Is Biophilic Design the New Paradigm?

1 Hotel Toronto is setting a new standard for how we think about sustainability

While concrete and steel have shaped much of Toronto’s modern skyline, the city’s architectural narrative is beginning to embrace a quieter, greener revolution. The emerging trend of biophilic design in architecture and interior design seeks to restore humanity’s innate connection to nature by weaving organic elements into our everyday spaces. This philosophy isn’t just about adding greenery to a room—it’s intended to be a profound reimagining of how we build, live and connect with our surroundings.

At 1 Hotel Toronto, this approach finds a striking expression, offering a case study in how biophilic design can redefine not only hospitality but also how we think about creating spaces that nurture both people and the planet. Mirrored by interiors courtesy of New York-based architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the hotel poses a compelling question: “What if luxury hospitality served as an invitation to the natural world, rather than an escape from it?”

“At 1 Hotels, we let nature take the lead,” says Christopher Alvarado, senior vice president of design at SH Hotels. “Our designs aim to bring the outdoors in, drawing inspiration from the community, local history and surrounding ecosystems. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s woven into the very fabric of our brand.”

The property integrates over 3,000 plants into its spaces, a living, breathing element that invites guests to slow down and connect with nature. Nestled on a quiet side street south of Bathurst and King, the structure serves as an unassuming sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation—welcoming hotel guests off the bustling downtown streets of Toronto and into 1 Hotel’s micro-climate, where all five senses undergo an intentional shift.

But biophilic design is not limited to hotels. Natural materials, indoor greenery, and sustainable practices—are becoming a significant force in residential design. Architects and interior designers are increasingly incorporating elements like reclaimed wood, expansive natural light, and indoor plants into homes, creating living spaces that feel restorative and grounded.

Biophilic design addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change, biodiversity loss, and urban alienation. As Alvarado notes, “It [biophilic design] will shape our future environments by addressing critical issues like sustainability and biodiversity. By integrating these principles, we can mitigate environmental challenges, enhance urban life, and create spaces that are not only beautiful but also ecologically responsible.”

At its core, this shift toward sustainability is about fostering a deeper relationship between buildings and their impact on the planet. In Toronto, buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 56% of the city’s total emissions in 2022. This means its time we begin rethinking how we balance the built environment with organic elements. It’s about making room for plants, natural light and tactile materials during construction—even in the densest urban areas.

Throughout 1 Hotel Toronto, local culture and ecology are on full display. The hotel’s design incorporates hyper-local elements that pay homage to Toronto’s unique environment and creative community. Choosing local is a sustainable choice in itself, as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials and products from distant locations. By prioritizing local craftsmanship, resources, and design, the hotel not only celebrates the city’s identity but also supports the local economy and minimizes the environmental impact of its operations.

One standout example is the partnership with Just Be Woodsy, a Toronto-based studio that transforms fallen trees into furniture—some of which even displays the neighbourhood where the tree was sourced to produce it. The communal table in the hotel’s Flora Lounge was crafted from a tree that naturally fell just down the road. “We worked with local makers like Just Be Woodsy to bring the Toronto property to life,” Alvarado says. “These talented artists pride themselves in giving fallen Toronto trees a second life by turning them into unique pieces of furniture.”

The hotel also draws from its location near Lake Ontario by integrating native plant species and reclaimed materials that reflect the region’s ecology. Sustainability practices extend to operations, with initiatives like a composting system that converts food waste into soil for the hotel’s plants.

“We actively recycle, and team member uniforms no longer in use are donated to local charities,” Alvarado adds. “To reinforce our commitment to sustainability, our back-of-house areas feature signs and inspirational quotes that encourage a collaborative effort to do all we can do for the planet.”

As biophilic design continues to gain momentum, its principles are likely to influence how we approach all kinds of spaces, from sprawling commercial projects to modest homes. In residential design, the emphasis is shifting toward creating spaces that nourish the human spirit. Features like indoor-outdoor transitions, rooftop gardens, and the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials are becoming priorities for architects and homeowners alike.

The benefits go beyond aesthetics. Research has shown that biophilic environments can improve mental health, increase productivity, and foster a sense of calm. “Biophilic design enhances the guest experience by creating a sense of human scale,” Alvarado says. “Just as in nature, where your sense of scale shifts with perspective, guests can transition from a cozy nook to a rooftop overlooking the city, with biophilic elements enriching each space.”