The concept of the outdoor office has gained significant traction among forward-thinking companies in recent years.

This innovative approach to workplace design goes beyond simply adding a few plants to the office; it's about fundamentally reimagining how we work and interact with our environment. By integrating nature into the workplace, businesses are not only creating more aesthetically pleasing spaces but are also fostering environments that promote employee wellbeing, creativity, and productivity.

The philosophy behind this trend is rooted in biophilic design, a concept that recognises our innate connection to nature and seeks to incorporate it into our built environments. As we spend more time indoors, particularly in urban settings, the need to reconnect with nature has become increasingly apparent. This is where the outdoor office comes into play, offering a solution that bridges the gap between our work lives and the natural world.

Benefits of nature in the workplace

The benefits of bringing nature into the workplace are numerous and well-documented. Extensive research has shown that integrating natural elements into office environments can have profound effects on employee wellbeing, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Employee engagement and wellbeing

Employee engagement and wellbeing are significantly enhanced when workers have access to natural elements. The simple presence of plants, natural light, and outdoor views can lead to increased job satisfaction and a stronger sense of connection to the workplace. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on employee retention and company culture.

Research by Cornell University Professor Dr. Alan Hedge reinforces this connection, particularly regarding natural light. His study found that workers in daylight office environments reported significant drops in eyestrain, headaches, and drowsiness.

Enhanced productivity and creativity

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate natural elements into office design is the boost it provides to productivity and creativity. Studies have shown that employees working in environments with natural features report higher levels of focus and cognitive function. The calming effect of nature can help reduce mental fatigue and increase attention span, leading to more innovative thinking and problem-solving.

Furthermore, employees with access to natural light have demonstrated increased memory capacity, fewer health complaints, and a remarkable boost in productivity of up to 25%.

These findings underscore the importance of incorporating natural elements into workplace design, supporting the growing trend of biophilic office spaces and highlighting the tangible benefits that can be achieved through thoughtful integration of nature into the work environment.

Stress reduction and mental health benefits

Stress reduction is another key benefit of nature-inspired workspaces. By creating outdoor office spaces or bringing natural elements indoors, companies can provide their staff with environments that promote relaxation and mental rejuvenation leading to reduced stress levels. The sound of flowing water, the sight of greenery, and the feel of natural materials can all contribute to a more serene work atmosphere.

Connection to nature

At the heart of the outdoor office concept is the idea of biophilia – our innate affinity for nature. By incorporating biophilic office design principles, companies can create spaces that satisfy this deep-seated need for connection with the natural world. This can lead to a more harmonious work environment and a greater sense of well-being among employees.

Download our Guide to Biophilic Design

Key elements of nature-inspired office design

So, how can companies integrate these principles into their workplace design? There are numerous key elements to consider when creating a nature-inspired office space.

Indoor plants and living walls

Indoor plants and living walls are perhaps the most visible and impactful features. These can range from small desk plants to large-scale vertical gardens that serve as both natural art pieces and air purifiers.

Natural light and views

Natural light and views are crucial components of any outdoor workspace. Large windows, skylights, and glass doors not only flood the space with sunlight but also provide views of the outdoors, helping to blur the lines between inside and outside. For spaces where direct outdoor views are limited, high-quality artificial lighting that mimics natural daylight can be used to create a similar effect.

Natural materials and textures

The use of natural materials and textures is another important aspect of biophilic office design. Wood, stone, and other organic materials can be incorporated into furniture, flooring, and wall coverings to create a more natural feel. These elements not only look appealing but also provide a tactile connection to nature.

Water features and nature sounds

Water features and nature sounds can add another dimension to the outdoor office experience. The gentle sound of flowing water or recorded nature sounds can mask office noise and create a more peaceful atmosphere. These auditory elements can be particularly effective in open-plan offices or areas designated for relaxation and contemplation.

Organic shapes and patterns

Organic shapes and patterns inspired by nature can be incorporated into various aspects of office design, from the layout of workspaces to the patterns on carpets and wall coverings. These biomorphic forms can create a more dynamic and visually interesting environment while subtly reinforcing the connection to nature.

Colour schemes inspired by nature

Colour schemes inspired by nature can also play a significant role in creating a more organic feel in the workplace. Earth tones, greens, and blues can evoke natural landscapes and create a calming atmosphere. These colours can be used in paint, furniture upholstery, and accessories to reinforce the natural theme throughout the space.

Circadian lighting systems

Implementing circadian lighting systems that mimic the natural progression of daylight can help maintain employees' natural rhythms and improve overall wellbeing.

The most successful nature-inspired offices are those that engage all the senses. It's not just about what you see – it's about creating an immersive environment that you can hear, touch, and even smell. When we design these spaces, we're essentially bringing the outdoors in, creating a multi-sensory experience that connects employees to nature throughout their workday.

Jo Jenkinson, Design Director

Innovative ways to bring the outdoors in

Innovative companies are finding increasingly creative ways to bring the outdoors in.

