Biophilic Design & The Use Of Timber

Biophilic Design – the practice of taking cues from the natural world and allowing them to not just guide the design process but to help foster relationships between it, the built environment and people[i] – is a relatively new, yet increasingly influential notion.

Distinct from, yet closely related to sustainability, it has become a source of hope for those in the architectural profession seeking solutions to the ever-growing (and ever-more urgent) list of environmental problems facing the construction sector and the broader global community.

As an over-arching philosophy, rather than a style or trend[ii], Biophilic Design involves many considerations and many variables, including material choice.

Titled “Biophilic Design & the Use of Timber”, this session of CPD Live focusses on one such material, namely timber. Our speakers explore the role of this timeless, natural material in biophilic design. They highlight its aesthetic, psychological, and environmental benefits in this context; and outline the various approaches to successfully incorporating it into projects of this type.

 Learning Outcomes

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

•   Define the term ‘Biophilic Design’

•   Outline the role that timber, as a natural material, can play in this context

•   Outline the various strategies that architects interested in Biophilic Design can take

•   Identify successful example of Biophilic Design involving the use of timber

 (PC 25 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, PC 28 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, PC 33 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, PC 33 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN)

Speakers

Brent Calow, Director, Business Development, Havwoods Australia

Since joining Havwoods in 2016, Brent has been a pivotal figure, sharing his passion and extensive knowledge both within the company and with clients on their projects. His commitment to design-driven product innovation and excellence in timber product manufacturing has been an ongoing contribution.

Brent’s deep-seated passion for sustainability and environmentally-friendly solutions has been a defining aspect of his career. He has been a champion for sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of reducing environmental impact via considered specification in the construction industry. Brent has played a key role in developing and promoting Havwoods products that meet stringent sustainability standards, ensuring that Havwoods remains at the forefront of eco-friendly design. His expertise in sustainable timber for building has seen him regularly speak at industry events and feature in publications, advocating for the sustainable benefits in building and design.

Aleksandra Mlynczak, Designer, Foster + Partners

Aleksandra studied architecture at the Dresden University of Technology in Germany. Since completing her studies, she has worked in architectural firms in Australia, Germany, and Spain. She was employed for eight years at APB Architekten in Hamburg, where she worked on large commercial, residential, and urban planning projects. She joined Foster + Partners in 2021 and worked on Parkline Place, a large premium-grade commercial building completed in March 2025