As a Bay Area architect specializing in sustainable residential design, one of the most powerful ways I help clients create meaningful spaces is through biophilic design—the intentional integration of natural materials, light, and flow into the home.
Whether you’re planning a residential remodel in San Francisco, a modern home addition in the East Bay, or a new custom home in Marin County, incorporating sustainable, natural materials doesn’t just enhance aesthetics—it improves well-being and adds lasting value.
Here’s a curated list of high-performance, sustainable products that support both the functionality and beauty of biophilic design:
🌲 Wood, Bamboo & Natural Flooring
Teragren – Xcora® Strand Bamboo
These floors are not only beautiful, but are extremely durable. Crafted from strand-woven bamboo flooring, this material is harder than traditional hardwood and rapidly renewable.
Plyboo by Smith & Fong – RealCore® Bamboo Panels
Use extensively on our NewTree project in collaboration with Atelier 19AD6, Plyboo is an amazing resource for versatile wood panels with exotic-style grains and textures; their products are made from FSC-certified bamboo with low-VOC finishes.
Mafi Flooring
This Austrian manufacturer has an extensive array of flooring types. They specialize in natural wood floors with oiled, non-toxic finishes. Their wood products are never lacquered, allowing it them“breathe.”
Kährs Hardwood Floors
Sustainably harvested wood flooring with layered construction for durability and minimal waste. Wide plank options available.
WoodWise® Fillers & Adhesives
Low-VOC and sustainable wood filler products for refinishing and restoration.
Cali Bamboo
Offers bamboo, eucalyptus, and cork flooring with ultra-low VOC adhesives and sustainable harvesting practices.
Junckers
Danish-made solid wood floors with indoor climate certification and cradle-to-cradle silver certifications.
🪨 Stone & Stone Alternatives
Cambria Quartz Surfaces
We are huge fans of Cambria. If you or your client is looking for a new countertop, check out their website, or better yet, their San Francisco showroom to see their beautiful array of quartz. Their American-made quartz countertops mimic marble and are certified by GREENGUARD and NSF for sustainability and low emissions.
IceStone
Stunning terrazo countertops made from recycled glass and concrete. Manufactured in a daylight-powered facility in Brooklyn.
Dekton by Cosentino
A common misconception is that stone countertops can withstand heat. This is not true of any product we know of, except for Dekton. Dekton is the leader in durability. They are beautiful surfaces, that are also able to create some of the thinnest countertop depths we’ve seen. Dekton is an ultracompact surface made from natural quartz, porcelain, and glass. Great for countertops, shower walls, exterior walls and indoor-outdoor applications.
PaperStone
PaperStone has materials suitable both for countertops and A durable composite made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and petroleum-free resins. Warm, matte finish ideal for countertops.
Richlite
Similar to PaperStone, this FSC-certified composite surface has a honed stone-like texture and deep natural color palette. Check out their beautiful exterior cladding and countertops.
Vetrazzo
Recycled glass terrazo countertops with a bold, artisanal look—made from post-consumer waste.
🌞 Natural Light & Openings
VELUX Skylights & Solar Tubes
An industry leader, Velux is well-known for their skylights. Now they offer high-performance skylights and sun tunnels with integrated daylight sensors and smart home controls.
Marvin Skycove
A projected glass alcove that creates immersive light-filled seating or meditation nooks.
Andersen E-Series Windows
Custom wood-clad windows with FSC-certified wood and outstanding energy performance.
Western Window Systems – Multi-Slide & Folding Doors
Thermally broken aluminum frames with large glass panels that create seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
NanaWall Systems
NanaWall is the best known window wall system for a reason. Their systems are beautiful, and even though the prices are typically far more than competitors, their is a reason for it. Their quality and craftsmanship are superb.
Fleetwood Windows & Doors
Luxury minimalist windows and doors made in the USA with thermally broken aluminum frames and floor-to-ceiling glass.
🖌️ Wall Finishes, Paints & Textures
American Clay Plaster
Natural clay-based plaster in earth-toned finishes; regulates humidity and offers a soft, organic feel.
Portola Paints – Roman Clay & Lime Wash
Lime-based and clay finishes that mimic traditional plaster with beautiful matte texture and movement.
BioShield Paints
Plant-based, non-toxic paints and finishes with soft, natural hues.
ECOS Paints
Zero-VOC, water-based paints with certifications for air purity—ideal for wellness-focused spaces.
Forbo Marmoleum
A linoleum product made from flax, wood flour, and jute. Anti-microbial, carbon-neutral, and biodegradable.
Muratto – Cork Wall Panels
Striking cork acoustic panels with natural patterns and a tactile finish. Renewable and biodegradable.
🚿 Plumbing Fixtures & Hardware
Kohler – WaterSense Faucets & Fixtures
Many Kohler products meet EPA WaterSense standards, reducing water use while maintaining performance.
TOTO – Eco Drake Toilets & Washlets
Japanese technology with integrated bidet functions and low-flow options. Stylish and water-efficient.
California Faucets – Sustainable Manufacturing
Handcrafted in Huntington Beach with a commitment to water conservation and durable finishes.
🛋️ Furniture & Interior Accents
Medley Home
Handmade, non-toxic sofas, chairs, and beds made with FSC-certified wood, natural latex foam, and zero-VOC finishes.
Avocado Green Furniture
Organic-certified, handcrafted furnishings made with reclaimed wood, organic cotton, and natural latex.
Muuto (Scandinavian Design)
Minimalist furniture and lighting made with FSC wood, wool, and recycled plastics.
Moe’s Home Collection – Sustainably Sourced Collection
Modern pieces made from reclaimed wood, iron, and handwoven fabrics.
🪴 Finishing Touches: Living Elements
LiveRoof® Green Roofing Systems
Modular green roof systems for flat and sloped roofs that support biodiversity and stormwater management.
Woolly Pocket Living Wall Planters
Modular vertical garden pockets made from recycled bottles—great for indoor living walls.
BuzziSpace Moss Panels
Acoustic wall panels made from preserved moss. Natural humidity control and sound absorption with zero maintenance.
Plant Wall Design by Habitat Horticulture
Custom living walls for residential and commercial interiors. Based in California.
Why It Matters
As an architect working throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve seen firsthand how using sustainable, natural materials creates homes that feel grounded, restorative, and uniquely tailored to the people living in them.
Whether you’re building from scratch or working on a home addition or remodel, incorporating these materials is a conscious step toward creating a space that supports your lifestyle and the environment—without compromising beauty or comfort.
Want help planning your own biophilic remodel or new home design in the Bay Area? Let’s talk.
