Bioconstruction

Architecture is more than just building. Behind that statement is the historical tradition that understands and values the potential of local resources, but also recognizes the discipline's ability to improve the well-being of a community. This is where bioconstruction emerges, bringing back to the present day precepts that laid the foundations for the evolution of architecture, updating and enriching them.

We are talking about an architectural style that is much more than a construction technique; it is a commitment to the health of the planet and its inhabitants. It is based on the use of natural and renewable materials, thus minimizing the environmental impact both during the construction stage and during the life of the building. Bioconstruction architects use methods that respect natural cycles, local biodiversity, and energy efficiency. This philosophy goes beyond the building itself, encompassing aspects such as water management, the use of renewable energies, and the optimization of available resources.

The palafittes of the Philippines, Mongolian yurts, Indian teepees... Bioconstruction finds its inspiration in the so-called vernacular or traditional architecture - ancestral construction practices -, adapting it to the demands and challenges of contemporaneity. Today, internationally renowned architects are committed to this style of construction as a form of architectural expression committed to the environment.

Michael Reynolds, known for his innovative designs of Earthships in which he uses recycled materials and sustainable construction techniques to create self-sufficient housing; Sarah Wigglesworth and Jeremy Till, authors of the Straw House in the United Kingdom, or Kevin McCabe, architect of the cob house (a building material whose components are clay, sand, straw, and common mud) in Devon, are just a few examples of bioconstruction architects.

The Institut für Baubiologie und Okologie (Institute of Building Biology and Ecology) in Bavaria -in charge of all aspects related to bioconstruction-, establishes a total of 25 bioconstruction guidelines that serve as indicators and define the basic characteristics of this discipline that, broadly speaking, can be summarized in the following:

•  Integration with the environment

One of the cornerstones that define bioconstruction is its respect for the environment and integration in it. This characteristic is defined by the way in which buildings are designed and built taking into account the natural and human context that surrounds them. Bioconstructed buildings are harmoniously integrated into the environment, respecting the topography of the terrain, the biological diversity, the surrounding vegetation, and the vernacular architecture of the region. The aim is for the buildings to alter the landscape as little as possible and to be perceived as a natural part of it.

•  Bioclimatic design

Although bioconstruction goes beyond, it shares with bioclimatic architecture its commitment to designing buildings that make the most of the natural resources available, such as solar light, cross ventilation, and rainwater harvesting. This approach allows the reduction of dependence on artificial heating and cooling systems, thus reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The orientation of buildings, insulation, and implementation of passive heating and cooling systems are, therefore, key elements in bioconstructive design.

The result are constructions that minimize their ecological footprint in which both the use of renewable energies and the commitment to innovation and automation play a fundamental role. The installation of solar panels and the incorporation of efficient technologies, such as home automation, are habitual elements in bioconstruction projects.

•  Use of natural, non-toxic materials

The use of natural materials coming from nature, such as wood, soil, stone, mud, and bamboo is another of the essential characteristics of bioconstruction. These elements, as well as being renewable, represent a clear commitment to the reduction of the environmental impact of constructions and, to a greater or lesser extent, contribute to thermal regulation and indoor air quality. Along the same lines, the elimination of toxic materials such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), as well as the use of hygroscopic materials, promotes healthier and pollution-free indoor environments.

• Sustainable life cycle

Durability, reuse, and recyclability of the materials used is in the essence of bioconstruction. This holistic view of the life cycle of buildings minimizes the generation of waste and promotes the circular economy which, on the other hand, also contributes to the promotion of the hiring of local labor which, in turn, favors the economic development of the community.