LNE Spa #87 - Spas Leading Biophilic Design

Spas Leading

Biophilic Design

By Lucy Brialey - Sustainable Spa Association

As we turn the attention of the sustainability sector to the implementation of numerous eco-conscious projects to continue in the fight against rapid climate change.

Now that the dust has settled on COP26, one British sustainability expert is ramping up it’s 2022 plans to make an important and lasting impact. The Benholm Group, a family run business based in Falkirk, Scotland, provides and maintains plant displays and flowers for the interior design, hospitality and corporate office sectors throughout the UK. Known as the company “where creativity blossoms”, the Scottish specialists collaborate, educate, and support interior designers in utilising the health and environmental benefits of plants within their projects – supporting the concept known as biophilic design. One of the key features of the service it provides is the use of it’s own peat-free, soil-free Enviroculture planting system which contributes towards peatland conservation.

As one of the leading voices on biophilic design, The Benholm Group’s, Adrian Byne explained to us just what the concept involves: “Biophilic design involves bringing elements of nature into the design of the built environment. As humans we have an in-built natural affinity to nature and when we bring elements into the spaces we occupy it helps to make us feel more comfortable and relaxed.

“The benefits are endless, and research has already revealed significant positive results both physically and psychologically, and with such a huge rise in the awareness of mental health issues, biophilic design has an important part to play. Plants are a key element that provide direct contact with nature, and they also help to purify the air and contribute towards a healthier, cleaner and more pure indoor environment.”

A shining example of biophilic design in use within the hospitality sector was the beautiful project at the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow called La Chambre Verte. The Benholm Group partnered with luxury CBD skincare brand La Rue Verte and award-winning DJ Brian D’Souza to transform a standard hotel room into an immersive, biophilic, plant-filled, multi-sensory spa experience. The unique concept was widely covered by both mainstream media and industry publications and received overwhelmingly positive responses from guests of the room, with one describing the experience as “feeling like we had found a recipe for a perfect night’s sleep.”

However, The Benholm Group influence doesn’t end there. Adrian continued: “Whilst many interior designers understand the concepts of biophilic design well, plants are really a science in their own right, and unless they have had specific experience or training, it can cause some designers to hold back from utilising them in the correct manner. “We provide the CPD training and support that interior designers need to ensure that planting will not only enhance the beauty of each space, but where they will thrive within the climatic environment to ensure the full benefits are realised.

And So What About The Spa Industry?

“The spa industry is unique in that it is not only a luxury leisure service, but it also provides a key health and wellbeing function which cannot be understated in the modern climate. Mental health issues are at a critical level in the post-lockdown era and the integration of biophilic design principles into facilities, we believe, can play an important part in healing and rejuvenation through the connection to nature.

“The spa industry itself draws so much of its inspiration from the natural world and it is therefore, by default, more sustainable in its approach than the majority of industries. While there is always more that can be done, the utilisation of nature itself teaches us so much about sustainability.

“The inclusion of more real, living plants and greenery could provide a significant additional benefit for spas with its health credentials and visual link to sustainability bringing a whole new level of experience and service for their customers.”

With a wealth of success in 2021, The Benholm Group and it’s industryleading horticulture and biophilic design solutions are set to continue to grow this year, and the benefits could be a game-changer to the provision and services of spas and wellness centres across the globe.

For more information: The Benholm Group do, visit their website at: https://www.benholm.com/