What is building biology?

After World War II, new houses were rapidly built in Germany to accommodate the growing population. Studies of these new houses found an unusual patterns of illnesses. The rapid construction had given materials insufficient time to outgas various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and these VOCs instead harmed the occupants. The illness is also attributable to problems with the electrical systems of the homes.

From these discoveries a study began to catalog and characterize these effects. What emerged was a Standard of Baubiologie Method of Testing, with recommended threshold guidelines for sleeping areas, where one is most susceptible and spends a large amount of time.

Building on from this, more principles for healthy buildings were developed under the umbrella name of “building biology”.

The Institute of Building Biology + Sustainability (IBN) was founded in 1983. The IBN grew out of the work of the “Work Group Healthy Building + Living” since 1969 [1] and the former “Institute of Building Biology” since 1976.

Building Biology Institutes are now all around the world. In 1987 the International Institute of Building Biologie and Ecology (IBE) was founded in the US, in 1990 the Building Biology and Ecology Institute of New Zealand (BBE).

What is Building Biology

Homes or dwellings can be seen as organisms. The term third skin accurately describes the intimate relationship between humans and their living space. It vividly illustrates how closely we are interrelated with our living environment and also in how many ways we are dependent on it.

Building Biology advocates buildings that contribute to the occupant’s health of spirit, mind and body and have a low impact on the environment.

The 25 Principles of “Baubiologie” (Building Biology)

Building site without natural and human-made disturbances
Residential homes away from sources of emissions and noise
Low-density housing with sufficient green space
Personalized, natural, human- and family-oriented housing and settlements
Building without causing social burdens
Natural and unadulterated building materials
Natural regulation of indoor air humidity through humidity-buffering materials
Low total moisture content of a new building that dries out quickly
Well-balanced ratio between thermal insulation and heat retention
Optimal air and surface temperatures
Good indoor air quality through natural ventilation
Heating system based on radiant heat
Natural conditions of light, lighting and color
Changing the natural balance of background radiation as little as possible
Without human-made electromagnetic and radiofrequency radiation exposure
Building materials with low radioactivity levels
Human-oriented noise and vibration protection
With a pleasant or neutral smell and without outgassing toxins
Reduction of fungi, bacteria, dust and allergens as low as possible
Best possible drinking water quality
Causing no environmental problems
Minimizing energy consumption and utilizing as much renewable energy as possible
Building materials preferably from the local region without promoting exploitation of scarce and hazardous resources
Application of physiological and ergonomic findings to interior and furniture design
Consideration of harmonic measures, proportions and shapes

How does it compare

Building Biology is a holistic approach to building design. Many other “systems” and schemes tend to look at certain limited aspects only.
For example the Green Building Council does not look at neighbourhoods, cultural implications or healthy materials, neither at shape, volume and colours, not at EMF and EMR.

The Living Building Challenge is probably a closest match as it includes “Beauty” in design as well and shape and volume, however still falls short on EMR.

Building Biology is an idea and has guidelines, but is not a “rating scheme” that you can comply with, there is no certification. Which, on the other hand, can make it more flexible and can lower cost.

What is building biology?

Brief History