Building Better Wellness with Natural Stone, Tile

The built environment profoundly shapes human health in ways the design industry is only beginning to fully understand. Recent research reveals that environmental factors, collectively known as exposome, account for 85 per cent of disease risk factors, while genetics contribute just 15 per cent. This striking disparity is driving a fundamental shift in how architects, designers and specifiers approach material selection, with natural tile and stone emerging as key components in creating wellness-focused spaces.

Spending the majority of time indoors — despite the fact that people are part of nature, not apart from it — leaves occupants at-risk of exposure to substances associated with the HVAC systems, plumbing/water, building materials and artificial lighting specified and installed in the built environment. Specifying natural tile and stone can help mitigate some of that risk in several applications.

The Science Behind Wellness Design
Exposome was coined in 2005, to describe all environmental exposures throughout a person’s lifetime, including chemical exposures and external stressors that directly impact health outcomes. For the design community, this concept has profound implications for material specification and space planning.

“I’m beginning to see more and more connections between the environmental side and health side of things,” says environmentalist Holley Henderson, who is also founder and principal of sustainability collaborative H2 Ecodesign.

The Air Breathed Indoors
Perhaps no factor influences occupant health more directly than indoor air quality (IAQ). The average person breathes 11,000 to 15,000 litres of air daily. This staggering volume makes material emissions a critical consideration for designers.

“We actually ingest four times more air per day than food or water, and we spend 90 per cent of our time indoors, which typically has two to three times more pollutants than outdoors,” says Henderson.

Natural tile and stone offer significant advantages in this regard. Unlike synthetic materials produced through chemical processes, these materials typically emit fewer volatile organic compounds. Their low-emitting properties contribute to better IAQ, while their durability means they won’t break down and release particles over time.

Material Transparency and Source Control
The American Society of Interior Designers’ (ASID) 2025 trends report highlights growing toxic awareness among design professionals and clients, with younger people demanding greater transparency about material composition and environmental impact. This shift aligns perfectly with tile and stone’s natural properties.

“Consumers and clients are much more aware of plastics and chemicals that we’re being exposed to, making tile and stone a healthier choice,” says Henderson.

Effective source control — the practice of selecting materials with minimal harmful emissions — represents the first line of defence in creating healthy interiors. Natural stone requires no chemical processing to achieve its final form, while ceramic tile undergoes controlled firing processes that eliminate most organic compounds.

Biophilia and the Connection to Nature
Research consistently demonstrates that exposure to nature reduces stress, improves mood and enhances cognitive function. The biophilic design movement leverages these findings by incorporating natural materials, patterns and forms into interior spaces.

“I use neuroaesthetics to motivate homeowners to use their home gyms; it is so important that natural light and light reflectance values support daylighting and circadian health alongside the natural patterns and sacred geometry of natural tile and stone that evoke biophilia in recovery spaces,” says Jana Donohoe, founder of Jana Donohoe Designs, about the new health-minded branch of her business that combines personal training, health coaching and design for well-being.

Tile and stone excel in this application, offering authentic connections to nature that synthetic alternatives cannot replicate. Each piece contains unique natural variations that engage the senses and create visual interest. As a flooring surface choice, natural tile and stone transitions seamlessly from outdoor to indoor settings, creating visual continuity and beckoning building occupants to engage more regularly with biophilic elements and the outdoors.

The economic benefits of biophilic design are equally compelling. Studies show incorporating natural elements can reduce stress-related healthcare costs, improve productivity and increase property values, making the business case for specifying natural materials.

Sustainability Meets Wellness
The intersection of sustainability and wellness represents a growing priority for design professionals. ASID’s trends report emphasizes that these concerns are “interrelated issues” requiring “complex variables” to meet sustainability needs while mitigating health risks.

“Designers are innovating to focus on the wellness of the occupants,” says Henderson. “There’s a Terrapin Bright Green study showing evidence that offices with tile and stone experience less absenteeism and higher graduation rates in K-12 education.”

Tile and stone address both priorities simultaneously. Natural stone is generally biodegradable and requires minimal processing, reducing its environmental footprint. Ceramic tile can incorporate recycled content and is increasingly manufactured using renewable energy sources. Both materials’ exceptional durability means longer service lives and reduced replacement cycles.

The Circular Economy and Material Longevity
As the industry embraces circular economy principles, tile and stone’s longevity becomes a significant advantage. While synthetic materials may degrade and require replacement within decades, properly installed natural stone can last centuries.

“The marble ages with the family is a common saying in Italian,” says intrapersonal neuroscience and mindfulness expert Gianna Vallefuoco of Vallefuoco Contractors.

This longevity supports waste reduction goals while maintaining consistent performance characteristics. Unlike materials that may off-gas or deteriorate over time, tile and stone maintain their low-emission properties throughout their service life.

Cleaning and Maintenance for Health
Effective cleaning protocols are essential for maintaining healthy indoor environments. The materials specified significantly impact cleaning effectiveness and occupant exposure to cleaning chemicals.

“Tile is great for high-touch surfaces,” says Henderson. “Routine cleaning keeps out the subtle dust that pollutants cling to.”

Tile and stone surfaces facilitate effective cleaning without requiring harsh chemicals. Their non-porous nature (when properly sealed) prevents moisture and contaminant absorption, while their smooth surfaces allow for thorough cleaning with minimal chemical intervention. This reduces occupant exposure to cleaning agents while maintaining hygienic conditions.

Integration with Mechanical Systems
While material selection plays a crucial role in indoor environmental quality, integration with mechanical systems amplifies these benefits. Proper ventilation and filtration work synergistically with low-emitting materials to create optimal indoor conditions.

“Working in conjunction with tile, look for a HEPA stand-alone indoor air purifier that has activated charcoal, which will clean at the rate of two-thirds of the room’s floor space in square feet per hour,” says Henderson.

The WELL Building Standard recommends specific ventilation rates and filtration requirements that complement careful material selection. When tile and stone are specified alongside high-performance HVAC systems, the combined effect significantly improves indoor environmental quality.

Wellness as a Standard Practice
The wellness design movement represents more than a passing trend — it reflects a fundamental understanding of how built environments impact human health. As certification programs like Well, Fitwel and Living Building Challenge gain adoption, specifying materials that support wellness goals becomes essential for project success.

“Seventy-eight per cent of millennials see workplace quality as important, and 70 per cent of them would trade that well-being in their office design for salary,” says Henderson.

For tile and stone professionals, this shift presents significant opportunities. By understanding and communicating how natural materials support wellness objectives, industry professionals can position themselves as essential partners in creating healthier built environments.

Megan Mazzocco is a certified life and health coach, and certified in Yale University Science of Well-being, yoga and reiki. She is a Be Well Lead Well certified guide, and founder at Wellbeing X Design, a series of evidence-based frameworks to design life, work and sleep. As a high-performance coach for creatives, Megan leverages neuroscience, psychology and trauma-informed somatic coaching to help clients express their authentic selves unapologetically and thrive physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.