Sustainable Interior Design: Examples Within the Wellness Industry

November 30, 2022 | by Stavros

Something that we’ve noticed more and more recently when talking to both our existing and potential clients is a sharp increase in the interest in sustainability. Corporate gym and hotel spa owners are looking to use more sustainable materials in the design and build of their facilities. But what exactly is sustainable interior design and what does it involve?

What is sustainable interior design?

Environmentally sustainable interior design is the art of designing, creating and decorating a room, wellness facility, hotel spa, gym or any other internal space while making a conscious and committed effort to minimise the project’s negative impact on the environment.

This minimal impact should include both the working practices of the designer or architect, the materials used, the construction process, and the end result.

The grounding principles of sustainable interior design are to reduce waste, use renewable or recycled materials and minimise the consumption of non-renewable resources.

The finished product should be an environment that has been created with respect for the earth in mind and one that, of course, also takes into account the people who will be using it and their wellbeing and comfort. Naturally, the facility – be it a spa, fitness studio or gym – must also function in a sustainably conscious manner, post-build.

Sustainable interior design ideas

If you’re looking for ideas for sustainable gym design, you will want to carefully consider the types of materials you would like to use.

The beauty of eco-friendly materials is that they’re not just kinder to the planet, they also look stylish and sophisticated. And they’re surprisingly versatile too.

It can be tempting to dismiss environmentally sustainable interior design as little more than bamboo-clad walls and potted ferns, but it really is so much more than that.

And while you might love the idea of zen-like pebbles, biophilic design and dim lighting for your spa or meditation room, if you’re looking to create a high energy environment such as a gym or spin studio, you may think that wood, stone and water features just aren’t going to create the motivational vibe you want your guests or members to experience. But don’t worry – we’re here to help!

And while gym trends may come and go, one thing that we’re confident about here at zynk is that sustainable gym design is here to stay.

Let’s look at a few examples of ways you can incorporate recycled or renewable materials into your gym or other wellness facility.

Sustainable interior design materials

Let’s start off with the natural material that probably springs to mind first as someone who is involved in the wellness industry.

Bamboo

Bamboo as a renewable source for environmentally friendly interior design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. And there is more to it than the aforementioned cladding for walls.

For example, bamboo carpet is a highly durable and attractive choice for certain areas of your facility. Because it’s created from fibre removed from bamboo stalks (and sometimes blended with viscose) one of its big selling points is that it doesn’t trap dirt and other materials in its fibres.

Do note, however, that it’s not suitable for areas which get wet or damp, so avoid using bamboo carpet in your changing facilities.

Recycled plastic floors

Recycled plastic floors are particularly beneficial when used in sustainable gym design. Good quality recycled plastic floor tiles are durable, resistant to scuff marks and will not warp.

And unlike bamboo, they can be used in wet areas, such as changing rooms and around pools thanks to their non-slip properties.

They also come in a wide range of colours, which makes them ideal for incorporating into a sustainable gym whether you’re looking for a muted steel grey or a vibrant blue or yellow. This makes them great for zoning areas, such as your free weights and your cardio equipment.

Clay finishes

Clay is a wonderful example of a natural material which works really well when utilised in sustainable interior design ideas. Clay finishing is a healthier alternative to paint – or even wallpaper – and it works well on walls, floors and ceilings to create a seamless effect.

As a material it’s natural, breathable and non-toxic and it can remove impurities from the air – making it ideal for use in sustainable gym design as well a

Recycled terrazzo

Terrazzo has long been known for its stylish, almost retro Mediterranean appearance as well as its durability – which makes it a perfect sustainable interior design idea for your wellness retreat, spa, gym, meditation space or yoga studio.

Thanks to the numerous different colourways and palettes recycled terrazzo can be found in, it’s also a savvy way to incorporate your branding and colours into your interior.

This versatile material is made of recycled marble off cuts with a cement base so you don’t need to worry about wear and tear on areas with high foot traffic. Recycled terrazzo also works as functional and attractive wall panelling.

Mycelium flooring

As far as environmentally sustainable interior design ideas go, you don’t get much earthier than repurposing agricultural waste to create mycelium flooring.

Created from a composite of fungal mycelium – as in that found in mushrooms – and other bio-based products such as cotton residue, rice straw, corn crops, seaweed, coffee grounds and even clam shells, mycelium flooring is attractive and hardwearing and a popular choice for both public facilities and luxury new builds.

Mycelium flooring is a great choice for your sustainable interior design wellness project as it’s hard wearing and biodegradable, whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating your hotel spa, gym, or other fitness or wellness facility.

Sustainable gym design and zynk

At zynk we’re not only passionate about attractive and functional design, we are also committed to doing what’s best for our clients, your guests or members, and the environment.

Adopting sustainable interior design for gyms and the wellness industry in general is crucial if we want to reduce our negative impact on the earth and environment, whilst also improving our personal mental and physical fitness.

Carefully considered design in the wellness industry can have a direct positive knock-on effect on our mental health, and to live our best lives we also need to be showing more care for our planet.

If you’d like to learn more about how zynk Design can help you see an environmentally sustainable interior design project through from concept to completion, please get in touch with us today.