Biophilic design is an approach to designing spaces that deliberately connects the workplace with nature through natural materials, plants, daylight, and natural colours and textures. The goal is simple: when we bring elements of nature into the office, employees feel calmer, concentrate better, and become more creative. Office furniture is an often overlooked yet essential element here, because it has the most direct impact on how we feel while we work.
At Heka Interior, the office-furniture brand of Hit Preless d.o.o., we understand biophilic design from practice. Hit Preless has produced furniture since 1986, with its own production in Slovenia, its own logistics and installation, and more than 80 employees. We equipped over 1,200 workstations at NLB with ergonomic solutions, and our references also include Triglav and Volvo. We build this know-how into furniture that fits naturally into a biophilic office concept.
What is biophilic design?
Biophilic design is an interior-design approach that deliberately connects spaces and furnishings with nature to improve people's wellbeing, health, and productivity. It is based on the idea that humans have an innate need for contact with nature. In practice, this means using natural materials, plants, daylight, fresh air, and earthy colours and textures. It is applied in homes, public spaces, and offices, where wellbeing and performance are crucial.
How does biophilic design affect productivity and wellbeing?
A connection with nature in indoor spaces calms people, reduces stress and feelings of anxiety, and improves concentration and blood flow. Because employees feel more relaxed and focused, biophilic design also encourages creativity and productivity. It is therefore no surprise that it appears increasingly often in business premises, where employers want to create a healthy, pleasant, and effective working environment.
The effects are greatest when nature is not added merely as decoration, but integrated into the whole space: into the arrangement of desks, the choice of furniture materials, and the flow of daylight.
What are the main elements of biophilic design?
The main elements of biophilic design are natural materials, natural colours and textures, plants, daylight and fresh air, and carefully chosen furniture. Together they create a harmonious link between the interior and nature, which contributes to better wellbeing and greater effectiveness for the people in the space.
- Natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo for durability and aesthetics
- Earthy tones and warm wood shades for a relaxing atmosphere
- Plants that improve air quality and reduce stress
- Large windows for daylight and a supply of fresh air
- Furniture made from natural materials, adapted to the user
Why is wood an important material in a biophilic office?
Wood is a central material of biophilic design because it already follows the principles of natural aesthetics on its own. Warm wood tones and visible grain create a sense of connection with nature, while wood is also durable and timeless. In office furniture, wood brings warmth to an otherwise technical office environment and softens the look of work surfaces, desks, and bases, so it pairs beautifully with greenery and natural light.
How can plants improve the office environment?
Plants are one of the most powerful elements of biophilic design, because beyond their visual beauty they improve air quality, reduce stress, and encourage creativity and productivity. In an office they also act as a natural barrier between workstations and lower the perceived noise. It is best to distribute plants throughout the space rather than in a single corner, so that contact with nature is present wherever people work.
What role does daylight play in biophilic design?
Daylight is a fundamental part of biophilic design, as large windows and an open flow of natural light create a pleasant and healthy working environment. Natural light helps regulate alertness and mood throughout the day and reduces eye fatigue compared with purely artificial lighting. It therefore makes sense to place workstations closer to windows and to arrange desks and chairs so that the light reaches as many employees as possible.
How does office furniture contribute to a biophilic concept?
Office furniture has a major impact on how we feel at work, which makes it an indispensable part of biophilic design. Furniture made from natural materials, with earthy colours and soft textures, supports the natural aesthetics of the space, while an ergonomic design looks after healthy posture. When furniture combines a natural look with ergonomics, contact with nature becomes part of everyday work rather than mere decoration.
At Heka Interior we adapt furniture to the concept of the space, from the choice of fabrics and colours to the company logo, so that it blends naturally into the biophilic office design. You can learn more about our solutions among our office chairs and in our furniture range.
How do you combine ergonomics and biophilic design?
The easiest way to combine ergonomics and biophilic design is to choose furniture that offers a healthy, adjustable design and a natural look at the same time. Ergonomists recommend a chair with lumbar support and adjustable parameters, plus a work surface at the right height, which a sit-stand desk provides. Such a set of furniture takes care of the body, while natural materials and colours look after mental wellbeing, which is the essence of the biophilic approach.
- A chair with good lumbar support and adjustable parameters
- A sit-stand desk for alternating sitting and standing work
- Natural fabrics and earthy frame colours
Frequently asked questions
Is biophilic design suitable for small offices too?
Yes, biophilic design is suitable for small offices too, because it can be introduced gradually and on a small scale. Just a few plants, furniture made from natural materials, earthy colours, and as much daylight as possible noticeably change the atmosphere of a space. In small offices the key is not to overdo the elements, but to choose a few considered additions that do not clutter the room.
How much does furnishing an office in a biophilic style cost?
The cost of furnishing an office in a biophilic style depends on the size of the space, the chosen materials, and the scope of the furniture, so we prepare it on request. At Heka Interior we set the price according to the specific configuration and the customer's wishes, from the number of workstations to the choice of fabrics and colours. For an initial quote, contact us and we will define the scope of the project together.
Can an existing office be converted to a biophilic style?
Yes, an existing office can be gradually converted to a biophilic style without a complete renovation. We start by adding plants, improving daylight, and gradually replacing furniture with models made from natural materials and an ergonomic design. This step-by-step approach spreads the cost over time, while employees feel a more pleasant and healthier working environment along the way.
How can I try Heka furniture before buying?
At Heka Interior we offer a free 7-day chair trial at your workplace, so you can experience the furniture in a real environment before you decide. This lets you check comfort, ergonomics, and the look in your own space. You can request the trial via our free trial page, where you choose the model that interests you.
Create a healthy, natural office with Heka
If you want a working environment that connects nature, ergonomics, and Slovenian quality, Heka Interior helps you from concept to installation. Take advantage of the free 7-day trial of a chair at your workplace, or contact us so we can design a biophilic office tailored to your company together. Read more about us on our about us page.
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