The (Green) Advantage of Biophilic Design in Hospitality

It’s no secret that getting out in nature is one of the best ways to relieve stress. So, imagine the benefits of bringing the natural world inside your hotel. That’s the idea behind biophilic design.

Research suggests that spaces with natural elements can reduce stress and contribute to a more positive mood. With biophilic design, you can give your guests more than a regular stay, but one that is extra restful and restorative.

Apart from that, showcasing the natural beauty of your hotel’s destination can create a stronger sense of place. By incorporating local natural elements like native plants or regionally sourced materials in your hotel, you can help strengthen your guests’ connection to a destination. This is especially important for hotels in today’s flourishing experience economy.

Rested, rejuvenated guests who love your hotel and your destination. What could be better?

What is biophilic design?

Nature is at the core of biophilic design. Using a combination of natural elements, this design approach incorporates both direct and indirect exposure to nature. Essentially, the ultimate goal of biophilic design is to bring the outdoors inside a building and make its occupants feel more connected to the living world.

Elements Of Biophilic Design

Natural shapes and forms
Sustainable, local, or reclaimed materials
Indoor gardens, plants, and vegetation
Natural lighting
Natural color palettes
Water elements

Long-Term Benefits of Biophilic Design in Hospitality

Despite having high initial costs, biophilic design can provide a high return on investment over the long run.

Biophilic-designed hotels are appealing from both an aesthetic and functional perspective. Incorporating biophilic design elements can help increase a hotel's market value, making it more attractive to investors and buyers in the real estate market.

Most importantly, biophilic design has a positive impact on overall well-being. The better your guests feel, the more likely they are to return for another stay, resulting in repeated bookings.

Biophilic design can help to reduce operating costs. By taking advantage of natural light and using less artificial lighting, your hotel can reduce its energy consumption. When placed strategically, indoor gardens and living walls will naturally maintain indoor temperatures, reducing the load on your HVAC system.

Natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo are highly durable and have longer lifespans, so there is less need for furniture, flooring, and decor to be replaced frequently.

5 Ways To Implement Biophilic Design In Your Boutique Hotel

Biophilic design engages the senses, primarily sight and touch, to create a multi-sensory, wellness-enhancing experience. With nature-inspired FF&E, a lifeless space can be transformed into a living one. These are a few ways to do that.

Nature-inspiredcolor palettes

Color is an integral part of interior design.

Nature-inspired palettes, often neutral in tone, are known to create a calming atmosphere. Warm earthy tones like terracotta and beige, as well as muted shades of green, gray, and brown, can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Biomorphic forms and patterns

Biomorphic patterns and forms are design elements inspired by nature's shapes and curves. Visually appealing, they can give a space a sense of texture, movement, and energy.

Incorporate these patterns throughout your hotel with rugs, patterned walls, or upholstery.

Focal points

Indoor spaces with little daylight or no outdoor views can benefit the most from biophilic design elements. To make these spaces feel more alive, consider incorporating focal points to capture your guests’ attention and really make an impression. Large features like green walls or indoor gardens would be great choices.

Natural materials

By creating a tactile connection, textures can enhance a sensory experience.

Soft fabrics like cotton and linen are comforting. Marble or granite tabletops are cool to the touch. The rawness of live-edge tables and bamboo chairs gives an unexpected element of playfulness.

Plants

Plants, whether hanging or potted, are excellent options. You can easily add a natural feel to any space with plant life.

Hang several together to create a floating garden. Alternatively, scatter them throughout a space to create smaller focal points. Even small potted plants can make a big impression. These would be perfect for lounges or lobbies with little or no natural views.

Find Out How We Can Help You With FF&E

At Lang & Schwander, we’ve been furnishing hotel interiors in the US, Caribbean, and Latin America for over 17 years. For both branded hotels and independent hotels, we offer a full-service Interior Design studio, custom FF&E production and shipping services, and in-house installation services.

Lang & Schwander Team July 12, 2024