Currently, the materials that are most used for the construction of houses are brick, ceramics, stainless steel, wood, reinforced concrete and iron. However, it has been proven that the use of them has a disastrous impact. To break with this harmful paradigm, the bioconstruction technique has begun to be used to take care of the environment.
The extraction of the aforementioned materials implies an increase in the emission of air pollutants, in addition to radically accelerating the depletion of natural resources. Let’s see what the alternative is.
What is bioconstruction and how does it relate to the environment?
One of the most interesting definitions of this concept is provided by Cristina Rubio Picazo, in her work presented to the Polytechnic University of Madrid. There he mentions that bioconstruction is the construction harmonizable with life that involves deference to the environment.
In this way, Rubio Picazo deepens, bioconstruction encompasses all forms of architecture that try to determine harmonious connections between the environment, the habitat, the built and the people who occupy that site.
Why is it important for the environment?
Bioconstruction is important for the environment because it involves the conscious manipulation of the natural attributes of the habitat, as well as natural resources and technologies that do not pollute.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that it is intended to generate with this technique a healthier architecture, with less environmental impact, less violent and more effective, through a management overcoming social, physical and economic conditions.
What advantages does an ecological house have?
One of the main advantages of ecological houses is thermal insulation, according to an article published in the journal Contexto of the Faculty of Architecture of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León. This feature implies greater comfort and less harmful impact on the environment.
Another advantage of living in an ecological house has to do with energy and economic savings for the inhabitants of that home. This is achieved through elements such as water-saving devices, electrically energy-saving fluorescent lamps and solar heaters.
What materials are used in bioconstruction to protect the environment?
Fátima Yahyane, in her thesis thesis for the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, explains that the most important factors to take into account when choosing bioconstruction materials have to do with thermal and acoustic insulation, breathability of the home, recycling and reuse, not generating electrostatic charges and not producing radioactivity to high degrees.
Materiales de baja radioactividad
Some non-radioactive materials you can use are limestone, gravel, lime, sand, and gypsum. Wood is also recommended, since, in addition to not being radioactive, it has the particularity of absorbing it.
Odorless or pleasant-smelling materials
An important fact to take into account in relation to materials for bioconstruction, is that these, in addition to being resistant and not producing toxic or polluting substances, should not emanate any kind of dust, particles, vapors or aromas that harm health.
Materials for vibration and acoustic protection
Living in a home with high degrees of noise pollution causes severe consequences on the health of the inhabitants, an example of which is nervousness, stress and extreme fatigue. Therefore, the following is recommended:
- Mitigate aerial noise pollution: high-density insulating materials, such as adobes, straw bales, thermoclay or dense ceramic blocks.
- Reduce impact noise: low-density insulating materials, such as natural fibre wool.
- Build partitions with sound protection: insulating materials such as hemp fibers, wood, cellulose, linen or natural cork.
Unadulterated natural materials
Biomaterials or biocompatible are those materials most related to the bioenergetic and biological nature of the human being. They interact with the house making the house behave as a living whole. Among them are bamboo, wood, linen and cork.
What needs to be taken into account to achieve a sustainable home?
To achieve a sustainable home, however, it is not enough to have a bioconstruction house that is friendly to the environment. In addition, it is necessary to implement techniques and habits of life in relation to waste, such as the reuse of objects and recycling.
Other important recommendations to consider are as follows:
- Buy cleaning products that are environmentally friendly or have a low level of contamination.
- Reduce to a minimum the energy consumption of gas, electricity and water; Do not leave equipment running if it is not in use.
- Buy regionally produced food to reduce the energy costs involved in traveling from long distances.
The environment and bioconstruction from the perspective of art
In her work for the Universitat Politècnica de València, Cristina Edo Feced argues the importance of using biomaterials, not only for the bioconstruction of homes, but also for the creation of contemporary artistic works.
The author defends her work from practice, since she herself carried out artistic productions using biocompatible materials, in order to generate in the spectators of these works feelings of comfort and well-being.
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