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Greenmood’s Acoustic Solutions Are Inspiring the Blooming of Biophilic Design

The following post is brought to you by Greenmood. Our partners are hand-picked by the Design Milk team because they represent the best in design.

10.31.22 | By
Greenmood’s Acoustic Solutions Are Inspiring the Blooming of Biophilic Design

We’ve witnessed biophilia making its way through the design world, adding creativity and innovation to the spaces it inhabits in its wake. The term “biophilic design” was first used by biologist Edward O. Wilson in his book, Biophilia, but the word “biophilia” was coined by psychoanalyst Eric Fromm. He described it as “a passionate love of life and all that is alive,” while hypothesizing that humans have an innate tendency to seek out connections with nature. To you that might look like a home overflowing with plants and a vibrant vegetable garden in the yard, loving nature walks and animals, or simply enjoying outdoor views through a window. Greenmood is the leading manufacturer of biophilic elements whose mission is to improve human well-being through human-centric design in the workplace. Its natural acoustic products and custom-made solutions create a sense of balance by bringing us closer to nature in some unexpected environments.

acoustic wall made out of preserved greenery in a public space with tables, chairs, and people

Founded in 2014 by entrepreneur Sadig Alekperov, Greenmood produces green walls and other 100% natural indoor acoustic solutions to meet the needs of modern workplaces. Using specially preserved greenery, the products reduce noise pollution, add beauty, and boost productivity – all while promoting respect for the natural environment and encouraging sustainability. Most people think about the term sustainability in regards to the environment, but Greenmood has a broader, biophilic view. Its concerns extend to the emotional and physical impact workspaces have on the people working in them when there’s no nature to be seen.

The brand’s founding was catalyzed by this idea: how to create more comfortable and productive workspaces. Sadig discovered that preserved mosses and plants are maintenance-free and more cost-effective than living green walls – they’re also as efficient at reducing noise as man-made acoustic walls. In fact, Greenmood’s ecologically-preserved mosses and greenery require virtually zero care for 10 years or more. That makes it an ideal hands-off solution for corporate offices, retail shops, homes, hospitals, and other spaces.

acoustic wall made out of preserved greenery in the shape of two circles hanging above a tan leather sofa

While Greenmood got its start years before the pandemic, the global event only made the brand more passionate about bringing the benefits and beauty of the natural world into our working and living spaces. Its clientele includes designers, architects, corporate offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, residential buildings, private homes, and more. They all look to the brand’s biophilic products to create stimulating environments that foster productivity by way of reducing distracting sound. And they keep coming back thanks to Greenmood’s attention to detail, quality of craftsmanship, and beautiful modern designs.

hands pointing at sketches on a table

The brand partners with renowned designers and artists who use natural, green acoustic technology as a medium to produce pieces to please all aesthetics. Some of them are trained as industrial designers, others as marketers, and still others as architects. But what all have in common is a unique perspective on biophilic design, and their work for Greenmood reflects that. They can create one-of-a-kind solutions that add a dimension of visual beauty and the feeling of serenity to virtually any space.

wood and preserved greenery acoustic solution in lobby

wood and preserved greenery acoustic solution in lobby

In addition to Greenmood’s all natural Design Collection, its custom-made projects – such as green walls and logos – can be created to promote a brand, highlight an architectural design, or support various activities. By combining multi-tonal and textured moss with natural cork, powder-coated aluminum, and wooden panels and frames, these high-quality biophilic elements become an ideal fit for sophisticated purposes.

round hanging preserved greenery acoustic solution in lobby with yellow armchairs

Greenmood uses natural foliage, moss, wood, and other materials to create common office furnishings, from wall panels to suspensions and shelves to room dividers. But it goes beyond simply including greenery in interior décor. All natural and non-toxic recyclable materials are used as often as possible in the manufacturing process to fulfill a commitment to the sustainable use of resources in every phase, from design and packaging to delivery and installation. The office and finishing workshop also follow a strict protocol for recycling waste, repairing, and repurposing the products. Add all of these actions up and Greenmood is significantly reducing their carbon footprint.

light-skinned hand holding fluffy moss

The greenery that goes into all of Greenmood’s designs are as fascinating as the designs themselves. The brand works with suppliers who are equally committed to protecting the environment, and who strive to support sustainability goals through their processes. That includes responsibly cultivating and maintaining their own forests and fields, and employing local workers to hand-gather the plants when they’re ready to harvest.

people harvesting moss in a forest

Sharing more about the plants used to create the products, the Reindeer Moss grows in North European forests and is naturally fire retardant. It looks its best when kept indoors in an environment with a humidity level of 35% or higher. Meanwhile, Ball Moss provides the best acoustic absorption among Greenmood’s preserved greenery options. In fact, certified lab studies have shown that it performs better than some well-known synthetic solutions. All of the foliage is responsibly sourced, carefully selected, meticulously cleaned, and ecologically preserved.

acoustic wall made out of preserved greenery in the shape of a circle hanging over a desk

Oak from long-term, renewable forests is used for the natural wood frames and backs that various designs require. Cork is another foundation for many products because it’s lightweight, easy to cut, and excellent at absorbing sound. It’s also environmentally friendly because it doesn’t rely on high-energy processing and sustainable because it comes from the bark of the tree that can continue to grow. The backing of each acoustic design uses pressed wool felt that’s natural, renewable, and biologically degradable. Long used to absorb sound, it’s also stain and water resistant.

close up of preserved greenery acoustic wall

Aluminum, known for being an ideal choice for sustainable design, is also used in many of Greenmood’s products. Lightweight and durable, aluminum is 100% recyclable and can be used over and over again without degrading its properties or value. (Fun fact: nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today!)

Most designs depend on glue to come together in the end. Greenmood partners with glue manufacturers who use water-based, non-allergenic formulas that are safe for people and the environment.

close up of preserved greenery

Preserved greenery is highly sustainable, but some is treated with toxic chemicals to color and/or preserve them. The companies that Greenmood relies upon use eco-friendly, biodegradable ingredients that aren’t harmful. Preservatives and dyes are made with non-toxic glycerin, food coloring, and recycled packing materials are used to package product.

small containers holding various types of green moss

When it comes to shipping finished products, Greenmood partners with packaging manufacturers who use biodegradable and recycled materials, employing manufacturing techniques that save on energy and water resources. Once products are packed, the brand looks for the quickest, most energy-efficient travel routes. This cuts down costs while also reducing the amount of pollution created during transport.

two tone preserved greenery acoustic wall solution in open office space

Time for a few facts. According to recent research, more than half of offices worldwide have no living or preserved plants. Research also shows that 15% of workers have a greater sense of well-being when greenery is part of their environment. Furthermore, incorporating natural elements in the workplace raises productivity by 6% and creativity by 15%. Greenmood has a lot of acoustic solutions to offer, and with all of the benefits the products include it’s worth learning more for your next project. Learn more at greenmood.us.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.