Introduction to Bau-Biologie

©International Institute for Bau-Biologie® & Ecology (IBE) Page 1 of 2 May 2011_V2

Introduction to Bau-biologie  Welcome Thank you for choosing IBE for your educational needs. Current environmental realities demand a new approach to ensuring that our homes, schools and office buildings support the health and wellness of all who dwell there. We strive to provide the latest information and cutting edge methodology on the vital, complex relationship between the natural and the built environments. May you find your educational ex-periences enlightening, and take this knowledge out into your community for the benefit of all. Michael Conn, Executive Director, Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology.  This course is intended to provide you with an general overview of the planning and design stages of building a biologically supportive home. For a more comprehensive understanding, we encourage you to peruse our wealth of online course at CLICK HERE, which are each available for download and/or online study for a low, one-time fee. Copyright Bau-Biologie is a registered trademark of The International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology, Inc. ©International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology, Inc., 2002-2011. Please be advised that links to third party information may not reflect or support the Building Biology viewpoint. However, it might be of some interest to see how other people, groups, institutions, etc. argue the same subject. Direct all inquiries to: General Information: outreach@buildingbiology.net Technical Support: techsupport@buildingbiology.net  Phone:1-866-960-0333 (toll-free in US & Canada)

Introduction to Bau-Biologie

©International Institute for Bau-Biologie® & Ecology (IBE) Page 2 of 2 May 2011_V2

Planning and Design Criteria of Bau-Biologie®

During the planning and design stages of building a biological home, the following eight addi-tional criteria should be considered:

1.  Selection of proper site, including the analysis of the soil and geophysical conditions. Con-sider climatic factors, which would include prevailing winds, temperature, solar orientation, relative humidity and rain fall.

2.Selection of proper building materials, both structural and finishing that enhance the ability of the structure to “breathe.” Select natural building materials that allow for self-regulating interior relative humidity that accomplish this task utilizing hygroscopics. Consid-er using building and plant materials on both the interior and exterior that exhibit sorption and the filtering and neutralizing of toxic airborne substances.

3. Make careful decisions about energy; consider the use of solar energy, the methods of heat and energy conservation, and the use of thermal insulation. Design for a balance be-tween heat storage and thermal insulation in living spaces that utilize radiant rather than convection heat distribution.

4. Select appropriate ventilation, water and air filtration systems to establish a healthful liv-ing environment. An efficient artificial ventilation system can be used to supplement the natural ventilation of a home. Water systems should be ecological and also non harmful to occupants.

5. Take care to select the right illumination (light temperature, spectral range, intensity, etc.) for each room. This factor is as important for your well-being as shielding unwanted noise.

6. Avoid electromagnetic fields, especially in areas of the house where people spend lots of time (bedroom, play and work areas).

7. When doing the interior design, use furniture that is in proper proportion to the residents; use materials that do not outgas and create static electricity.

By applying the twenty-five Bau-Biologie Principles and seven Planning and Design Criteria, not only should the most obvious mistakes in modern building construction be avoided but a home with living qualities far superior to those of the average home today should result. Experience by both architects and laypersons here and abroad, have created a fine variety of healthy, energy-efficient homes.