Why Premium Green Design Is a Strategic Advantage in Berlin’s Office Market

Berlin’s Office Market Is Splitting in Two. Premium Spaces Keep Winning, and Green Design Helps You Get There

Berlin’s office rental market is sending a clear signal: premium, high-quality space is still achieving rent growth, while the wider market is facing softer demand, higher vacancy, and declining average rents.¹

Prime rent now sits at €45.00 per sq m per month, while the weighted average rent has fallen to €26.11 per sq m per month, down 7% year-over-year.¹

If you are a landlord, asset manager, or coworking operator, this is both a warning and an opportunity. The market is not down across the board. It is rewarding buildings that feel modern, healthy, and easy to say yes to.¹

(in €/sq m/month) Source: CBRE Berlin Office Market Q3 2025 https://www.cbre.de/en-gb/insights/figures/berlin-office-market-q3-2025

1. What the Latest Market Data Is Really Telling Owners

Take-up is down, vacancy is up, and deal sizes are shrinking

Berlin office take-up reached 390,300 sq m in the first three quarters of 2025, which is 16% below the same period last year. Vacancy has risen to 7.5%, up 1.5 percentage points year-over-year.¹

At the same time, demand is shifting toward smaller spaces. The average deal size has fallen to around 600 sq m, compared with nearly 1,000 sq m in previous years.¹

[Image Placeholder: Berlin office take-up and vacancy trend]

Prime rent is rising while average rent is falling

Prime rents increased by €0.50 per sq m per month quarter-over-quarter, reaching €45.00 per sq m per month, while the weighted average rent declined to €26.11 per sq m per month.¹

This widening gap reflects a clear flight to quality. Tenants are choosing fewer spaces, but they are paying more for the ones that feel right.¹

2. The Practical Problem: Many Offices Feel the Same on a Tour

When a prospective tenant tours three to six offices in a single week, the decision often comes down to which space feels premium and which one feels simply acceptable.

In a tenant-driven market, acceptable becomes expensive. Market analysis shows increasing pressure on landlords to modernize and reposition assets as tenant expectations rise.¹

3. Why Biophilic Design Helps Premium Space Win More Deals

Natural design elements influence leasing outcomes

Biophilic design, meaning the integration of plants and natural elements into office interiors, has been consistently linked to stronger commercial performance.

Published research summaries indicate that offices featuring living walls or indoor gardens can command rental premiums of 5–10% compared to traditional office environments.²

Additional analysis references data showing 16% lower tenant turnover and leasing cycles that are approximately 3.5 weeks shorter in biophilic office buildings.²

Other industry research suggests buildings with strong natural design elements achieve rental and sales premiums of 4–7%.²

Why this matters in Berlin right now

Market forecasts indicate that total office take-up in 2025 is expected to remain below prior years, reinforcing pressure on landlords to actively differentiate and reposition their spaces.¹

If premium offices can still raise rents while averages fall, the most reliable strategy is to make your space feel premium. Biophilic design is one of the fastest and most visible upgrades available without major construction.¹

4. The Landlord Playbook: Three Numbers That Matter

• A. Achievable rent per sq m

• Research summaries indicate 5–10% rental premiums for offices with living walls or indoor gardens in comparable markets.²

• B. Vacancy and leasing speed

• With Berlin’s vacancy rate at 7.5%, faster leasing becomes a meaningful advantage.¹
  Biophilic spaces have been shown to shorten leasing cycles by around 3.5 weeks.²

• C. Tenant churn

For coworking and multi-tenant buildings, retention is critical. Cited research shows 16% lower tenant turnover in offices with strong biophilic elements.²

5. What Premium Plant Design Looks Like in Practice

Lobby and arrival moments

Statement planting in reception areas creates a strong first impression and sets the tone for the entire building.

Meeting rooms and collaboration zones

Plants soften corporate spaces and make shared areas feel more human, which directly impacts how tenants and employees experience the office.

