Wooden surfaces in biophilic design: bringing calm and focus

Why wood matters in biophilic design

Wooden surfaces provide a tangible connection to nature. Terrapin Bright report highlights “Material Connection to Nature” as a core strategy. Wood, with its visible grain, warmth, and inherent variation, provides a direct sensory bridge to the natural world, even when used modestly as veneer or paneling. 

Multiple studies underscore wood’s calming benefits and measurable well-being impact: 

• Interiors with exposed wood reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation >.    
• Wood contributes significantly to restorative environmental design> 
• Biophilic interiors featuring wood have related to lowered anxiety and improved recovery from stress > 
  

Wood appeals beyond sight—it invites touch, suggests scent, and offers a depth of pattern. Subtle grain variations breathe sensory richness into minimalist Nordic designs without creating visual noise.

Wood naturally diffuses sound and tames echoes, enhancing comfort in open offices, hospitality spaces, or educational settings.

Responsible sourcing—such as FSC certification or local procurement—adds integrity and narrative. With low embodied energy and renewability, wood aligns closely with evolving client values around sustainability.

Real-world project examples

Here are some inspiring projects that demonstrate how wooden surfaces and structures reinforce biophilic design in practice:

• Living Walls UK Office (UK) 
  A workspace enhanced by flowy wooden desks, plant partitions, and soft lighting—wood & greenery combine to cultivate both calm and productivity.  
• Cancer Council Workplace (Australia) 
  A restored office featuring wood wool elements, natural light, and organic finishes—designed to evoke a home-like, restorative atmosphere.  
• Taiga’s Fora East Side (London, UK) 
  Situated in historic King’s Cross, this flexible office features modular wooden pods (Lohko Box) designed to enhance acoustic privacy within a large open-plan setting. Their neutral, low-profile design complements the site’s Victorian architecture, while offering reconfigurable quiet spaces for focused work and video calls. Feedback highlights improved comfort and a subtle yet effective solution for acoustic and privacy needs.  
  

Applying these insights to your work 

To harness the power of wooden surfaces in biophilic interiors: 

• Embrace contrast. Let expressive wood elements sit alongside clean, minimal forms to maintain harmony. 
• Design for the senses. Wood works best when layered with thoughtful lighting and acoustics. 
• Share material narratives. Highlight sourcing and ecological choices to deepen client and occupant connection. 
• Manage “dosage.” Research suggests moderate use of natural materials often resonates more than sparing or excessive applications.  

Wooden surfaces in biophilic design offer more than visual charm—they support human-centered architecture: tuned to psychological comfort, sensory depth, and environmental mindfulness. For interior designers, wood opens up a subtle yet profound pathway to building interiors that are calming, meaningful, and enduring. Let visuals carry the atmosphere; let your words provoke thoughtful design. 

Thoughts from Taiga

“Wood has a calming effect. It makes a space feel down to earth and easy to be in. When we incorporate wooden surfaces into our designs, we create environments where people can focus, converse, and work without noise or distraction. It’s a simple material that does a lot of good, and it’s also a sustainable choice. With Taiga Forma concept and Pergolas, we can connect the wooden elements to the architectural structures and make efficient use of space without compromising on the functionalities or the design.” Pekka Eskelinen, Head of Design, Taiga Concept 

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What Is Biophilic design? 

Biophilic design originates from the understanding that humans have a deep-seated need to connect with nature. By incorporating elements like natural light, greenery, water, and natural materials into interiors, designers can craft environments that feel restorative, alive, and emotionally resonant. Studies consistently link such settings to lower stress, enhanced mood, and better cognitive performance