As the summer months settle in, office environments across the UK can quickly become uncomfortably warm. For employers, the challenge isn’t just maintaining a comfortable temperature, it’s keeping employees productive, focused, and energised despite rising heat levels.

At Meridian Interiors, we understand how smart office design can play a critical role in supporting comfort and wellbeing during seasonal changes. In this blog, we explore practical, design-led strategies that help businesses stay cool, efficient, and sustainable throughout the summer.

The Hidden Cost of Overheating in the Workplace

Temperature has a measurable impact on productivity. A study from Sustainable Energy & Environmental Systems suggests that office productivity tends to peak at around 22°C, and even a slight rise can lead to reduced focus, increased fatigue, and higher rates of absenteeism. For businesses, this can quietly undermine team performance during key summer months.

While air conditioning offers relief, there are also other ways to design and layout workspaces that naturally keep temperatures down, without driving up energy costs.

Design Strategies to Keep Your Office Cool

Opt for Light and Reflective Colour Palettes

Lighter shades don’t just brighten a space, they reflect heat. Incorporating whites, pale greys, or soft blues into your walls, furnishings, and floors can help reduce heat absorption. These tones also promote a feeling of calm and focus, creating a fresh atmosphere that counteracts the heaviness of summer heat.

Prioritise Ventilation and Airflow

A well-ventilated office isn’t just more comfortable, it’s healthier. Incorporate layouts that support ventilation, particularly in open-plan spaces. If a refurbishment is on the cards, our team at Meridian can advise on mechanical ventilation, and design strategies that promote air circulation.

Choose Cooling Materials and Finishes

Material choice can significantly impact internal temperature.

It’s best to avoid heat-retaining carpets in sunny areas. Consider hard floors like Luxury Vinyl Tiles.

You could also opt for breathable upholstery fabrics on chairs and soft seating to improve comfort.

Spring is the season of renewal, and it’s the perfect time for businesses to refresh their office spaces. At Meridian Interiors Limited, we are passionate about creating inspiring and productive work environments, and this spring, we are excited to focus on biophilic design—an approach that integrates nature into the built environment. In this blog, we’ll explore how elements like greenery, living walls, and nature-inspired textures can transform your office into a healthier, more engaging workplace.

What is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is an approach to interior design that seeks to connect people with nature in the spaces where they live and work. The term “biophilia” refers to the inherent human affinity for nature, and biophilic design incorporates elements of the natural world to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve creativity and productivity. It’s about bringing the outside in.

As businesses are recognising the importance of mental health and employee well-being, biophilic design has gained popularity as an effective way to foster a positive work environment. In the context of an office, it’s all about integrating natural elements like plants, timber, and textures inspired by nature, into the workspace.

Greenery: The Power of Plants in the Office

Plants are one of the most effective and simplest ways to introduce biophilic elements into an office environment. Greenery not only improves air quality but also adds a sense of calm and tranquility. Studies have shown that incorporating plants into the workplace can increase productivity, reduce stress, and enhance overall job satisfaction.

For offices in Milton Keynes and beyond, a variety of plants can be strategically placed to bring life to different areas of your workspace. From small potted plants on desks to larger statement plants in communal spaces, greenery is a versatile way to promote well-being.

Meridian Interiors recently created a stunning office design for a local client, incorporating several biophilic design features, including these beautiful planters:

Popular plants for offices include low-maintenance options like:

Snake Plants – These are ideal office plants as they tolerate most light conditions and are a great size to have on your desk or place on a shelf.

Marble Queen Pothos – These can be kept compact to brighten up your desk and will even tolerate erratic watering.

Jade Plant – Is a fuss-free succulent that only needs occasional watering. It likes a bright spot to thrive.

Aloe Vera – There is no need to water this plant throughout the winter, so it couldn’t get any easier!

Living Walls: A Bold and Stunning Biophilic Feature

For businesses looking to make a bold statement, living walls are an innovative and eye-catching way to introduce biophilic design. These vertical gardens can be designed to cover entire walls or specific sections of the office, offering a lush, green backdrop that is both visually appealing and calming.

Meridian Interiors enjoyed creating this feature wall for a Milton Keynes client recently, incorporating both timber slatting with biophilia, to create a natural living wall.

Living walls not only act as beautiful focal points but also provide functional benefits such as improved acoustics, temperature regulation, and air purification. They create a dynamic environment where employees can feel more connected to nature, and their presence can boost creativity and collaboration.

At Meridian Interiors, we specialise in creating customised living wall solutions that seamlessly integrate into your office space. Whether you’re looking for a large, full-wall design or a smaller feature in a breakout area, we can help you choose the right system to meet your needs.

Nature-Inspired Textures and Materials: Bringing the Outdoors In

In addition to greenery, nature-inspired textures and materials are another powerful way to create a biophilic office environment. Incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, cork, and bamboo into office furniture, walls, flooring, and decor can help evoke the calming qualities of nature.

Our design team developed a scheme for a Buckinghamshire client that integrated timber dividers, a nature-inspired feature wall, and planters, creating an appealing workspace for employees.

Wooden slatted panels, natural feature walls, or textured fabrics inspired by natural patterns, can all contribute to a more organic, inviting space. These materials not only have aesthetic appeal but also have a positive impact on the mood and productivity of employees. The tactile experience of natural textures can foster a sense of comfort and well-being.

At Meridian Interiors, we work with our clients to carefully select materials that align with both their design vision and sustainability goals. Whether you want to create a rustic, earthy feel or a sleek, contemporary look inspired by nature, we can bring your biophilic vision to life.

The Benefits of Biophilic Design

The integration of biophilic design elements into your office space offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Improved Air Quality: Plants and living walls help purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They can also reduce the presence of harmful toxins and pollutants, creating a healthier indoor environment.
2. Enhanced Productivity: Studies have found that biophilic design boosts employee productivity and focus. Natural elements like greenery and light help to reduce stress and mental fatigue, leading to better concentration and creative thinking.
3. Increased Employee Well-Being: Incorporating nature into the office fosters a positive work atmosphere that supports mental health. Employees are more likely to feel relaxed, energised, and inspired when they work in a space that includes natural elements.
4. Stronger Company Culture: A biophilic office environment reflects a company’s commitment to employee well-being, sustainability, and innovation. It shows that the business values both the health of its employees and the planet.
5. Attractive Design: Beyond the functional benefits, biophilic design is aesthetically pleasing. A well-designed office with natural elements creates a welcoming and comfortable space that clients and employees alike will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your office environment, and biophilic design is a wonderful way to do just that. At Meridian Interiors Limited, we are dedicated to creating workspaces that prioritise the well-being of employees while fostering creativity and collaboration. Whether you’re looking to introduce more greenery, install a living wall, or use nature-inspired materials, we can help you design a healthier, more engaging office space.

Browse through our case studies to explore how we’ve incorporated biophilic design into various office spaces we’ve created for our clients.

If you’re ready to bring the outdoors in and transform your office this spring, contact us today to learn more about our biophilic design solutions and how we can create a space that works for you and your team.