Green walls and vertical gardens

Green walls and vertical gardens are becoming more common, not just as decorative elements but as functional space dividers and air purifiers. These living walls can transform bland office interiors into lush, vibrant spaces that feel more like urban jungles than traditional workplaces.

Indoor trees and large plants

Indoor trees and large plants can create a dramatic impact, especially in larger office spaces or atriums. These statement pieces can serve as natural focal points and help to create a sense of being outdoors, even when inside. They can also help to improve air quality and acoustics in large, open spaces.

Nature-inspired art and decor

Nature-inspired art and decor offer another way to bring the outdoors in. Large-scale nature photography, botanical prints, and sculptures made from natural materials can all contribute to a more organic feel in the office. Digital displays showing changing nature scenes can provide a dynamic element to the decor.

Skylights and light wells

Skylights and light wells can dramatically increase the amount of natural light in a space, creating a more open and airy feel.

Biomorphic ceiling designs

Incorporating biomorphic ceiling designs, such as patterns that mimic tree canopies or cloud formations, can add visual interest and reinforce the connection to nature.

Sensory walkways

Creating sensory walkways with different textures and natural elements can provide a multi-sensory experience that connects employees to nature as they move through the office.

Indoor rock gardens or dry landscapes

Small indoor rock gardens or dry landscapes can provide contemplative spaces for relaxation and reflection.

Nature-themed room dividers

Using nature-themed room dividers, such as screens with leaf patterns or living plant walls, can segment spaces while maintaining the natural theme.

Smart technology integration

Integrating smart technology that mimics natural processes, such as lighting that changes throughout the day to match natural light patterns, can enhance the biophilic experience.

The beauty of modern biophilic design lies in its versatility. We're no longer limited to simply placing a few potted plants around the office. We can create immersive, nature-inspired environments using a wide range of innovative techniques. From living walls that purify the air to smart lighting systems that mimic the natural progression of daylight, we have an exciting toolkit at our disposal.

Kim Dixon, Designer

Creating indoor-outdoor transitions

Creating seamless indoor-outdoor transitions is key to the concept of the outdoor office.

Sliding glass doors and large windows

This can be achieved through the use of sliding glass doors, retractable walls, or large windows that open fully.

Indoor courtyards and atriums

Indoor courtyards and atriums can serve as transitional spaces, bringing natural light and greenery into the heart of a building.

Rooftop gardens accessible from offices

Rooftop gardens accessible from offices are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban environments where ground-level green space for an outdoor office garden is limited. These spaces can serve multiple functions, from providing a pleasant area for lunch breaks to offering an alternative meeting space or even a venue for outdoor yoga classes.

Seamless flooring transitions

Using the same or complementary materials, ensuring a smooth, continuous flow that visually and physically connects the two areas. Recessed door tracks are another critical detail to consider, as they allow for flush thresholds that enhance accessibility while maintaining a clean, uninterrupted surface. This not only facilitates movement between spaces, particularly for those with mobility challenges, but also creates a cohesive design that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

Integrated meeting cabins & fitness areas

Meeting cabins and fitness areas can be designed with large, retractable glass doors or sliding panels, allowing them to open up entirely to the outdoors when the weather permits. This integration offers a refreshing change of scenery, promotes wellbeing by bringing in natural light and fresh air. Whether for a work meeting, a workout session, or simply a moment of relaxation, these hybrid spaces provide a unique connection to nature while still offering the comfort and amenities of an indoor setting.

Conclusion

As companies explore the potential of outdoor office spaces, it's important to consider practical considerations such as climate control, technology integration, and privacy. Outdoor workspaces need to be equipped with appropriate shading and heating/cooling solutions to ensure comfort in varying weather conditions. Wi-Fi connectivity and power outlets are essential for maintaining productivity in outdoor settings. Privacy concerns can be addressed through clever landscaping and the strategic placement of screens or partitions.

The integration of nature into workplace design is more than just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how we think about our work environments. By creating outdoor offices and bringing natural elements indoors, companies can create spaces that not only look beautiful but also promote health, wellbeing, and productivity.

If you're considering implementing outdoor office concepts in your workplace, our team of expert designers are here to help. We can work with you to create a bespoke solution that integrates natural elements into your specific work environment, helping you reap the benefits of biophilic design.

Meet the Authors

Jo Jenkinson Design Director

With a passion for creating exciting and innovative designs, Jo’s is the imagination behind a rich and varied portfolio of inspirational environments, spanning commercial, retail and residential markets. Experienced in architectural design and design and build, she has worked in the office fit out industry for over ten years and has led the design on a number of multi-million pound projects.

Kim Dixon Designer

With a varied scope of experience, derived from sectors including commercial, retail, residential and medical, and encompassing all aspects of interior design, Kim is a dedicated, creative talent who is enthused by spaces that fully engage the end-user. Kim’s vision is to provide workplaces that inspire the worker.

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The outdoor office: Integrating nature into workplace design