Biophilia in green office design can breathe life into your workplace, infusing it with the essence of nature. Sustainable office design transforms the workplace, thereby enhancing productivity while reducing stress. Additionally, an eco-friendly office design also nurtures a deep connection with nature.

While the concept of sustainable and eco-friendly office design might seem daunting, it is more achievable than you might think. Businesses can begin by incorporating small eco-friendly design elements, such as indoor plants or natural light, and progressively adopt more comprehensive strategies. The results will enhance employee well-being and productivity while also leaving an admirable environmental footprint.

Here are some ideas for executing a sustainable office design:

Sustainable Office Design #1: Adding Indoor Plants

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A dose of freshness

Adding potted plants, green walls (also known as living walls), or even small indoor trees can be great for an eco-friendly office interior design approach. They not only provide a green touch but also improve air quality. In addition, plants enhance the visual appeal of your workspace, purify the air and reduce noise levels.

Green Office Design #2: Utilising Natural Light 

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White and other neutral colours help in maximising the light flowing in

Incorporating abundant natural light into your space can help in improving your employees’ mood and energy. Moreover, setting up large windows to let daylight in reduces electricity bills and boosts employee productivity. Consider large windows, skylights or light tunnels for areas far from exterior walls. 

Sustainable Office Design #3: Indulging in Views of Nature 

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Work with a view!

Ideally, your workspace should provide views of outdoor green spaces, bodies of water or even the sky. If this is not possible, large, high-quality pictures or murals depicting nature scenes are also an excellent way to promote sustainable office interior design.

Eco-Friendly Office Design #4: Using Natural Materials

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Be one with nature

Using natural materials like wood, stone and fibres in your sustainable office interior design adds texture and can evoke the feeling of being closer to nature. In green office design, natural materials are vital in creating calming and engaging environments.

Wood, stone, bamboo and other earthy elements in furnishings, flooring or accent pieces provide a tangible connection to nature. With their distinct textures and patterns, these materials lend warmth and richness to your workspace, making it feel less sterile and more appealing.

Moreover, incorporating natural elements mimics the biodiversity found in nature, offering a sense of tranquility and reducing stress. Thus, natural materials in a creative office or reception design can enhance the aesthetic appeal while also fostering employee well-being and productivity.

Sustainable Office Design #5: Choosing Water Features

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Add some water features like an aquarium in your office

A creative office cabin design should have water elements like fountains or aquariums. This is because the sound of flowing water is soothing and can help mask distracting noises in the office environment.

Additionally, a water feature will act as a focal point in your creative office design, attracting attention of everyone. Water features can vary in size and design in creative office reception spaces, from small tabletop fountains to large floor-standing models.

Green Office Design #6: Incorporating Dynamic and Diffused Light Sources

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Large windows will create a bright and airy environment

A fundamental aspect of sustainable office design is closely mimicking the natural daylight of the outdoor environment. Large windows, skylights and translucent materials allow sunlight to enter your office space, offering dynamic lighting conditions that change throughout the day.

As a result, your dependence on artificial lighting during the day is less. By fostering a connection to the outdoors and time of day, dynamic and diffused lighting contributes to increased alertness, mood enhancement and overall productivity of your employees.

Sustainable Office Design #7: Following Open Space Layouts

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Create an informal environment with an open layout

Create an office layout that mimics natural environments—open spaces for ‘grazing’ (focus work, interactions) and secluded areas for ‘retreating’ (quiet, relaxation).

Eco-Friendly Office Design #8: Adding Organic Forms and Patterns

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Opt for curved furniture

Visualise a creative office workstation design incorporating non-rectilinear patterns and shapes that echo patterns found in nature – in furniture, carpeting or artwork.

Sustainable Office Design #9: Thermal and Sensory Variability

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Modern technology makes it easy to control the temperature individually within office premises

In your sustainable office interior design, allow for individual control of thermal comfort and airflow. This mimics the temperatures and air movement in natural environments.

Incorporate elements that engage all senses in your eco-friendly office design. For example, use materials with different textures, add scents through plants or essential oil diffusers and consider a sound system for natural sounds.

The benefits of green office design are significant and supported by numerous studies. These sustainable office spaces can lead to improved mental health, increased productivity and overall satisfaction with the workplace. 

At Livspace for Business, our interior designers are constantly trying to implement the best practices that prioritise functionality and aesthetics. If you are looking for a partner to help you with the best practices in sustainable office design, simply contact us. Take a look at our website to learn more.