Building Biology sees the buildings that we inhabit as our 3rd skin (2nd being our clothes) and treats buildings as an organism interacting with us. Building Biology is defined as the study of the interrelationships between humans and their built environment.

Building Biology originated in Germany and aims to educate people about the health effects that may currently exist in their home and workplace environment. These health effects may be due to poor indoor air quality, poor water quality, indoor mould or dampness, or electromagnetic radiation. Building biology helps us to recognize these hazards and recommends solutions for the most practical means to overcome them (Fengshui Network, 2005).

Building Biology Principles

The IBN Institut fuer Baubiologie (Building Biology) & Oekologie in Germany have compiled a list of the 25 principles relating to Building Biology.

1. A building site shall be free from natural and manmade disturbances.
2. Residential homes are best located away from sources of air and noise pollution.
3. Low-density housing shall be developed with sufficient green space.
4. Housing shall be individualistic, in harmony with nature and family orientated.
5. Building shall not cause a rise in social costs.
6. Natural and unadulterated building materials shall be used.
7. Indoor air humidity shall be regulated passively by the use of diffusible and hygroscopic materials.
8. Total moisture content of a new building shall be low and dry out quickly.
9. An appropriate balance of thermal insulation and heat retention is needed.
10. The air and surface temperatures of a given room need to optimized.
11. Achieve good indoor air quality through natural ventilation.
12. Heating systems shall be based on radiant heat.
13. Provide natural light, lighting and colour schemes.
14. Natural magnetic fields shall not be altered or distorted.
15. Man-made electromagnetic fields and radiation shall be reduced as much as possible.
16. Use only building materials with little or no radioactivity.
17. Take protective measures against noise pollution and harmful infrasonic and ultrasonic vibrations.
18. A building shall have a pleasant or neutral smell with no toxic off-gassing.
19. Reduce air pollution from fungi, bacteria, dust and allergens.
20. Provide the best possible quality drinking water.
21. Minimise the use of energy and utilize renewable energy where possible.
22. Use local building materials and renewable resources where possible.
23. Building activities shall not contribute to the exploitation of non-renewable and rare resources.
24. Interior and furniture design shall be based on physiological and ergonomic findings.
25. Take into consideration harmonious dimensions, proportions and forms.