With each of us spending around 90% of our time indoors, its no wonder that we crave elements of nature in our everyday surroundings. Heightened by the post-lockdown world, biophilia and our connection to nature is more important than ever. The facts don’t lie – according to a recent study, workplaces benefit greatly from green spaces too. An average of 85% of staff says they enjoy the benefits of nature in their work environment. From potted plants to earthy-toned furnishings and natural textures, biophilic design can help contribute to a more relaxed, healthy way of living.
In an increasingly urbanised world, biophilic design advocates for a more humanistic approach to interior design. At turnerbates, we regularly incorporate nature into our designs, whether that be through textures and materials, colour, vegetation or art. We believe that access to nature is a necessity – take a look at some of our projects that embrace biophilic design.
RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
Inspired by the idea of bringing the outside in, the TB-designed Learning Centre in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hyde Hall is a haven for nature lovers. The Learning Centre‘s interiors incorporate a unique, natural colour palette with a thoughtful layout that compliments the stunning countryside vistas. We worked alongside RHS and ‘Gardener’s World’ landscape designer, Adam Frost, on the new dedicated educational facility, creating a relaxing space that promotes learning and relaxation.
The lush greens, and earthy yellows and oranges mimic the feeling of being outside in the fresh air – teachers have noted how relaxed primary school children appear, especially those on the autistic spectrum who enjoy the open space and visual connection with the garden. turnerbates also designed RHS Hyde Hall’s Clover Café and restaurant space, in which we featured floral motifs that referenced the plants found in the surrounding gardens giving a new lease of life to their eat and drink facilities.
“Designed as a family of buildings which enclose and open up to the landscape so that it can be enjoyed in all seasons, it is a fitting location for the RHS to fulfil its long-term objective to inspire passion and excellence in the science, art and practice of horticulture…the new buildings create a landmark to draw visitors through the landscape, and a vantage point from which to enjoy the views.” – Judges Panel, Civics Trust Award
Ask Italian
turnerbates has been lucky enough to work with Ask Italian for over a decade. We have been involved in the transformation and refurbishment of around 80 of the Italian restaurant’s branches – and counting! From Sicilian lemon trees, to leaf-covered arches and wall collages of the idyllic Italian coastline, our designs capture the beauty of Italy and transport it to the UK.
Our nature-filled spaces recreate a quintessentially relaxed Italian dining experience. With fun finishing touches such as foliage hung from the ceiling complete with fairy lights and disco balls, introducing biophilic elements to our Ask Italian spaces creates an intimate yet fun dining experience.
Coach Kitchen and Gardens
turnerbates were lucky enough to be approached to rebrand and refurbish The Bull – Beaumaris, a Grade II listed Public house and boutique hotel. The 90 cover restaurant was transformed into a cosy, quintessentially British pub with an elevated, biophilic twist. Utilising a rich, warm palette of greens and yellows, and introducing booth and upholstered seating, turnerbates created a soft, sophisticated environment which complimented the existing wood and stone features.
Extending this natural feel to the exterior space, new paving was introduced in the courtyard alongside planting and fixed and loose seating. To allow the area to be enjoyed by customers all year round, Jumbrella’s were selected along with heating and details such as candles, cushions and blankets. The design was successful in creating a cosy, natural environment inspired by the British countryside.
Chelsea Crescent
In 2020, turnerbates transformed the communal spaces at Chelsea Crescent, a luxury apartment building within the iconic Chelsea Harbour Estate. In an effort to make the lobby spaces welcoming, we incorporated a significant amount biophilic elements into our design. Paired with elegant furniture and custom artworks, this project’s natural elements transformed the space from intimidating to welcoming. The TB team also created circular sculptural pieces out of moss material, transforming nature into permanent artworks for all to enjoy.
As part of our transformation, turnerbates reimagined the ground floor reception and communal area, opening up onto the extensive Thames riverside gardens. The light-filled Chelsea Crescent is the perfect example of how indoor-outdoor design can completely revitalise a space.
Business Garden, Riga
In 2020, Business Garden Riga was awarded a LEED Platinum Certification, becoming the first ever development in Latvia to receive such an award. Real estate developers Vastint are extremely passionate about sustainability in design and architecture, so the materials we used in this project echo this. The talented turnerbates team also created custom artworks for the space, inspired by the Business Garden’s lush surroundings, telling the unique story of Riga. Read our blog on the TB team’s custom artworks here.
The biophilic design of turnerbates’ Business Lounge space uses eco-friendly materials such as Foresso (composed of 85% recycled offcuts) and Richlite (made 100% recycled material) to echo this ethos of sustainability. Combined with the natural colour palette and concept inspired by the local surroundings, The Lounge environment is a nature-inspired, welcoming alternative to the traditional office space.
