Wood isn’t just a building material—it’s a wellness booster. New evidence shows that incorporating wood in hospital and care center design can aid recovery, reduce stress, and uplift mood.

How Wood Improves Wellbeing

Dr. Marjut Wallenius from the University of Tampere, Finland, highlights how wood in elderly service centers and hospitals promotes both physical and mental health.

She challenges architects and designers to leave wood visible in interiors, explaining that its presence has stress-reducing effects similar to those experienced in nature. Research using self-reported questionnaires reveals that wood influences behavior positively, particularly in care environments.

In one study at a service center for the elderly, wooden interiors improved interactions among residents and made them more engaged with their surroundings. Even simple items like wooden trays in a dining room sparked better social connection and attentiveness.

Real-World Results

In Japan, wooden structures have shown remarkable benefits in neurological clinics. Patients exposed to these natural environments reported better mood and faster recovery. Using solid wood also helps regulate indoor humidity, improving air quality—especially beneficial for individuals with allergies and asthma.

Evidence Across the Globe

Countries like Norway, Austria, Japan, Canada, and Denmark have all explored the health effects of wood in healthcare and educational settings. For instance, a Norwegian study found that hospital rooms with wooden panels and large windows were the most calming for patients.

In schools, classrooms with wooden interiors have proven to reduce stress in students. Morning stress spikes, measured by pulse rate variations, faded quickly in wooden classrooms and didn’t return. In contrast, traditional classrooms saw mild stress levels persist throughout the day.

Not All Wood is Equal

Dr. Wallenius emphasizes that these benefits are unique to natural wood—not imitation wood. Studies show that sleep quality and stress recovery are better in environments with real wood than in those with synthetic substitutes.

Wood’s ability to create harmonious, calming environments makes it an ideal choice for spaces where people spend long hours, such as hospitals, offices, schools, and daycare centers.

While further research is needed, the message is clear: wood doesn’t just enhance spaces—it enhances lives.