Biophilic design: why our brain loves wood
22/10/2025
We spend most of our lives indoors — at work, in class, or at home. But that’s not what our brains were built for. For millions of years, we lived in nature, surrounded by wood, stone, water and light. Biophilic design is about bringing that connection back — creating spaces that let us feel the calm and balance of the natural world.
The science behind it
To explore how materials affect us, Neurensics carried out a 2025 study led by Prof. Dr. Steven Laureys and Dr. Steven Scholte. Using fMRI scans, they showed participants virtual interiors made of wood, concrete or plastic, while monitoring brain activity and heart rate. Afterwards, participants tackled creative and problem-solving tasks.
“The results were clear,” explains Prof. Dr. Steven Laureys. “Wood triggers positive emotions, reduces stress, and supports cognitive performance. In short: our brains love wood.”
From office to living room
Wood has a measurable impact, whatever the setting. In workplaces, it helps people think flexibly, approach challenges creatively, and find solutions faster. At home, it encourages empathy, openness and harmony. In schools, it builds trust — because it feels familiar, like home. And in healthcare, wood makes a remarkable difference too: it softens sterile spaces, lowers stress levels and fosters a sense of calm and connection. Exactly what both patients and care teams need.
Biophilic design in practice
At Unilin Panels, this philosophy shapes everything we create. Our Master Oak collection captures the warmth and authenticity of real wood, with detailed grain, depth and tone that make interiors feel alive. It offers the same soothing, restorative effect highlighted in the Neurensics study — while combining it with everyday advantages like scratch resistance and easy maintenance.All our boards are made from recovered and recycled wood, so you can enjoy the beauty of nature without burdening it. That’s the essence of biophilic design.
