Reconnecting Workspaces with Nature: The Transformative Power of Biophilic Design

A Breath of Fresh Air

When was the last time you truly felt at ease in your workspace?

Not just comfortable in your chair or satisfied with the coffee—but deeply, instinctively at ease. Like your surroundings were supporting you in ways you couldn't quite explain.

Now imagine walking into an office where the air feels lighter, the energy calmer, and the design whispers tranquillity rather than shouts productivity. You’re still at work—but it doesn’t feel like it. That’s the promise of biophilic design.

Exceptional workspaces do more than meet practical needs—they nurture the people within them. Biophilic design invites us to reconsider how we shape our environments by drawing on patterns found in nature to support wellbeing, creativity, and calm. It’s not simply a design style; it’s a reimagining of what the modern workplace can be.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is the art and science of integrating natural elements into built environments—especially where we work. At its core, it’s about rekindling our innate connection to the natural world, even indoors.

We’re not just talking about adding a plant in the corner or hanging a nature-themed painting. True biophilic design is intentional. It weaves light, air, water, texture, and organic patterns into a space—creating an environment that instinctively resonates with us.

It’s more than aesthetics. It’s about building spaces where people thrive.

Why Should Businesses Care?

Because people aren’t machines.

The modern workplace has long been a stage for productivity—but at what cost? Stress, burnout, and disengagement are costing UK businesses billions each year. And we’re not just talking numbers—we’re talking about people walking into their office each day feeling drained before the day even begins.

But there’s good news. Research consistently shows that environments rich in biophilic elements can change the story. They reduce stress, enhance cognitive performance, and support emotional wellbeing. According to a report by Human Spaces, employees working in spaces with natural elements report a 15% higher level of wellbeing, are 6% more productive, and 15% more creative.

What if that next big idea, that leap in team performance, or that moment of breakthrough didn’t come from pushing harder—but from breathing easier? From working in a space that feels alive, and in turn, brings your team to life too?

It’s not just about ROI. It’s about reimagining what a thriving workplace feels like. Because when people feel good, they do good work. And in the end, isn’t that what every great business is built on?

Biophilia in Action: Beyond the Leafy Green

So what does biophilic design actually look like in the workplace?

While many workplaces introduce a few potted plants and call it a day, there’s a deeper, more intentional way to embrace biophilia. When thoughtfully applied, biophilic design considers how every material, texture, and beam of light contributes to wellbeing. Whether you’re shaping an executive meeting booth or reimagining a collaborative space, the principles of nature can guide the experience.

Here’s how biophilia can come to life in the workplace:

• Natural Light
  Optimised sightlines to windows or skylights help regulate circadian rhythms, supporting energy and sleep cycles.
• Organic Materials
  We favour wood, wool, stone and other tactile, natural surfaces that ground and soothe.
• Living Green Walls & Moss Features
  These aren’t just beautiful—they filter air, reduce noise, and boost mood.
• Biomorphic Shapes
  Curves and asymmetry echo nature’s geometry, offering a softer, more instinctive spatial experience.

Real-World Impact: The Business Case for Biophilia

The beauty of biophilic design is that its effects are measurable. Companies that have invested in nature-inspired workplaces consistently see:

• Lower absenteeism and presenteeism
• Higher employee retention
• Stronger engagement and team morale
• Increased productivity and creative thinking

In the fast-evolving landscape of hybrid work and talent retention, providing a workspace that employees want to return to is a competitive advantage.

A New Kind of Workplace Culture

Let’s ask ourselves: if the traditional office was designed around control and efficiency, what would an office look like if it were designed around human potential?

That’s the question biophilic design answers.

Imagine a breakout room where the acoustics hush the world outside, and the walls breathe with green. Picture a meeting pod where sunlight dapples across the table, and every detail has been crafted for calm and clarity.

Where Sound Meets Nature

Our meeting booths don’t just silence distractions—they create a sensory environment that supports wellbeing. We’re bringing together acoustic engineering and biophilic design in a way that’s deeply intentional.

From integrating preserved moss installations into our booth interiors, to offering material palettes inspired by nature’s own tones and textures, we’re helping our clients transform their workspaces into sanctuaries.

And yes, your team will feel the difference.

How to Embrace Biophilic Design in Your Office

Feeling inspired but not sure where to start?

Here are a few first steps to explore:

• Audit Your Space
  How much natural light do you have? What materials dominate your space—plastic and metal, or wood and fabric? Is there visual access to nature?
• Prioritise Acoustics
  Noise is one of the biggest sources of workplace stress. Invest in meeting booths or quiet zones that create aural comfort.
• Bring in Living or Preserved Plants
  Go beyond the token potted plant. Consider living walls, moss panels, or planters that double as space dividers.
• Use Natural Colours and Textures
  Think earthy tones, soft greys, forest greens, and tactile fabrics that invite touch.

Design with Flow in Mind

Nature doesn’t work in hard edges and straight lines. Curves, asymmetry, and layered depth create a more instinctively welcoming environment.

Remember: biophilic design isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about shifting the atmosphere—from one of function to one of feeling.

Soundbox Store: Creating Human-Centred Workspaces Through Biophilic Design

At Soundbox Store, we don’t just sell premium meeting booths—we help businesses reimagine their workspaces as places where people feel good, think clearly, and perform at their best. Through our unique approach that combines acoustic innovation and biophilic thinking, we create environments that reduce stress, spark creativity, and support human wellbeing.

Services Offered by Soundbox Store

Consultation and Planning
We work closely with businesses, office designers, and coworking spaces to understand their unique goals. Our custom recommendations help you integrate biophilic design into acoustic planning and workplace strategy.

Meeting Booth Design and Supply
Our premium acoustic booths are constructed using high-performance, sustainable materials—from aviation-grade alloy frames and carbon composite panels to acoustic PET boards made from recycled plastic bottles. Designed for strength, safety, and acoustic clarity, our booths also offer finishes and detailing that reflect nature’s calming influence. Whether it's tempered glass similar to what’s used in high-speed trains or the vibration-reducing base, every element is chosen for both performance and comfort. 

Customisation Services
We collaborate with clients to customise colour palettes, lighting, and finishes that support calm, clarity, and brand identity—while enhancing the biophilic feel of any room.

Delivery & Installation
From start to finish, we ensure seamless delivery and professional installation—creating ready-to-use spaces that are both functional and inspiring.

Aftercare & Support
Our relationship doesn’t end at delivery. We provide aftercare to ensure your investment continues to perform—acoustically, aesthetically, and atmospherically.

“Working with Soundbox Store was transformative. The acoustic booths have become our team’s go-to spaces for focused thinking and calm conversations. The natural textures and lighting options have made a real difference.” — Corporate Client

“The design of the booth makes it more than just a quiet space—it’s a place where ideas flow. The build quality is exceptional, and the natural finishes help everyone feel more at ease during high-pressure moments.” — Corporate Client 

Let Nature In

In a world where work moves fast and demands are high, biophilic design brings us back to what really matters—our wellbeing, our connection to nature, and our capacity to do great work when we feel truly supported.

At Soundbox Store, we’re here to help you design workspaces that don’t just look good—they feel right. Because when your team walks into a space that welcomes them like nature does, they’ll want to stay, create, and thrive.

Curious how biophilia could transform your office? Let’s talk. This is just the beginning of the story.

Stay tuned for more in our biophilic design series.

Next in the Series: The Science Behind the Calm: How Biophilic Design Impacts Brain and Body