Low-light and transitional areas

Hallways and interior zones can become design features with the right plant selection and professional maintenance.

6. How Plant Circle Helps Landlords and Operators Win

Market analysis highlights growing pressure on landlords to modernize office buildings in order to stay competitive in a tenant-driven market.¹

Plant Circle for Business helps landlords, coworking operators, and office tenants respond to that pressure with high-impact plant design that tenants notice immediately.

We provide:

• Design-led plant concepts tailored to your building and tenant mix

• Professional installation with immediate visual impact

• Ongoing maintenance so spaces stay premium year-round

• Seasonal refreshes to keep interiors looking intentional

If prime rents are rising while average rents fall, the goal is to move your space closer to “prime” in the eyes of a tenant. Thoughtful greenery is one of the fastest ways to do that.¹

7. Final Thought: Premium Wins, and You Can Build Premium Without Renovation

Prime office rents in Berlin have risen to €45.00 per sq m per month, while weighted average rents have fallen to €26.11 per sq m per month, down 7% year-over-year.¹

As competition for tenants intensifies, spaces that feel healthier, more modern, and more cared for continue to outperform. Research consistently shows measurable upside in rent levels, leasing speed, and tenant retention for offices that invest in biophilic design.²

Want to see what this could look like in your building?
We can propose a concept for your lobby and shared spaces, then scale it once you see the impact on tours and tenant feedback.

Sources

1. CBRE, Berlin Office Market Q3 2025
   https://www.cbre.de/en-gb/insights/figures/berlin-office-market-q3-2025

2. The RealVal, Biophilic Design: How Living Walls and Natural Elements Are Boosting Commercial Property Values
   https://www.therealval.com/blog/biophilic-design-how-living-walls-and-natural-elements-are-boosting-commercial-property-values

Exploring Innovation at the Royal Flora Holland Trade Fair Aalsmeer 2025

This week, our team traveled to the Netherlands to attend the Royal Flora Holland Trade Fair Aalsmeer. It is one of the world’s most influential events in horticulture and plant design. Over three days, we met growers, designers, and suppliers from across the globe, all shaping the future of how plants are grown, styled, and experienced in modern spaces.

Bode finding time for a game of hide-and-seek between vendor visits.

The fair brought together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from every corner of the plant and floral industry. For us, it was an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and discover new innovations that will help us continue creating inspiring, sustainable, and design-driven spaces for our clients.

Highlights from the Fair

espirit displaying some of the new cultivars for the 2026 season.

• New and rare plant varieties – Variegated Alocasias and a stunning Ficus lyrata variegata caught our attention. This new cultivar is expected to become available to the market in Q2 2026, and we’ll be following its development closely.

• Sustainable planter innovation – From lightweight recycled ceramics to large-scale architectural planters, we discovered fresh materials and finishes that align beautifully with our mission to create living spaces that look as good as they are responsible.

• Design meets horticulture – The most exciting part of the event was seeing how innovation in cultivation, design, and sustainability are now seamlessly connected — offering possibilities for workplace, hospitality, and residential projects that truly breathe.

Building Connections, Growing Ideas

Beyond the products, the fair was about connection; a chance to meet the people behind the plants. We spoke with family-run nurseries pioneering new propagation methods, European manufacturers leading in sustainable ceramics, and international growers exploring climate-conscious shipping and packaging. Each conversation added new perspective to how we design and care for plants in commercial environments.

A Little Local Joy

Vicious guard cat attacking Bode!

And after a long day of exploring, we found ourselves making one more new friend, a curious cat who decided to join us for a brief walk home from dinner. A fitting reminder that nature always finds a way to connect us.

Plant Circle for Business designs, installs, and maintains bespoke plant concepts for workplaces, hospitality, and public spaces across Europe.

