Applying biophilic design principles
Chris Senior MCIAT, Director of PiP Architecture, explores the application of biophilic design principles.
As an architecture practice specialising in modern, yet affordable, urban designs, we love the opportunity to try something new, be it the design, materials, techniques or creative use of space. When we had the opportunity to move to and transform our own new offices, we jumped at the chance to incorporate elements of something we were all very keen on: biophilic design.
While biophilic design is at the cutting edge of architectural thinking, our new office location in central Cambridge is, in fact, a Grade II listed former coach house owned by Jesus College. When we approached the College with the idea of transforming it into a building suitable for our own growing architectural practice, the building had very little going for it. At the time it was being used for storage and had been deemed unsafe after a vehicle had driven into it.
Undeterred by the building’s derelict condition, we set about converting and modernising it into the perfect location for our own offices, whilst still retaining the character of the original building. A high quality of workmanship was essential in creating a building that both retained the majority of the existing fabric and character of the former coachhouse, whilst fitting the needs of a growing architectural practice. This meant great attention to detail and not cutting corners. The damaged parts of the building, for example, were carefully dismantled and rebuilt brick by brick through a hybrid construction method.
The finished building is a showcase not only for our vision but for what can be achieved with a building and its design. Along with the team’s effective communication with local planning authorities, expertise in handling conservation areas and listed buildings, and producing designs on time and on budget.
How did we incorporate biophilic design into this vision? Biophilic design within the workplace should allow humans to interact with nature to achieve better efficiency and wellbeing. We spend huge amounts of our time at our workplaces so why wouldn’t we want them to be stimulating environments? Our interactions with them can be direct, such as through plants, water and air; or indirect through the use of natural materials, colours and shapes. The workplace should provide a positive experience of space and place; adopting these basic principles of biophilia will lead to a happier workforce.
Although constrained by a listed building, we used the historic and rich fabric to our advantage, exposing natural textures and colours to provide stimulating experiences when moving through the office. The natural colours from elements such as bricks, pammets and wood continuously take your mind outside as we play with internal and external surface treatments. Outside, we continued to apply the principles using Corten steel, which is rich in texture, for external planters.
Large windows provide natural light but their main purpose is to provide visual interaction with the natural world within our small courtyards that are heavily planted with various species depending on their orientation.
Inside, we placed plants in every room and positioned them so anyone with their back to the window would still have the benefit of interacting with natural forms. I encourage my staff to care for plants around them to further enforce these bonds.
Every work station within the office has access to an openable window to allow each member of staff to take control of their own environment. Artificial ventilation is also provided to simulate more clement weather should it be required.
We designed the office on split level mezzanines that ‘hang’ within the original building fabric. As well as preserving the majority of the original fabric, this strategy allowed greater flexibility in designing an open plan working environment over three floors. Every member of staff can visually and verbally communicate with their colleagues on the other two floors. This provides stronger collaboration between all of us and encourages greater discussion over projects, both conceptual and technical.
We are really pleased with how our new environment has created a positive workplace. The renewables help, such as the Air Source Heat Pump, sedum roofs and Pavertherm insulation, but it has to be the constant interaction with nature that has the biggest and longest lasting effect on us. I have seen our team go from strength to strength since we moved here last year. I have no doubt that my colleagues are inspiring but it’s obvious to us all…the office helps!
This article was originally published in the Summer 2018 ed. 126 of AT Journal.
It was written by Chris Senior MCIAT, Director, PiP Architecture.
--CIAT
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
COP28 and the Path Ahead for Industry
The last few days, but action needed over the next decade.
Finalists for 2024 CIOB Awards revealed
80 construction leaders and companies from across the UK.
Promoting the importance of building and fire safety.
Health and Safety Training for Construction Employers
A brief run through essential training tips from a user.
3D Laser Scanning in Building Construction
A comprehensive guide from a Cohesive BIM wiki user.
BIM for structural reinforcement modelling
From the basics to the future from our Cohesive BIM wiki.
ECA skills recharge at the House of Commons
As electrical sector feels skills shortage bite.
The impact of pandemic and new legislation on courses
CIOB Academy’s course take-up inked to external factors.
An artist, philanthropist and ex-Army helicopter pilot
Q and A with self-representing artist, Hannah Shergold.
Building Safety Regulator appoints permanent director
And publishes three-year strategic plan.
Update on the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
Introducing changes to make it more effective from 2024.
2023 CIOB photography competition
Shortlist announced for 2023 public choice award vote.
The last of the Victorians. Book review.
Grimsby's Kasbah: where’s that?
An exotic name that is shrouded in mystery.
This weeks guest editor, Ankita Dwivedi of Firstplanit.
From practice to research and the business of materials.