Most of us spend a large share of our waking hours indoors, and for many people that means an office. Yet plenty of workplaces are still built around grey carpet, flat lighting and rows of desks. It is no surprise that they can leave people feeling drained, distracted and disconnected.
Biophilic design offers a practical way to change that. At Benholm, we help businesses, architects and interior designers bring nature into the built environment in ways that are simple to deliver, easy to maintain and genuinely good for the people who use the space.
Biophilia means the love of nature. Biophilic design is the thoughtful use of natural elements within buildings, from plants, natural light and organic materials and colours to views, air quality and even acoustics. You have probably felt its effects without realising: the calm of a sunlit atrium full of greenery, or the lift you get from walking into a room that feels alive.
Nature can be introduced in many ways, but plants are one of the quickest, easiest and most affordable routes to the benefits. Even subtle planting can have a positive effect on how people feel at work.
It lifts mood and reduces stress.
Research consistently links lush, healthy plants with a feeling of vitality and improved mood. Greenery gives people a visual break from screens and a moment of calm in a busy day.
It supports creativity and productivity.
Global research into biophilic workplaces, including the Human Spaces report from Interface, has associated exposure to natural elements at work with higher self-reported wellbeing, productivity and creativity. Offices that feel good are easier to concentrate in and more enjoyable to return to.
It helps improve the indoor environment.
Plants take in COâ‚‚ and release oxygen, and they can help break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that build up indoors. A healthier atmosphere is a more comfortable one.
It creates spaces people want to use.
A breakout area framed by large leafy plants or a living green wall gives teams a reason to step away from their desks, collaborate and recharge. In a world of hybrid working, that matters. Attractive, restorative spaces help make the office a place people choose to be in.
Buying a few plants is easy. Getting them to thrive, and look right, for years is not. This is where professional biophilic design services come in. A well-designed scheme considers the light levels, layout, traffic and purpose of each area so that the right plants go in the right places. Poor choices lead to tired, struggling displays that undermine the very wellbeing benefits you were hoping for.
With Benholm, the process is straightforward:
We are happy to work directly with you or alongside your architect, interior designer or facilities manager, and we recommend involving us as early as possible so planting is part of the plan rather than an afterthought. We also offer free CPD training for design teams.
Biophilic design does not have to mean a jungle (although we do love a statement). Depending on your space, we can offer:
Our plants are from our own greenhouses in Scotland, and our team works with clients across the UK such as London, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Projects range from bespoke planting displays to full interior and exterior schemes, and we work to all budgets.
Wellbeing can feel hard to put a number on, but it has a business case: engaged, comfortable people do better work and are more likely to stay. If you want to explore the potential return on investment of adding plants to your workplace, try the calculator on the Benholm Hub.Â
If you are planning a refurbishment, a new fit-out or simply want to make your existing office feel better, our team would love to help. Explore our biophilic design service, call us free on 0808 175 4430, or request a quick quote to get started.
Benholm Group has been delivering plant and floral products and services for commercial clients across the UK for over 30 years.