Transforming the Workspace — our green installation at BEAM | Industrious Berlin

At our latest project in Berlin-Mitte, we had the privilege of designing, installing, and now caring for a bespoke plant-environment within the landmark coworking space BEAM by Industrious (Schicklerstraße 5, 10179 Berlin). The space marries the heritage of the former Schicklerhaus (the site of Einstein’s lectures) with high-end, sustainable workspace design.
As specialists in workplace greening, we brought an approach that aligns with BEAM’s ethos of wellbeing, sustainability and productivity.

Step into a sunlit lobby where plants warm and refresh the space. This lively entry reflects the vibrant spirit of Industrious.

Vision & Concept

In this project we targeted three core goals:

1. Enhance wellbeing through biophilic design – Lush plantings in lounge zones soften the workspace, promote relaxed interaction and contribute to air quality and mental calm.

2. Visual coherence with the architecture – The interior at BEAM uses warm natural materials (wood, terrazzo floors, muted green accent walls) and we selected pot styles and plant families that reflect that palette.

3. Support productivity and flexible work modes – The plant arrangement is integrated into open lounges, café areas and meeting zones without blocking sight-lines or restricting movement. The greenery becomes a subtle separator, acoustic buffer and aesthetic boost.

Highlights of the Installation

• In the lounge area we placed large statement pots with tall plants (such as Ficus or Schefflera) against the green accent wall, drawing the eye upward and anchoring seating zones visually.

• Along the café counter and communal tables, mid-height planters with foliage plants were used to subtly define the space and provide natural texture.

• In meeting rooms and collaborative zones we introduced lower profile plants and planter boxes atop cabinets, ensuring the view remains open but the sense of calm is enhanced.

• We selected container materials in soft concrete, textured ceramics and warm tones to echo the terrazzo and wood finishes in the space.

• The maintenance concept ensures vitality of the installation: regular watering, pruning, nutrient checks and seasonal rotation of accent plants to keep the environment fresh and vibrant.

Why This Works for BEAM

BEAM is positioned as a flagship workspace where heritage meets innovation. According to CBRE, the building realises a “vision to create an inspiring and energising workplace which promotes wellbeing, sustainability and productivity.” CBRE Our plant-intervention complements this by:

• Reinforcing high-end aesthetic standards suitable for enterprise clients and creative teams alike.

• Connecting people to nature within the built environment, supporting the idea that better workplaces drive better business outcomes.

• Offering an environment that supports hybrid and dynamic work modes — from quiet focus zones to lounge collaboration and café-style networking. The greenery softens transitional zones, helping users pause, recharge and reconnect.

Hand-planted window boxes bring you green plants all year and promote the productive atmosphere as soon as you walk in.

Key Takeaways for Workplace Greening

• Choose plant species and containers in harmony with the architecture’s material and colour palette.

• Use plants not only for decoration but to define zones: lounge, café, focus, meeting.

• Maintain an easy-to-manage regime so plants remain vibrant and don’t become a burden.

• Communicate to the client the “why” behind the greenery: improved wellbeing, acoustics, air quality, aesthetics and branding.

Each working area is designed to maximize efficiency - optimal workspaces, with decor to focus the mind and plants to reduce stress and improve mood.

Schlussgedanken

In short, our green installation at BEAM expresses how thoughtfully designed plants are integral to creating a productive working environment. By aligning with the heritage, materials and ambition of the building, we delivered a workspace that supports people, performance and place. If you’re looking to deepen the impact of your workspace with plants — whether in offices, restaurants or hotels — projects like these show the value is real, measurable and enduring.

Bolt Berlin Headquarters: Where Fast-Paced Tech Meets Calming Green Design

High above the city on the 14th and 15th floors of a vibrant Berlin high-rise, Bolt's headquarters reflect the energy and ambition of one of Europe's most dynamic tech companies. But even in such a fast-paced environment, there's a growing need for spaces that offer calm, clarity, and connection to nature. That’s where we came in.

Jungle Oasis Break Room

Calming space in Bolt Berlin offices

A Bold Approach for Bolt

Bolt didn’t want standard office plants. They wanted an interior landscape concept that was as innovative and refreshing as their platform. The goal? To create a plant-forward workspace that helps improve acoustics, supports mental wellbeing, and reflects the bold character of the Bolt brand.

