Biophilic design is more than simply adding plants to a space. It is a design philosophy centred around strengthening the connection between people and nature within the built environment.
From helping wellbeing and supporting productivity to upgrading customer experience and creating memorable interiors, biophilic principles are increasingly shaping the future of commercial design. Through thoughtful planting, natural textures, and carefully considered layouts, spaces can become healthier, more welcoming, and far more engaging to experience.
At Benholm Group, we have worked alongside architects, designers, and brands across the UK to create planting schemes that do far more than decorate a space. Instead, they actively influence how people feel, work, and interact with their surroundings.
Here are five exemplary projects that demonstrate biophilic design in action.
Located within Glasgow’s iconic Grosvenor Building, BDP’s studio transformation demonstrates how biophilic design can soften and humanise a dense urban workspace while respecting a building’s architectural heritage.
Originally designed by Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson and granted Category A-listed status, the Grosvenor Building already carried significant historical character. BDP’s vision was to complement this heritage with a contemporary studio environment that felt inspiring, calming, and connected to nature.
Working closely with the design team, Benholm introduced planting throughout the workspace, centred around the building’s dramatic lightwell and dome structure. The planting strategy was designed to enhance the studio’s eco-brutalist aesthetic, balancing black accents, exposed metalwork, and glass panels, with softer, organic forms.
Plants were positioned intentionally at eye level to ensure greenery remained visible throughout the space, strengthening the visual connection between teams and creating a more immersive working environment.
Species including Kentia palms, Monstera deliciosa, Aglaonema Maria, and Fiddle-Leaf Figs added texture, movement, and softness to what could otherwise have felt like a hard, urban interior.
The result is a striking contrast between heritage and nature. Natural light filtering through the dome interacts beautifully with the greenery and reflective surfaces, creating a workspace that feels dynamic, uplifting and deeply connected to nature.
BlackRock’s relocation to Dundas House in Edinburgh presented an opportunity to create a workplace that prioritised wellbeing, collaboration, and long-term employee experience.
Following a £48 million refurbishment led by Robertson Group, the site was transformed into a 140,000 square foot Grade A office space designed to support approximately 1,500 employees. While architecturally impressive, the scale of the open-plan interiors risked feeling expansive and overly corporate without natural elements to soften the environment.
Benholm Group was commissioned to design and deliver planting schemes that would enrich the interiors while supporting the functionality of the space.
A striking central atrium display became one the project’s defining features, combining tall tropical planting with layered underplanting to create depth and visual impact. Across the office floors, planting was integrated into desks, storage areas, breakout spaces, and booth seating, helping define zones without introducing physical barriers.
Elsewhere, bespoke planters and a Nordik Moss wall added texture and colour to the space.
The planting strategy was designed not only for aesthetics, but also for performance. Greenery softened sightlines, improved comfort in shared spaces, and introduced a calmer atmosphere across busy working environments.
Today, planting plays an active role in how the office functions, supporting employee wellbeing while helping create a warmer and more welcoming workplace identity.
Rose Street Garden has become one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable outdoor hospitality venues, known for transforming themed environments into memorable customer experiences.
For 2026, Benholm Group was tasked with reimagining the venue through the concept of ‘Rose Street Riviera’ – an immersive Mediterranean-inspired environment designed to transport guests away from the city centre and into a sun-soaked coastal setting.
The project demonstrates how biophilic design can be used to create escapism, atmosphere, and emotional engagement within hospitality spaces.
To establish a strong sense of arrival, we introduced a bespoke lemon tree archway that transformed the venue’s staircase into a dramatic entrance experience. Across the courtyard, vibrant bougainvillea walls added bold colour and softened the surrounding architecture, creating highly photogenic moments that encourage social sharing and customer interaction.
Layered Mediterranean detailing, including terracotta planters, whitewashed textures, and cascading greenery, helped create depth and authenticity throughout the space.
Additional floor standing planting introduced variation in height and structure, ensuring the entire venue felt cohesive and immersive from every angle.
The result is a hospitality environment that feels transportive, energetic, and highly memorable – proving that planting can become a key part of a venue’s identity and commercial success.
Wipro’s London headquarters showcases how biophilic design can support the growing shift toward hospitality-inspired workplaces.
Designed by M Moser Associates, the 24,500sq ft office forms part of Wipro’s wider ‘Wiprotel’ concept – a workplace philosophy focused on creating environments that feel welcoming, comfortable, and consistent across international locations.
Benholm Group was commissioned to create a planting scheme that reinforced this vision, ensuring greenery became an integrated part of the overall workplace experience rather than a decorative afterthought.
Overhead planting was used to create dramatic visual statements while helping break down the scale of open-plan areas. Lounge and meeting space planting introduced warmth and softness, encouraging people to settle, collaborate, and connect more naturally within the space.
Freestanding displays added greenery to circulation areas and key touch points throughout the office, helping create a calmer and more balanced atmosphere.
By treating planting with the same level of importance as furniture, lighting and finishes, the project successfully combines hospitality and functionality within a high-performance workplace environment.
The result is a workspace that feels polished, human-centred, and unmistakably welcoming.
The Ubiquitous Chip has been one of Glasgow’s most beloved dining institutions since 1971, celebrated for its atmosphere, personality, and enduring sense of community.
When approached to refresh the venue, Benholm Group understood the importance of preserving the restaurant’s character while elevating the overall guest experience.
Rather than reinventing the space, the focus was on improving its existing charm through thoughtful biophilic design.
The entrance area was transformed with lush greenery, seasonal planting, and trailing displays that softened architectural edges and introduced a sense of movement throughout the courtyard environment.
A striking yucca tree positioned beside the venue’s pond became a central focal point, adding height, drama, and texture while contributing to the intimate atmosphere that defines The Chip.
Additional species, including Monstera deliciosa, Scindapsus, and Parthenocissus striata, helped create layered greenery that feels organic, immersive and visually rich.
The refreshed environment now welcomes guests with warmth, colour, and vibrancy from the moment they arrive, reinforcing the venue’s identity while creating a stronger connection between nature, design, and hospitality.
While each of these projects differs in scale, purpose, and aesthetic, they all demonstrate the same core principle: spaces feel better when people feel connected to nature.
From workplaces and hospitality venues to public spaces and commercial developments, Benholm Group designs, installs, and maintains bespoke planting schemes tailored to each environment. Our team can support you from concept through to long term care.
To start a conversation, call us on 01324 861300, or email sales@benholm.com.
