When biophilic design is discussed, the mind often goes to leafy green spaces, sunlit rooms, and natural materials used in living and working environments. But what about washrooms? Not the first space one thinks of when pondering biophilic design—but precisely why biophilic design in washrooms is so exciting and important. Washrooms—whether in residential, commercial, or public buildings—are often overlooked in the design process, yet they’re used daily. Un-Connecting to nature in them is an opportunity missed. Washrooms can be transformed from sterile utilitarian spaces into ones that give humans a simple relief and a re-connection to the natural world in those washrooms, allowing for the design opportunity when the user can momentarily pause and reflect on that space.
Section 1: The Subtle Nature of the Power of Design in Washrooms There’s something uniquely intimate about the restroom. Stepping away from a busy workday, even the simplest dual-purpose space—think a small barrier-free room with a toilet, a small sink, an adjustable-height showerhead, and a ventilator fan—that serves as a personal retreat can benefit from biophilic design. Washroom spaces are pathways to better health and in many ways connect to the well-being of our circadian rhythms and the calming atmosphere that can be created by powerful yet simple design elements like natural light.
I remember staying at a boutique hotel with an unforgettable bathroom. A floor-to-ceiling frosted glass window provided privacy while allowing the vibrant green of the leaves outside and soft, warm sunlight to come through. The view was just as lovely as it would have been with normal glass. I felt really silly at first for enjoying the bathroom so much, but it made such a big difference to my sense of well-being. It transformed a daily routine into something special. And, of course, the next day when I had to leave the hotel, I knew I wouldn’t ever be able to replicate such an extravagant, spa-like experience.
In smaller, windowless washrooms, introducing natural materials can achieve a similar sense of connection that one might find in an airy washroom with a view. Stone tiles, wooden accents, or even green walls composed of moisture-loving plants like ferns (which I adore) or peace lilies can inject vigor into the senses. These materials, combined with the organic quality of the lines and patterns they form, do a pretty good job of approximating the essence of the natural world—even without direct views or light. And—speaking of approximation—how cool is it that plants can thrive in a humid washroom environment?
They’re perfect for green walls because they absorb the excess moisture in the air, which helps reduce the chance of mold while providing a seriously refreshing touch of (almost) nature.
I have a special affinity for introducing natural fragrances into bathrooms. A diffuser with essential oils such as eucalyptus, pine, or cedar can elevate that inherently utilitarian space. Aesthetically, diffused natural aromas make a statement, and functionally, they’re a step up from the basic scented candle. Of course, the employee restroom should smell good, but it should also evoke an emotional response that helps reduce stress and promote relaxation. What I proposed for one project was to use a scent system that would subtly transform the space with different essential oils throughout the day. In my mind’s eye, the by-product of this programming would have been radical.
Biophilic design can be even more interesting when applied to public and commercial bathrooms. These are places that need to function as often and as well as any private bathroom. When it comes to the public’s and employees’ personal comfort, there are few more intimate spaces in public or commercial life, yet how often do we hear laudatory proclamations about such spaces? Public restrooms are typically bland and utilitarian…
Visiting an environmentally friendly co-working space was a revelation. Public washrooms could be something other than the usual sterile white tile experience. This particular washroom had walls lushly covered with vertical gardens, filled mostly with light-demanding plants that are natural air purifiers. When I talk about using natural elements in a biophilic way, this is what I mean—instead of artful representations, which are nothing but pretty façades, why not put nature to work for us and the washroom, using low-light conditions within to grow real, living, breathing plants?
The purpose of spaces like these is to create a brief yet profound opportunity for people to reconnect with the natural world, just as the purpose of biophilia is to fill our interiors with nature so that we can exist at our best. In bathrooms, even more than in studios, the natural materials that underlie biophilic design can serve the dual purpose of delivering a healthy environment while also implying an aesthetic that reduces the stress of being in a place where one is so vulnerable. … Studies suggest that facilities that employ the principles of biophilic design can achieve “the effect of reducing the risk of infection.” That can be done by using materials that are “clean, safe, and practical” — a forbidding trio that makes up much of the good design we find in public bathrooms today.
Public washroom lighting is where biophilic design can have a profound effect. As in many spaces, public washroom fluorescent lighting is too frequently used. Not only is this light harsh and unflattering, but it is also the type of lighting that creates spaces that feel impersonal and almost robotic. On the other hand, lighting that mimics daylight and uses soft, diffused light can make for very cozy spaces. I once had the opportunity to consult on the design of a public washroom in a large corporate office. We integrated skylights in the washroom so that natural light could pour in during the day.
