BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading strategy for evaluating a building’s sustainability. You can earn a BREEAM rating through a comprehensive, multi-stage process that considers every aspect of the building, from its initial design and construction to its future use.
Obviously, as a company that specialises in biophilic design, it makes sense for us to focus on the areas of the BREEAM certification that we can positively influence.
Biophilic design aims to connect humans with nature in the built environment by incorporating access to the following: plants and greenery, natural light, natural air flow, views of nature, water features, natural materials, forms and patterns that are familiar from nature (such as organic shapes, botanical motifs, curves, and spirals), and earthy colours inspired by the natural landscape.
The next step for biophilic design is understanding the impact the layout and design of a space has on an individual. For example, creating places of refuge, similar to that which we’d find in nature. This might be a space to withdraw to that allows for feelings of respite and rejuvenation.
Biophilic design also encourages using local materials and techniques, integrating the project with its surrounding ecology. This approach helps root the design in its environment, fostering a strong sense of place and connection.
By thoughtfully applying these pillars, biophilic design aims to create environments that enhance human well-being, productivity, creativity, and reduce stress by fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
BREEAM assessments are founded on these principles, measuring efforts to enhance Visual Comfort (Hea 01), Indoor Air Quality (Hea 02), Acoustic Comfort (Hea 05), and access to outdoor space and ecology.
We can look at ways that biophilic design can support each of these categories in a practical way with the following suggestions:
Visual Comfort (Hea 01)
Views to Nature: Providing occupants with views of natural landscapes, greenery, or even distant horizons is a core biophilic principle. BREEAM assesses the quality of views out, and clear views of nature contribute positively to occupant well-being, reducing stress and fostering a sense of connection to the outside world.
Dynamic and Diffuse Light: Biophilic design often incorporates elements that create dynamic light and shadow patterns, mimicking natural environments. This avoids monotonous, static lighting, which can contribute to discomfort.
Plants and Green Walls: Living plants, green walls, and indoor gardens are key biophilic elements. While individual potted plants have limited impact on overall air quality, denser green walls and active plant systems can contribute to filtering airborne pollutants and increasing humidity, which can improve perceived air quality and occupant comfort (Hea 02).
Acoustic Comfort (Hea 05)
Natural Soundscapes: Strategically designed planting, whether joinery planting, large-leaved floor-standing plants, moss walls, or livings walls can help buffer or absorb undesirable noise. A good quality moss wall, for example, can absorb between 70% – 99% of the sound that hits it (a Noise Reduction Coefficient of 0.7 or 0.99 making them comparable to high performance acoustic panels)
Spatial Design for Refuge: The “refuge” pattern in biophilic design involves creating spaces for quiet contemplation and retreat. These areas, when acoustically designed with appropriate materials and spatial separation, directly support BREEAM’s goals for managing noise levels and providing varied acoustic environments.
Access to Outdoor Space and Ecology
Direct Access: Biophilic design explicitly promotes direct access to outdoor spaces, such as balconies, terraces, courtyards, and gardens. This aligns perfectly with BREEAM’s emphasis on providing occupants with opportunities to connect with the outdoors.
Views and Sensory Connection: Even when direct physical access isn’t feasible, biophilic design ensures strong visual and sensory connections to outdoor nature (e.g., through large windows overlooking a green roof or a natural landscape). This still supports the intent of BREEAM’s focus on connection to the external environment.