Greening the Desk Zones

In an office where digital meetings and collaborative teamwork are constant, acoustics matter. We designed and installed custom plant box configurations at the ends of desks and between desk rows. These plant partitions not only soften sound for teams taking video calls but also bring visual tranquility to the workspace.

A Living Logo and a Moment of Zen

Bolt’s Living Logo

One of the visual highlights of this installation is a custom-designed succulent garden that spells out "BOLT." Built into a raised planter bed with a panoramic view of the Berlin skyline, this garden merges branding with biophilia—a living representation of innovation in harmony with nature.

Moment of Zen

Nearby, an interactive Zen garden invites team members to pause, breathe, and reset. With fine sand, natural wood elements, and hand-carved rakes, it’s a mindful corner designed for grounding before jumping back into a day of connecting drivers and passengers across the city.

A Jungle Breakroom Escape

We transformed one of Bolt’s break areas into a tropical retreat. Colorful planter boxes and lush, leafy greenery evoke the feeling of stepping into a rainforest. Whether it’s for focused work or a few moments of digital detox, this oasis gives employees the sense of escape and renewal—like that feeling you get after a long walk in the woods.

The Result

This install isn't just about aesthetics. It's about creating a workspace that supports performance and wellbeing. From acoustically functional desk zones to immersive green retreats, the Bolt Berlin headquarters are now a place where innovation breathes easier.

Want to bring a bold biophilic concept to your office? Let’s talk plants.

Schedule your free consultation below.

Greening Potsdamer Platz: How Plant Circle Transformed KERB Berlin

When the team behind KERB — a celebrated food hall concept with roots in London and the Bay Area — launched their first Berlin location at Potsdamer Platz, they wanted more than a collection of great food vendors. They wanted a destination. One that felt alive, inviting, and full of energy. That’s where we came in.

Plant Circle was brought on to design and install a full-scale plant experience throughout KERB Berlin’s massive 3,000m² space. From the 800m² outdoor terrace to two central bar areas and multiple seating zones, our mission was clear: bring vibrant greenery and tropical vibes to a bustling, high-traffic environment without compromising on style or sustainability.

The Vision: Urban Jungle Meets Culinary Playground

KERB Berlin brings together some of the city’s most exciting food concepts, including Round & Edgy and El Amigo Tacos. Their vision for the space was just as bold as their food: a tropical-inspired, high-design environment that adds calm and character to every corner.

We worked closely with KERB's creative team to source plants that would thrive in a range of lighting and airflow conditions. With a blend of natural daylight and custom indoor lighting, we carefully selected species known for their resilience in dryer, lower-light interiors — without sacrificing visual impact.

The Installation: Big Lifts and Bold Choices

Highlights of the installation included:

• Several large specimen trees, including 3-meter Ficus lyrata, towering Schefflera, and a stunning palm tree for the terrace

• Dozens of Caryota (fishtail palms) and other indoor-friendly tropicals

• Custom-fabricated planters in terrazzo-style pink, mocha, and black to match KERB's vibrant aesthetic

• Sleek, brushed stainless steel planters for dramatic contrast with the largest plants

Installing plants at this scale was no small feat. Our team coordinated across vendors and crews over two phases, including hoisting a 200kg palm tree up a staircase after it couldn’t fit in the freight elevator. From early morning setups to late-night finishes, it was a true green transformation.

Kerb Berlin Install

The Result: A Space That Breathes

KERB Berlin’s launch was met with excitement — and the plants played no small part. The lush greenery brought warmth, vibrancy, and a feeling of completeness to the large space. Visitors linger longer, the atmosphere feels more relaxed, and the whole venue feels grounded in nature.

We continue to maintain the plants weekly, ensuring they stay healthy, dust-free, and vibrant, so the experience lasts well beyond opening week.

