Biophilic Design: The Role of Wood in Human-Centered Spaces

Biophilic design is founded on a simple, powerful principle: our connection to nature profoundly influences our well-being. By integrating natural elements into building projects, people feel better, think more clearly, and live healthier lives.

The Power of Nature in Design

A growing body of research confirms that incorporating natural elements into architectural design measurably improves well-being, productivity, and emotional balance. From corporate offices and schools to hospitals and private residences, the presence of wood is proven to reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote physical and mental recovery.

In healthcare environments, for example, designers are rediscovering the restorative power of timber. It is being used to create spaces that feel welcoming, calm, and inherently human. Unlike sterile, synthetic materials, wood invites touch, softens acoustics, and adds a sense of warmth.

Case Study: Hejmdal Cancer Center

Beere Timber partnered with Frank Gehry Partners to supply architectural timber to Hejmdal Cancer Center, a counseling center for cancer patients and their families, located in Aarhus, Denmark. The timber frame construction project used Douglas Fir to support floors and glass roof, integrating the wood both structurally and visually.

The warm aesthetic is designed to enhance wellbeing, reducing stress, creating softness, and providing connection to nature. The end result is wood used not just for structural purposes, but for psychological and sensory reasons, making the facility feel like a supportive home environment, rather than a typical hospital.

Timber's Effect on Human Well-being

Timber is uniquely suited to biophilic design because it connects us to nature on both a physical and emotional level.

Warmth and Comfort: As a naturally tactile surface, wood feels familiar and reassuring.
Authenticity: Each board possesses a unique grain and tone, bringing individuality and organic character to interiors.
Calming Aesthetics: The organic patterns and natural color variations in wood reduce visual fatigue and cultivate a sense of tranquility.

Wood adds soul to our space. It masterfully balances modern, man-made materials with a warmth and texture to which people respond instinctively, creating environments that are both sophisticated and deeply comfortable.