Biophilic Walls
With so many of us spending all day inside in our offices, business owners are looking for ways to bring elements of nature and the outdoors into our working lives. Biophilic living walls are a way to add greenery and texture to a dull office space and help to improve the mental wellbeing and productivity of your employee. Today we’re going to discover what biophilic walls are and how you can incorporate them into your office building. Check out our green walls page for more inspiration as to how you can upgrade your workplace for your team this year.
What is a Biophilic Wall?
A biophilic wall is essentially a vertical garden which is basically a wall covered in plants. Often known as living walls or green walls, this type of wall can be added to both indoor and outdoor environments. They are a great option for commercial settings and inner city buildings where having a garden to spend time in during the busy working day isn’t a possibility. If you find that your employees have very limited access to natural greenery and the outdoors, adding fytotextile living walls can make them feel more relaxed and offer all the benefits of spending time outdoors. There are various types of biophilic walls, ranging from simple potted plants arranged on shelves to complex, self-sustaining systems that are integrated into your building’s infrastructure.
Biophilic design and green walls can be installed in residential, commercial, or public buildings, and they are becoming increasingly popular in workplaces, schools, hospitals, and residential buildings. These types of living walls can be customised to suit any space, regardless of space or design challenges. Not only will they help to enhance the look and feel of your office, but they also offer a range of environmental, psychological, and physiological benefits.
Environmental Benefits of Biophilic Walls
One of the biggest benefits of biophilic walls is their contribution to improving air quality. Plants are natural air purifiers, capable of filtering toxins from the air. Some compounds int the air in workplaces can have adverse health effects, including headaches, respiratory issues, and fatigue. By absorbing these pollutants, green walls can reduce the overall level of indoor air pollution, creating a healthier working environment. Biophilic walls also contribute to controlling humidity levels. This added moisture is especially beneficial during winter months or in climates where artificial heating systems can dry out indoor air.
If you are looking to ensure that the choices you make for your business are eco-friendly, biophilic walls can also support biodiversity. Many of our installations use native or pollinator-friendly plants, which can attract insects and birds. This is especially important in urban areas, where green spaces are scarce. You’ll be playing your part in creating a more healthy ecosystem and protecting our planet for future generations when you take the time to learn about adding a sustainable green wall to your workplace.
Other Benefits of Biophilic Walls
The health and wellbeing of your employees should be one of your top priorities as a business owner. The recent pandemic made us all realise what’s really important when returning to our offices and creating a better working environment is something that everyone should consider prioritising. By bringing greenery into typically sterile office spaces, you can reduce stress and improve the mood of your employees. If they have to spend hours each day in your workplace, you should try to make it a place that feels relaxing and stress-free even when dealing with a high workload. Numerous studies have linked the presence of plants to reduced levels of anxiety and stress, as well as lower blood pressure. Green is also a colour known to promote relaxation and help to make your space more calming.
In addition to reducing stress, green walls have been linked to improved cognitive function and productivity. Employees who work close to nature are usually more productive and also enjoy their job more. If you are welcoming new employees and visitors into your workplace, putting a living wall in your entry space or reception can help to make a good first impression for your business. Keep in mind that you do need to take the time to plan out this installation to ensure it’s the right choice for your needs. This is especially important in smaller workplaces where you don’t want to add a living wall that takes up too make space or overpowers your office area.
Biophilic walls combine elements of nature, architecture, and wellness, offering a way for you to bring the outdoors and nature into any indoor space. With so many design and plant options to choose from, you can find a way to improve the environment of your workplace by adding a green wall to your office this year. Contact us today for more information about how we can work with you to add a biophilic wall to any space.