Then, we had programmed the washroom lighting to transition to a more subdued, amber glow that follows the natural progression of light after sunset.
Often, acoustic design in washrooms is neglected, but it’s a key aspect of the biophilic experience. Public washrooms tend to be echoey. For the most part, the hard surfaces—tiles, glass, and porcelain—are the primary culprits. These surfaces reflect sound so well that even the most seemingly insignificant noise is amplified and can be disruptive. This is contrary to the fundamental tenet of biophilic design, which is to focus on the natural elements that create a pleasurable human environment. So, for the washroom I designed, I selected reclaimed wood compared to the more common use of the material that would be as easily replaced, like tiles.
I also incorporated several panels of cork into the design because it’s a sustainable material that has great sound absorption qualities. The cork and the wood should absorb sound rather than allowing it to bounce around and reach every corner of the space.
I particularly enjoy the approach of utilizing nature-inspired art or installations, especially in larger public venues. For example, in an airport project, I collaborated with a local artist to produce a stunning mural. This mural depicted a misty forest, stretching across an entire wall in the washroom (of all places!). Most people probably don’t expect to find breathtaking art in a restroom, and we certainly wanted them to be blown away by the beauty of it. We integrated art with nature, and what would have otherwise been a forgettable experience became something both refreshing and memorable.
We must also consider the element of water when it comes to biophilic washroom design. Water is a natural element that is proven to alleviate stress and anxiety. Whether we are seeing it, hearing it, or even feeling it, water has a way of calming us. This makes innovative uses of water in biophilic washroom designs a no-brainer. Washrooms in luxury hotels or high-end restaurants, for instance, may have impressive waterfalls flanking the sinks. But even a more modest setup can utilize the sound of trickling water through a small fountain in a way that is both luxurious and calming.
One more thing: biophilic public and commercial washrooms can make a pretty strong sustainability statement. Biophilic design doesn’t just mean putting plants in a space; it has to do with the overall feeling of naturalness that a built space elicits. For a washroom in a high-end spa that I designed, the sustainability aspect was a big part of the overall biophilic design ethos, so we used water-efficient faucets. They were designed to deliver a waterfall-like experience. Not only did this conserve water, but it also served as an “oh wow” reminder of the preciousness of water right before our eyes and hands.
I’m thrilled by the prospect of biophilic design in public spaces. Restrooms might seem to be an odd place to start, but hear me out. Biophilic design is all about using nature to create a more calming and aesthetically pleasing experience in the built environment, and the results can be dramatic. For instance, a facility at the State University of New York at Fredonia boosts its visitors’ serotonin levels by 15% simply by being well-lit. Imagine what could happen if the restroom facilities at a biophilic building did not just rely on an overabundance of white light, but also included a spectrum of colors (which is good for plants, too) and was decorated with imagery of wind bending over wheat.
I haven’t quite worked out the details of what could happen in a space like that. But imagine stepping into such a facility and feeling like you were in a sun-dappled restroom that existed somewhere in nature.
Now, let’s turn to how biophilic design can be applied in washing areas more familiar to us—those in residences and small businesses. Washrooms tend to be tight, enclosed spaces, making the insertion of natural elements difficult if not impossible. But with a little creativity and the right natural elements, even the smallest and most private washroom can be made into a space that feels truly alive, serene, and connected to the natural world.
One of my favorite strategies for decorating a washroom is to add plants. The unique environment of a washroom—its high humidity and often lower light levels—can be ideal for certain species. For instance, the Boston fern, pothos, and peace lily are perfect for such a setup. They’re pretty resilient, and they’re excellent air purifiers. I once took a particularly stark home bathroom and draped a shelving unit above the bath. I put three pothos plants on that shelf, and their tendrils draped down toward the tub. It was not an expensive or difficult project, but the space felt a lot more organic and inviting when I was done.
One alternative strategy employs natural materials, with wood as perhaps the best example. Nothing adds warmth and proper texture to a space quite like wood, which can be seen in recent contemporary bathroom designs. This is a bit ironic, given that the traditionally heavy, cold, and clinical atmosphere of many washrooms was often achieved with the use of wood during the 19th century. (Some of the very first “bathhouses” used galvanized iron. You deserved better, and today’s selection of materials is truly something to behold. Should porcelain really be exiled to the museum, however?)
