Fostering Well-Being Across Sectors with Biophilic Design

Design influences how we feel about and perceive our environment. At Hoefer Welker, we transform spaces to enhance mental and physical well-being through biophilic design. Our approach prioritizes nature-inspired elements, thoughtfully incorporating light, patios and balconies, earth-toned color palettes, curated furniture and material selections.

Over the past decade, biophilic design has evolved beyond a trend to a critical component in projects across diverse industries. Recognizing the profound benefits of connecting with nature, we have made it a priority to integrate biophilic elements into the core of every facility.

Discover how we’ve brought this practice to life in diverse settings:

Healthcare – Jacksonville North VA Clinic & Domiciliary

Biophilic design is arguably most beneficial in the healthcare sector, where the connection to nature fosters well-being within a demanding work environment and promotes healing for patients. A prime example of this is our design of the Jacksonville North VA Clinic & Domiciliary in North Florida.

Inspired by nearby coastal resorts, biophilic elements were integrated into the building’s design from the outset, creating a calming coastal environment for staff and patients. The main entry welcomes patients with a warm wood ceiling and wall, complemented with blue accents that ripple into a terrazzo pattern designed to mimic the nearby ocean waves. The wooden wall element continues into a two-story atrium, guiding guests to the second floor. There, expansive windows, organic patterns and intentionally selected murals and lighting bring the essence of the outdoors in. 

To provide a homelike feel within the nature-inspired facility, natural finishes and carefully selected furniture were included in community areas, living quarters and outdoor spaces.

To provide a homelike feel within the nature-inspired facility, natural finishes and carefully selected furniture were included in community areas, living quarters and outdoor spaces.

Corporate – WellSky Headquarters

When designing corporate offices or multi-use spaces, incorporating biophilic design elements is vital for promoting employee well-being, collaboration, productivity and creativity. This was top of mind when we designed WellSky’s $3.3 million, amenity-rich, healthcare software headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas. Crafted to mirror WellSky’s core branding elements of care, warmth, intelligence and precision, the headquarters includes an abundance of natural light and earth-toned color palettes accented with locally sourced walnut wood planks throughout various spaces in the building.

The first-floor innovation hub, built to foster connectivity, incorporates a large picnic-styled table with a transparent backdrop that includes skies and clouds and raindrop-inspired pendant lights. Meeting rooms and working areas also play off the brand name “WellSky,” with graphics of various sky and cloud backdrops, lightning-like overhead lighting fixtures and earth-toned furniture to exude comfort, making even the interior rooms feel connected to the outdoors. The headquarters features four separate balconies and a workout facility with large windows providing access to the outdoors and the CityPlace neighborhood the building resides in.

Civic – Grain Valley Police Headquarters

Even in civic facilities, where its impact might not be immediately obvious, biophilic design is essential for fostering calming environments for staff and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the public. Our recent design of the Grain Valley Police Headquarters, nestled within a park, exemplifies this commitment. We thoughtfully incorporated biophilic elements throughout the space, including wood grain ceilings and floors that bring warmth and texture, as well as ample natural light that fills the offices and community room. These deliberate choices enhance comfort and connection to nature, making the facility both functional and uplifting for everyone who steps inside.

Additionally, the facility is surrounded by neighborhood walking trails and features two large ponds, offering officers an inviting opportunity to step outside, stay active and recharge in a natural community setting.

Conclusion

At Hoefer Welker, biophilic design is central to everything we do. Our commitment lies in crafting spaces that promote well-being and make a positive impact. From cutting-edge medical facilities to corporate headquarters and civic spaces, we focus on incorporating natural light, organic materials, thoughtful artwork and nature-inspired elements. These choices help us create environments that are not only calming and comfortable but also restorative and inspiring.