite is bamboo decking. A fast-growing grass whose stems resemble timber, bamboo is one of the top materials used by buildings seeking the appearance of natural hardwood without the sustainability concerns of timber harvesting and deforestation. Thermally treated at high pressures for enhanced hardness, bamboo decks perform more closely to metal than wood in terms of long-term durability, making them a perfect option for high-traffic commercial exteriors. 

Water Runoff Management

Storm runoff threatens the local biosystem in multiple ways. Sediments in runoff can cloud water, blocking sunlight for aquatic plants. Toxins and physical debris can disrupt wildlife, polluting water and contaminating soil.

Standard commercial roofing and concrete landscaping are two of the primary culprits of runoff contamination. Fortunately, these concerns can be easily rectified via biophilic design. 

Living roofs are a trending option for sustainable commercial structures. They insulate the building. They help limit urban heat islands. And because they absorb precipitation to facilitate plant growth, they greatly mitigate runoff common to hard roofing surfaces.

Permeable gravel landscaping is a premier option for exterior drainage. It works with nature, rather than against it. The system uses a series of durable substrate pavers that are then filled with an aggregate (crushed stone, pea gravel, etc). This limits the shifting concerns inherent to standard gravel driveways while maximizing the natural drainage capacity of gravel surfaces. This makes it an ideal option for walkways, parking lots, and any other aspect of the building’s exterior that prioritizes a durable, natural stone aspect. 

Biophilic Design: Nature-Inspired Principles Driving Sustainability in Commercial Buildings

Biophilic design is no longer a niche reserved for the eccentric and/or avant garde. It is a core component of modern sustainability strategies. From enhanced occupant wellness to better stormwater management, consider the various ways that biophilic design plays a crucial role in sustainable commercial structures. For more of the latest trends in commercial design, browse the content at CCR Magazine for additional thought leadership!