Wood has been used for building homes and other structures for thousands of years in and around British Columbia (BC). Yellow cedar and western red cedar trees are woven into the cultures of many First Nations and were regularly used for construction, clothing, canoes, carvings, and even medicines. That tradition in BC, of building beautiful wood structures, continues to today.

This publication is organized into two main sections. The first explores a brief history of wood and design in BC, biophilic patterns common in the architecture of this region, and the economic benefits of designing with nature—including notable synergies with sustainability goals.

The second section highlights several biophilic patterns and Example Projects throughout BC that succeed in enhancing the experience of a building through the use of fine craftsmanship, thoughtful finishes, exposed wood structure, and other biophilic qualities—light, complexity, refuge, etc.

The closing remarks include insightful considerations for designing with wood for a biophilic experience.

Visit the Naturally:wood website to download your free-access copy of “Biophilic Design with Wood in British Columbia”.

Acknowledgements

This report is made possible with the support of Naturally:wood and Forestry Innovation Investment of British Columbia. The opinions and conclusions in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.

Lead Writer

Bill Browning, Terrapin Bright Green

Citation

Browning, W.D. and Ryan, C.O. (2024). Biophilic Design with Wood in British Columbia. Vancouver: Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. https://www.terrapinbg.com/report/biophilic-design-wood-BC

©2024 Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.
All rights reserved.

Biophilic Design with Wood in British Columbia (the “Publication”) may be electronically downloaded without charge from the website: www.naturallywood.com. Naturally:wood and logo are trademarks of Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. No part of this Publication may be reproduced, published, or transmitted for commercial purposes in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, whether or not in translated form, without the prior written permission of Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.