Effects of wooden wall cladding direction used in offices on users’ perceptual evaluations

Purpose This study aims to provide exploratory insights into the perceived effects of wooden wall cladding orientation on user perception in open office environments. Specifically, it examines how pine and walnut wall cladding in different orientations – vertical, horizontal and diagonal – affect participants’ perceptual evaluations of environmental factors, such as psychological comfort, perceived spaciousness and aesthetic appeal. The study is informed by principles of biophilic design and the Stimulus–Organism–Response model as a conceptual lens to interpret material- and layout-related perceptual responses. Design/methodology/approach A desktop-based 360-degree virtual simulation, rather than an immersive virtual reality (VR) setup, was used to present open office environments with pine and walnut wall cladding in vertical, horizontal and diagonal orientations. This approach allowed for controlled visual comparison, while limiting sensory immersion. The study involved 309 participants who completed an Interior Space Evaluation Questionnaire using a semantic differential scale. All physical properties other than the type and orientation of the wall cladding material were kept constant. Findings The results indicated statistically significant but small differences in participants’ perceptual assessments of environmental factors among the offices with various cladding types and orientations. Specifically, vertical pine cladding was perceived slightly more positively across a range of factors, including aesthetic appeal, spaciousness and organization. Horizontal cladding was found to enhance the perception of width, while diagonal cladding was perceived as contributing to a more dynamic atmosphere. The study also found that male participants tended to evaluate office environmental factors more positively than their female counterparts, though no significant age-related differences were observed. Research limitations/implications This study has several limitations. First, the small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings, requiring further research with larger, more diverse groups. Second, participants had similar professional and educational backgrounds, which may restrict applicability to other occupational or cultural contexts. Third, the study focused on wall cladding orientation and material in a controlled VR environment, but real-world factors like lighting, furniture and acoustics could influence perception. Lastly, reliance on self-reported evaluations introduces potential bias. Future research should incorporate dynamic environmental factors and objective measures to gain deeper insights into user perception. Practical implications From a practical perspective, interior designers and architects can apply these findings to optimize office environments by strategically selecting wood cladding orientations to enhance spatial perception and user experience. These insights can help address spatial constraints, improve perceived openness and enhance overall workplace aesthetics. Additionally, integrating biophilic materials like wood contributes to psychological comfort and well-being, fostering a more productive and satisfying work environment. By considering these factors, design professionals can create office spaces that better support employee engagement and performance. Social implications On a societal level, improving workplace environments through evidence-based design can contribute to employee satisfaction, productivity and overall mental well-being, ultimately fostering healthier and more efficient workspaces. By prioritizing user-centered design, companies can create office environments that promote mental health, foster collaboration and enhance overall quality of life for employees. Originality/value This study examines the influence of wall cladding orientation on users’ emotional and perceptual responses in office environments. Although the broader field of material perception has been extensively investigated, the specific variable of cladding orientation has received comparatively little attention. By focusing on this specific design variable, the research provides preliminary, perception-based insights that are relevant for design exploration rather than prescriptive application. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on biophilic design in commercial interiors and offer a basis for future studies incorporating immersive environments, behavioral measures and cross-cultural perspectives.