Biophilic Design in Passive House Architecture

Biophilic design in Passive House architecture isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven approach that supports human health, environmental responsibility, and long-term energy performance. At Held Architecture, we believe that good design should enhance well-being, and that starts by reconnecting people with nature.

As Charlotte’s first Certified Passive House Consultant, we integrate biophilic principles into our projects—from high-performance urban infill to sustainable mixed-use developments like The Cannery in Salem, Oregon. Our goal is to create spaces that breathe with their environment and respond to how people actually live, work, and interact.

What Is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design connects the built environment with the natural one. It draws on patterns, forms, and materials found in nature—sunlight, vegetation, wood, water, and airflow—to foster a sense of calm, comfort, and connection.

Biophilic design supports:

• Improved mental health and reduced stress

• Better daylighting and indoor air quality

• Stronger user engagement and satisfaction

• Energy efficiency when paired with passive strategies

How Biophilic Principles Strengthen Passive House Architecture

Passive House design and biophilic design work in harmony. Passive House architecture emphasizes airtightness, thermal comfort, and low energy consumption. Biophilic elements add emotional depth and sensory richness to these high-performance buildings.

In our Charlotte-based projects, we use:

Deep balconies and natural shading

To offer thermal comfort and outdoor living options.

Daylit stairwells and cross ventilation

To reduce mechanical loads while increasing connection to daylight and fresh air.

Locally sourced, natural materials

To reduce embodied carbon while grounding the space in a tactile, regional identity.

Project Spotlight: Biophilic Design at The Cannery

At The Cannery, a sustainable mixed-use community in Salem, Oregon, biophilic design is central to our planning. We’ve incorporated large outdoor amenities, native landscaping, and responsibly sourced materials to create a neighborhood that supports both environmental and social wellness.

The result? A place that invites people to slow down, spend time outside, and engage with their community—core goals of biophilic and regenerative design.

Why Biophilic Design Matters for Charlotte and the Southeast

In a region with strong seasonal variation, abundant vegetation, and a growing interest in sustainable urban development, biophilic design is especially relevant. It offers design solutions that are both beautiful and climate-responsive.

We see biophilia not as an aesthetic, but a mindset:

How can this building respond to nature rather than resist it? How can it support wellness, not just basic function?

Ready to Build Healthier Spaces?

Interested in incorporating Passive House standards and biophilic design into your next project?

Contact our team to start a conversation about sustainable architecture that supports well-being—for people and for the planet.