Building biology is the study of the relationship between human physiology and the building environment. Nature is the gold standard when building a healthy home because humans thrive when in sync with nature.

Building Biology looks at our homes building envelope as our third skin of protection after our skin and clothes. This envelope includes the floors, walls, and roofs.

Our Skin

Our skin is our largest organ in the body and is vital in protecting life. If the pores of our skin become obstructed, we can’t live very long. Vital exchanges take place through our skin that are essential to life.

Perspiration takes place to cool us through evaporative cooling when we are too hot. When we are too cold, our skin develops goosebumps and our hairs rise up to conserve heat. Our skin is a permeable membrane that allows our body to regulate our temperature, eliminate toxins, absorbs the sun’s energy creating nutrients like vitamin D.

Our Clothing

Our second skin of protection is considered our clothing and should act as an extension of our own skin. It’s best for our clothing to be natural and organic, because natural fabrics keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Clothing should wick moisture away from the body and evaporate rapidly. What we wear should promote health, well-being, allow for free
movement and comfort, and have the ability to breathe. Many synthetic fabrics create a buildup of static electricity in the body, trap sweat and odor, and does a poor job of preserving temperature.

Our Home’s Envelope

Like our skin and clothing, our building envelope needs to create a nurturing environment by performing multiple functions. It must protect us from the variable changes in the temperatures including a wide range of hostile external elements while protecting the inside. Our roofs, walls, and foundations must not allow bulk water and moisture to penetrate within.

Proper ventilation in attics and under the floor slabs, will remove moisture that causes mold. Back ventilating exterior siding will create an air space that directs moisture away from entering the wall cavity.

Some conventional and alternative wall systems can include Conventional Light Frame Construction, Adobe Construction, Cob Construction, Rammed Earth, Straw Bale, Concrete and CMU, Aerated Autoclave Concrete, Pumicecrete, and Wood Insulated Concrete Forms. Each one has its pros and cons and it is wise to research the best option for each geographic location.

John