Anyway, wood can be treated or naturally occurs in enough different varieties to make it a solid (in more ways than one) candidate for altitude in your bathroom. Teak brings water resistance and, if it’s QI certified, peace of mind. Beyond that, is it really an issue that wood soaking up the steam from your shower will ultimately leave it (the wood) slightly darkened while you luxuriate under the hot water?
Another way to elevate the washroom from a purely utilitarian space is to bring in water as a feature in its own right. Many people don’t realize the bathroom, by its very nature, is closely connected to water, which is a key element in biophilic design. Emphasizing this relationship can serve to make the space more integrated with natural processes. For instance, an extraordinarily pedestrian yet profound way to do this is to install a shower that has a ceiling-mounted rain head surrounded by natural stone tiles. Every time I’ve used this kind of shower, I felt as if I was under a waterfall in some far-off jungle.
And it doesn’t just feel exquisite — this setup also looks gorgeous.
Another vital element of biophilic washroom design is lighting. Many of us have likely encountered the unflattering, harsh lighting found in numerous bathrooms. Employing warmer, more natural lighting can immediately alter the atmosphere. While natural daylight is always preferred, LED technology now allows for lighting that can very accurately mimic being outside. In addition, residential bathrooms have a very unique advantage: we can control the amplitude, or the intensity of the light, at least as seem as bathroom users. Most of my client projects, for instance, utilize dimmable lighting systems, allowing for appropriate light levels and better vibes.
Often, the design of washrooms overlooks the incorporation of color. Many times, washrooms are all white or a neutral palette, creating a clinical feel. But I think we should take a cue from biophilic design and incorporate natural, earthy tones into our washrooms. The ocean, the forest, and the earth itself seem to be undersung elements of washroom design. I once worked on a project for a bachelor who wanted a comprehensive redesign of his barely used bathroom, which was famous among his friends for being small and sterile. We opted for a color scheme with deep, rich greens and wood in the accents, which came from looking at the great colors and textures of natural gobos in a forest.
This washroom has, in my mind, hit the first in a perfect trifecta of a usable space with aesthetic appeal while accomplishing the aforementioned earthiness that’s a much more favorable vibe than the clinical look.
Another aspect of washroom design, especially in private homes, that can enhance the overall experience is texture. A balanced mix of smooth and rough surfaces, as well as soft and hard elements, can elevate a washroom’s overall sensory appeal. For example, in an instance where I was tasked with designing a washroom, I had the walls clad in rough, natural stone, while the floors were done in a highly polished concrete. This bathroom had a stark, modern look, but a warm, earthy feel thanks to the natural stone and hand-hewn look of the tiles. There was enough variation amongst the elements and surfaces to keep it visually and artfully engaging, while still being private and serene.
The bathroom is just as much a space for experiencing the effects of sound as it is for light and visuals. Though one might think of the bathroom as a place prone to making unpleasant sounds (actually it’s quite common that some have a naturally lava-like quality), this is hardly a reason to press the mute button. Echoing sounds also make for spaces that can be surprisingly enjoyable to sing in. But what if design could turn sound into an ally? What if the technologies of this space—like, say, the exhaust fan—could be worked into a composition?
And what if the sounds of splashing and running water, so often used to tag this realm as one of intimacy, could be used to create a truly commissioned soundscape? These are questions I’m beginning to ask in design for better bathrooms.
Ultimately, biophilic design is about sustainability. Like biophilia itself, the washroom is an intimate part of our domestic existence. We inhabit it morning and evening; it’s where we are most ourselves, for good or for ill. Water conservation should thus be a key priority in the facilities we design. Toilets, taps, and, yes, the eco-friendliness of the materials we use in the washroom—tile, for instance—are all very much at the crux of design decisions that can either cultivate a biophilic relationship with water or not. I would say that most of my clients now come to the table well aware of, and very concerned about, the need to conserve water and energy.
Biophilic design in washrooms involves more than simply incorporating plants or natural materials; it requires creating spaces that feel invested with life, rooted in nature, and responsive to its steady, reliable rhythms. Whether a bathroom is an isolated oasis or a bustling public necessity, these fundamental goals can turn a straightforward, no-frills room into one that engages the senses and settings in a refreshing, revitalizing way.