Let’s Green Your Space

If you're designing a commercial space in Berlin — from offices to restaurants to event venues — let’s talk. Our expert team can help you design, install, and maintain the perfect green touch.

Bringing Scandinavian Calm to ETERNO’s Berlin Clinic: Plant Circle’s Green Transformation

Bringing Scandinavian Calm to ETERNO’s Berlin Clinic: Plant Circle’s Green Transformation

When ETERNO opened its new patient-centered clinic in Berlin, they had a clear goal: create a modern, calm, and inviting environment that reflects their holistic approach to healthcare. They partnered with Plant Circle to design and install a custom plant solution that would bring life to the space—without compromising the clarity, functionality, or Scandinavian-inspired style of the clinic. The result is a biophilic transformation that supports patient wellbeing and elevates the design.

Plant Design for a Calming, Professional Healthcare Space

ETERNO is a modern healthcare company that offers a digital-first, holistic approach to primary care. Their Berlin clinic, located near Alexanderplatz, embraces healing architecture principles: open spaces, natural light, soft tones, and a welcoming layout. To complement this, they brought in Plant Circle’s expertise in plant design and maintenance in Berlin to introduce greenery that enhances the clinic’s style and supports the calm, patient-first environment.

Our plant design goals for ETERNO focused on:

• Sculptural, low-maintenance plants that thrive in ambient light conditions

• Smart spatial zoning using greenery to define areas without walls

• Natural textures and tones that soften architectural lines

• A clean, modern aesthetic aligned with Scandinavian design

Custom Plant Installation by Plant Circle

Working closely with ETERNO’s team, we created a bespoke plant installation tailored to their vision and space. Highlights include:

Indoor Tree with Custom Planter Bench

A sculptural indoor tree serves as a living focal point in the waiting area, planted in a custom-built circular bench. This feature offers a moment of calm for patients while reinforcing the natural, modern feel of the clinic.

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Planter Trough for Space Division

A long, custom planter trough filled with lush greenery subtly divides the open-plan space. It acts as a natural partition, separating zones without interrupting the visual flow, while adding organic texture and softness to the environment.

Plants Matched to Light and Style

Make it stand out

We selected premium plants like Bird of Paradise, Philodendrons, Ficus, and Peace Lily plants based on their sculptural forms and low-maintenance needs. Each plant was paired with high-quality planters in neutral tones to complement the Scandinavian interior. Placement was optimized for light levels and visual impact, creating a harmonious rhythm throughout the clinic.

Hygienic, Professional, and Plant Circle’s Expert Maintenance

In healthcare spaces, cleanliness is critical. Our installation includes high impact indoor plants, discreet irrigation solutions, and tidy plant species that stay healthy with Plant Circle’s expert plant care. This ensures the greenery enhances the space without adding extra burden for clinic staff.

Why Plant Design Matters in Healthcare

The greenery throughout ETERNO’s clinic has a real impact. Patients enter a space that feels fresh, grounded, and welcoming—a clear contrast to traditional clinical settings. The plant installation improves acoustics, guides natural wayfinding, and adds a sense of warmth that supports healing. It also reflects ETERNO’s commitment to thoughtful, modern care.

At Plant Circle, we specialize in plant styling, indoor plant care, and biophilic design for offices and commercial spaces in Berlin. Our work with ETERNO is a perfect example of how curated greenery can transform high-traffic, professional environments.

Whether you’re outfitting a healthcare studio, creative office, or hospitality space, we create tailored green solutions that bring life, structure, and calm.

Interested in commercial plant design in Berlin? Get in touch with us at Plant Circle.

Is 2025 - the year we return to office?

As we enter 2025, many organizations are implementing return-to-office (RTO) policies, with 87% planning to have employees back in the office by the end of the year. (Resume Builder)

To ensure a smooth transition and enhance employee satisfaction, it's essential to adopt strategies that make the office environment appealing and supportive. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements

While RTO policies are becoming more common, flexibility remains crucial. Implementing hybrid models that allow employees to balance in-office and remote work can boost job satisfaction and retention. This approach acknowledges individual preferences and promotes work-life balance.

