Building Biology (translated from the German Baubiologie) is the interdisciplinary study of the holistic relationships between humans and their living environment. It is often described as the "medical science of the home," focusing on how the buildings we inhabit influence our biological systems, circadian rhythms, and long-term health.

While traditional architecture focuses on aesthetics and engineering focuses on structural loads, Building Biology focuses on the human cell.

1. The Core Philosophy: The "Third Skin"

Building Biology views the relationship between humans and their environment through three layers:

1. The First Skin: Our biological skin (the organ of protection and regulation).

2. The Second Skin: Our clothing (breathability and thermal protection).

3. The Third Skin: Our building (the envelope that must breathe and protect us).

For a building to be healthy, it must function like a skin: it must allow for the exchange of air and moisture while protecting us from external environmental stressors.

2. The Three Categories of Environmental Stressors

Building Biology identifies three specific areas where the modern world has introduced stressors that were not present during the thousands of years of human evolution.

A. Physical Stressors (Fields, Waves, Radiation)

This category addresses the invisible energies that permeate modern homes.

• Electric Fields: Emitted by house wiring, even when appliances are turned off. High exposure in sleeping areas is linked to suppressed melatonin production.

• Magnetic Fields: Caused by high-current power lines or plumbing errors where current "returns" via water pipes.

• Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation: The constant "pulse" of digital signals from Wi-Fi routers, smart meters, and mobile towers.

• Terrestrial Radiation: Naturally occurring gamma radiation or radon gas emanating from the ground.

B. Chemical Stressors (Indoor Air Toxins)

Modern interiors are often "chemical soups" due to synthetic building materials and air-tight construction.

• VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Gases emitted from paints, glues, carpets, and "new car smell" plastics.

• Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen found in the resins of particleboard and MDF cabinetry.

• Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Ultra-fine dust and soot that enters the bloodstream via the lungs, often caused by gas cooking or wood heaters.

C. Biological Stressors (Mould & Allergens)

This category focuses on living organisms that thrive when a building’s "skin" fails to manage moisture correctly.

• Mould (Molds): Fungi that release spores and toxic gases (MVOCs) when moisture is present.

• Bacterial Endotoxins: Often found in water-damaged buildings, these can trigger severe inflammatory responses in the human body.

• Dust Mites & Micro-organisms: Thriving in high-humidity environments (above 60% relative humidity).

3. The Standard: SBM-2015

The "Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods" (SBM-2015) provides the numerical values used to evaluate these stressors. Unlike government workplace standards, these guidelines are precautionary.

4. The 25 Principles of Building Biology

To achieve a healthy home, Building Biologists apply 25 core principles divided into five key areas:

Site and Community Design

1. Verify that the site is free of naturally-occurring and human-made health hazards.
2. Place dwellings so occupants are undisturbed by sources of human-made air, soil, water, noise and electro-pollution.
3. Place dwellings in well-planned communities that provide ample access to fresh air, sunshine and nature.
4. Plan homes and developments considering the needs of community, families and individuals of all ages.

Electromagnetic Radiation Health

5. Provide an abundance of well-balanced natural light and illumination while using color in accordance with nature.
6. Minimize building material interference with vital cosmic and terrestrial radiation.
7. Adopt appropriate strategies to minimize exposure to harmful Electromagnetic radiation generated as a result of building electrification
8. Adopt appropriate avoidance and shielding strategies to minimize exposure to radio frequency radiation generated by wireless devices within the building and from wireless sources outside the building.
9. Avoid use of building materials that have elevated radioactivity levels.

Indoor Air and Water Quality

10. Assure low total moisture content and rapid desiccation of wet construction processes in new buildings.
11. Provide for ample ventilation.
12. All building materials shall be non-toxic with neutral or pleasant natural scents using natural and unadulterated building systems and materials.
13. Use appropriate water and moisture exclusion techniques to prevent interior growth of fungi, bacteria and dust mites. Techniques to favor mass flow-through envelope enclosures with high hygric buffering capacity.
14. Assure best possible water quality by applying purification technologies if required.

Occupant Well-being

15. Allow natural self-regulation of indoor air humidity, sound attenuation and healthy ion balance using hygroscopic (humidity buffering) and sorbent materials and finishes.
16. Design for a climatically appropriate balance between thermal insulation and thermal storage capacity.
17. Plan for climatically appropriate surface and air temperature.
18. Use appropriate thermal radiation strategies for heating buildings including passive solar wherever viable.
19. Provide adequate acoustical protection from harmful noise and vibration.
20. Utilize physiological and ergonomic knowledge in interior and furniture design.
21. Consider proportion, harmonic measure, order and shape in design.

Environmental Protection, Social Responsibility and Energy Efficiency

22. Materials and methods of construction shall promote human health and well-being from the extraction of raw materials, through to end-of-building’s life.
23. Avoid the use of building materials that deplete irreplaceable natural resources or are being harvested in an unsustainable manner.
24. Minimize energy consumption throughout the life of the building utilizing climate-based and energy efficient design, energy and water saving technologies and renewable energy.
25. Consider the embodied energy and environmental life cycle costs when choosing all materials used in construction.

Source: https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org/about/25-principles-of-building-biology/

5. References & Academic Foundation

The following peer-reviewed research and institutional standards form the backbone of modern Building Biology:

• Institut für Baubiologie + Nachhaltigkeit (IBN). (2015). SBM-2015: Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods. The definitive guide for assessing indoor stressors.

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Microbiomes of the Built Environment: A Research Agenda for Indoor Microbiology, Human Health, and Buildings. This landmark study highlights how indoor spaces shape our internal microbiome. Link to Study

• Liu, H. (2023). What is the “DNA” of healthy buildings? A critical review and future directions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. This review confirms that Building Biology-based design is the future of sustainable health. Link to Study

• Shajahan, A. (2019). Effects of indoor environmental parameters on medical outcomes. Indoor Air. This research demonstrates that improving indoor air and light leads to faster patient recovery. Link to Study

• Cincinelli, A., & Martellini, T. (2017). Indoor Air Quality and Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. A comprehensive look at the chemical stressors addressed in Building Biology. Link to Study