Biophilic Design for Bathrooms

How can you transform tub time into a soothing, spa-like experience? Short answer: Think wood. That’s right, nature’s most versatile material is key to Biophilic design for bathrooms.

Modern or traditional. Big or small. Urban or rural. Whatever kind of bathroom you’re designing or renovating, introducing elements of nature will help create a luxurious spa-like experience. And, it’s easier than you think. Simply by installing a wood feature wall, you can set the stage for a sanctuary that directly connects you to the natural world. Why is this important?

Harmonizing interior spaces with exterior landscapes is a key part of Biophilic design, which has many proven health benefits such as reducing stress and increasing wellbeing. And from a style perspective, wood adds warmth, texture and visual interest.

Best Biophilic Materials to Use

One of the best materials for this kind of addition is Western Red Cedar paneling. That’s because this unique species is naturally resistant to rot and decay. This makes it ideal for rooms with high moisture content. Plus, nothing looks, feels or smells quite like Real Cedar. As you can tell from the following projects, cedar’s rich tonal range not only makes a statement on its own. But it also complements a whole range of other materials and fixtures.

 Woodvale by Jae Omar Design

Cedar’s warm honeyed hues serve as a beautiful juxtaposition to the dark and dramatic countertop. It also blurs the lines between the exterior foliage and the interior space. Occupants can enjoy the modern amenities while soaking up their natural surroundings.

Riverbend Residence by CLB Architects

Photo: Tom Harris

In order to maintain this bathroom’s simplicity and clean aesthetic, the award-winning firm specified a premium clear grade of cedar for the interior. The warm natural beauty of the wood evokes a feeling of forest bathing. It also plays off the cool elegance of the freestanding faucet.

Promoting Well-Being in Bathrooms

Case Inlet Retreat by MW|Works

Photo: Jeremy Bittermann

To capture the feeling of a cabin in the woods, the architects here chose to clad the entire exterior as well as the master bathroom interior walls in a gorgeous knotty grade of Western Red Cedar. This way, they could stay true to the rural character of the site, but also make that stark white tub seem even more inviting.

Mortimers Point Cottage by Foreshew Design Associates

Sometimes only a hint of wood can go a long ways when it comes to Biophilic design for bathrooms. In this case, just a hint of cedar creates a warm backdrop to showcase the bolder design features – namely the shower bench that seamlessly turns into the sink. Modern, yet so inviting, this is the perfect place for a little ‘me’ time.

Owhanake Bay House by Strachan Group Architects

Photo: Patrick Reynolds

For this New Zealand home, the architects ensured the bathroom blended with the landscape by showcasing the beautiful, dark-stained cedar siding through the glass wall. Thus, reflecting the coloring of the surrounding bushes. This way, bathers feel at one with nature as they soak up the stunning views.