2. Enhance the Physical Workspace

Investing in the office environment can make it more inviting. Upgrading facilities, improving on-site amenities, and incorporating elements like indoor plants can create a pleasant atmosphere that employees look forward to. A well-designed workspace can positively impact mood and productivity.

3. Foster a Positive Company Culture

Encouraging collaboration and open communication helps build a supportive workplace culture. Organizing team-building activities, providing opportunities for professional development, and recognizing employee achievements can strengthen team cohesion and morale.

4. Prioritize Employee Well-being

Offering wellness programs, mental health support, and flexible scheduling can address employee concerns and enhance overall well-being. Demonstrating a commitment to employee health can increase engagement and satisfaction.

5. Communicate Transparently

Clearly articulating the reasons behind RTO policies and involving employees in the planning process can foster trust and acceptance. Regular updates and open forums for feedback ensure that employees feel heard and valued.

By implementing these strategies, companies can create an environment where employees are happier and more motivated to return to the office, leading to increased productivity and a more cohesive workforce.

Trends in Green Office Design for 2025

The demand for sustainable and visually appealing office designs is on the rise, and plants are taking center stage in 2024. Here’s how businesses are incorporating greenery to create inspiring, productive spaces.

Biophilic Design Integration

Bitpanda Lounge at their Berlin Branch - December 2024.

Biophilic design connects employees with nature through natural light, materials, and plants. Open spaces with greenery improve mood and creativity, making this approach a cornerstone of modern office design. Plant Circle designs achieve this with two key concepts: ensuring every employee has a sightline to a plant from their workspace and creating a "nature break" subspace. This subspace, abundant in plants, provides employees a space to feel more at nature than at work. It can function as a lounge, break area, or even a creative meeting room, enhancing both relaxation and productivity. Learn more about biophilic design and its workplace benefits.

Plants as Wall Art

Wall installation at JustPlay from December, 2024 utilizing designs from Bujnie

Living plant sculptures are becoming design-centric focal points in modern offices. These dynamic installations bring nature indoors, serving as visually striking reminders of sustainability. Acting as both decor and a symbol of environmental commitment, plant-based wall art inspires employees to align with sustainable business goals. Self-watering systems and modular designs make these living masterpieces easy to maintain while delivering impactful statements about green initiatives. Explore innovative plant sculpture designs.

The Green Movement Continues

These trends emphasize that greenery is no longer just a design choice; it’s a workplace necessity. Incorporating plants and sustainable design elements enhances not only aesthetics but also employee well-being and productivity.

Ready to bring the future of green design to your office? Contact us for expert guidance.

The Hidden Benefits of Office Plants: Boosting Productivity and Well-Being

In today’s fast-paced business world, creating an optimal work environment is essential for employee satisfaction and performance. One simple yet impactful way to enhance your workplace is by introducing plants. From cleaner air to improved mental health, the benefits of greenery in offices are scientifically proven and transformative.e.

Cleaner Air, Healthier Employees

Indoor plants act as natural air filters, removing harmful pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde. NASA’s research on air-purifying plants demonstrates how common office staples like peace lilies and spider plants improve air quality and reduce respiratory issues.

A Stress-Free Workspace

Studies reveal that exposure to nature—whether through outdoor walks or indoor plants—lowers stress levels. Greenery in offices can create a calming environment, helping employees feel more relaxed and focused. Learn more about the link between plants and stress reduction.

Boosted Productivity and Creativity

A green workspace isn't just attractive; it’s also productive. Research by the University of Exeter found that employees working in environments enriched with plants were 15% more productive. Plants stimulate creativity, making brainstorming sessions more dynamic.

The Takeaway

Introducing plants to your office isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s an investment in your team’s health and productivity. Ready to green up your workplace? Explore our tailored office plant solutions today.