Renovation & finishing
Guidelines for incorporating biophilic design principles into renovations to improve occupant wellbeing and connection to nature.
This evergreen guide outlines practical, evidence-based strategies for embedding biophilic design into renovations, emphasizing natural light, materials, greenery, and sensory connections to foster wellbeing and durable, nature-inspired environments.
Published by
Daniel Cooper
August 04, 2025 - 3 min Read
Biophilic design hinges on aligning built environments with human biology and our innate affinity for nature. In renovations, start by auditing daylight access, shading, and thermal comfort to determine where natural patterns can be revived. Consider repurposing existing windows or adding skylights to maximize daylight without creating glare or overheating. Passive cooling strategies, such as cross-ventilation and operable louvers, support a healthier indoor climate while reducing energy footprints. Material choices matter too; prioritize textures and tones reminiscent of natural surroundings, such as wood, stone, and clay, which can soften spaces and reduce stress indicators. Finally, map high-traffic zones to visible nature cues and restorative moments, guiding occupants toward calm, nature-rich experiences.
A practical renovation plan should integrate biophilic concepts at three levels: architectural form, interior detailing, and occupant daily rituals. Begin with the architectural shell: ensure exterior lines frame vistas and incorporate garden or courtyard features that pull outdoor scenery inward. Inside, create biophilic focal points such as living walls or water features that can be experienced from multiple rooms, while selecting ventilation strategies that maintain air quality. Material systems should balance durability with tactile warmth; prefer low-emission finishes and sustainable woods that age gracefully. Finally, design for daily rituals—communal dining beside a planted corner, a corner for contemplative quiet, and easy access to outdoor spaces—to reinforce ongoing nature contact.
Spatial flows harmonize with occupants’ rhythms and outdoor access.
Daylight can transform mood, productivity, and perceived spatial scale. In renovations, maximize window area with properly sized openings that maintain privacy and glare control. Use light shelves, transom windows, and reflective surfaces to bounce daylight deeper into rooms. Pair daylight with views of vegetation or water to anchor attention to natural phenomena. Complement visual access with subtle natural scents—such as essential oil diffusers or timber-rich finishes—that evoke outdoor environments without overpowering occupants. When designing artificial lighting, mimic the natural progression of daylight, with warmer tones in the morning and cooler hues at midday to guide circadian rhythms. The result is spaces that feel open, welcoming, and restorative.
Texture and materiality shape tactile experiences and emotional responses. Renovation projects should emphasize warmth, tactility, and sustainability. Favor timbers with visible grain, cork flooring, brick accents, and clay plasters that absorb sound and reduce echo. Natural materials should be low emitting and responsibly sourced, ensuring healthy indoor air quality. Consider finished surfaces that age gracefully, inviting touch without becoming impractical to maintain. Texture variety—soft fabrics in lounging areas, rough-hewn stone in entryways, and smooth ceramic in bathrooms—provides sensory contrast that grounds occupants in the present moment. By thoughtfully layering material changes, interiors become more inviting, less sterile, and more connected to nature.
Soundscape and air quality shape day-to-day wellbeing and focus.
A guided approach to biophilic renovations begins with access to the outdoors. When possible, create direct routes to terraces, balconies, or gardens from key living zones. Outdoor transitions should feel seamless, with threshold treatments, paving that echoes interior tones, and weather-resistant plants that remain lush across seasons. Inside, plan zones that can function as flexible nature-inspired lounges, work areas, or play spaces with ample daylight and views. Vegetation becomes a central feature, not an afterthought; choose species that require minimal maintenance, are non-allergenic, and contribute to improved indoor air quality. A well-designed connection to the outdoors supports mental restoration and healthier daily routines.
