Pentarch Forestry Pty Ltd is known throughout the industry as a trusted and established forest manager and international wood marketer.
Natural timber enhances human wellbeing
through biophilic design principles, reducing
stress, improving air quality, and creating
warm, healthy environments that connect
people with nature.”
Biophilic design recognises the innate human connection to nature and harnesses this relationship to create built environments that enhance physical and psychological wellbeing.
The term, derived from the Greek words for “life” and “love,” reflects our deep-rooted need to connect with natural elements even within indoor spaces.
Australian hardwood timber serves as a cornerstone of biophilic design principles, providing the natural warmth, visual complexity, and sensory richness that transform sterile environments into healing and restorative spaces.
Research consistently demonstrates that incorporating natural materials like timber into buildings creates measurable health benefits,from reduced stress levels and lower blood pressure to improved cognitive performance and faster recovery times in healthcare settings.
Australian hardwood timber possesses unique natural properties that make it exceptionally suited for creating healthy indoor and otudoor environments. The thermal properties of
timber contribute significantly to occupant comfort, with natural insulation capabilities that
help regulate indoor temperatures while reducing reliance on mechanical heating and
cooling systems.
Timber’s hygroscopic nature allows it to absorb and release moisture,
creating more stable and comfortable humidity levels that support respiratory health and overall comfort.
The acoustic properties of timber provide additional wellness benefits through improved sound quality and noise reduction, absorbing and diffusing sound to create more pleasant environments that reduce stress and support concentration.
Beyond these functional benefits, the visual and tactile qualities of timber grain patterns provide natural complexity that stimulates cognitive function without overstimulation, while the warm tones and organic textures create psychological comfort and a sense of security that enhances mental wellbeing in healthcare, educational, and workplace settings.
The scientific evidence supporting biophilic design continues to grow, with extensive research demonstrating the profound impact of natural materials on human health and wellbeing.
Studies show that biophilic design in hospitals reduces hospitalization time, patient mortality, and pain levels, while improving cognitive function, blood pressure, and mental health outcomes.
Research specifically examining timber in biophilic treatments provides evidence that wood integration significantly enhances occupant wellbeing across healthcare, educational, and workplace environments.