Plant density and vertical greenery must be carefully balanced with maintenance realities. For renovations, select modular green walls or potted plant systems that fit the scale of each room while ensuring accessibility for pruning and irrigation. Vertical gardens help regulate humidity and temperature while providing a lush aesthetic. When installing greenery, consider automated irrigation and drought-tolerant species to reduce water waste. Integration with lighting is crucial; place grow lights to support photosynthesis without creating harsh glare or glare-driven fatigue. Finally, align plant choices with regional climate to minimize shock and maximize long-term vitality, ensuring the biophilic feature remains vibrant year after year.
Climate-responsive design supports comfort and energy efficiency.
Soundscapes influence comfort, concentration, and stress levels more than most realize. Renovations can mute intrusive noise while preserving acoustic warmth by layering materials with varying sound absorption. Use soft flooring in living zones and upholstered furnishings to dampen impact noises, while keeping ceilings free of hard, reflective surfaces. Introduce botanical acoustics with plantings near noise sources to help diffuse sound organically. Ventilation should prioritize clean air without drafts; consider energy recovery ventilators and high-MERV filtration to maintain indoor air quality. By treating acoustics as a design element, spaces become more inviting, easier to work in, and healthier overall.
Air quality and ventilation are foundational to occupant wellbeing. In renovations, upgrade filtration systems and ensure consistent airflow throughout the building envelope. Integrate greenery not only for aesthetics but also as active air purifiers, selecting species proven to improve indoor air quality. Control humidity to prevent mold growth and stagnant odors; use dehumidification in damp zones and humidification where air is excessively dry. Design flexible zones that can be opened to fresh air during moderate weather while keeping sealed environments for energy efficiency. A thoughtful balance of airflow, filtration, and moisture control supports better sleep, mood, and cognitive function.
Nature-inspired symbolism and local context deepen connection to place.
Climate-responsive strategies anchor comfort and reduce environmental impact. Begin with passive design principles: orientation, insulation, and shading devices tuned to the local climate. Exterior shading—overhangs, louvers, and pergolas—controls solar gain, while high-performance glazing minimizes heat transfer. Inside, thermal mass materials, like masonry or concrete, can moderate temperature swings when paired with appropriate insulation. Consider radiant heating and cooling in concrete slabs for even comfort with lower energy use. Renowned biophilic effects emerge when occupants sense consistency between outdoor climate and indoor conditions; thus, the renovation should strive for a predictable, comfortable environment year-round.
Integrating water elements can calm occupants and modulate microclimates. In renovations, incorporate discreet water features such as a recirculating fountain, a small indoor pond, or a tabletop waterfall in common areas. The sound of running water yields a soothing auditory backdrop and can mask extraneous noise. If water features are impractical, simulate their benefits with ambient soundscapes and reflective water-inspired finishes. Ensure maintenance plans are in place to prevent mold and mineral buildup. Pair water features with reflective surfaces and plant life to amplify natural light diffusion and create a serene focal point for gatherings and downtime.
Symbolic nature cues can strengthen occupants’ bonds with their surroundings. Use art, patterns, and motifs drawn from local nature traditions to create meaningful connections without overcrowding spaces. A carefully selected palette of earth tones, greens, and sky blues reinforces biophilic intent across finishes and textiles. Incorporate natural cycles into design through seasonal plantings, adjustable lighting, and adaptable spaces that reflect changing daylight. This approach respects the building’s history while enhancing contemporary wellbeing. Encourage occupants to engage with nature-rich amenities, such as a communal garden or quiet canopy seating, to sustain long-term connection and satisfaction with the renovated environment.
The ongoing success of biophilic renovations depends on monitoring and adaptation. Establish benchmarks for wellbeing, energy use, and occupant satisfaction, then gather feedback regularly. Use this data to adjust plant maintenance, lighting schedules, and ventilation strategies as seasons change. Maintain a living document of design decisions, materials used, and outdoor access points to inform future renovations. Training for building users on cultivating nature-friendly routines—like stepping outside for short breaks or selecting seating with views—can amplify benefits. By embracing measurement and flexibility, renovations remain vibrant, durable, and deeply connected to nature for years to come.
