Glossary

Deutsch: Natürliches Bauen / Español: Construcción Natural / Português: Construção Natural / Français: Construction Naturelle / Italiano: Costruzione Naturale

In the industrial and industry context, natural building refers to a construction philosophy and practice that emphasizes the use of locally sourced, non-toxic, and sustainable materials to create buildings that are environmentally responsible and healthy for occupants. This approach often incorporates traditional building techniques and aims to minimize the environmental impact of construction activities. Natural building is not only about the materials used but also encompasses the design and operational strategies that contribute to the sustainability of a structure throughout its lifecycle.

Description

Natural building promotes the use of materials such as earth (mudbrick, cob, rammed earth), straw bales, wood, bamboo, and stone. These materials are chosen for their low environmental footprint, their capacity to be reused, recycled, or composted, and their ability to create indoor environments that are healthy and comfortable. The practice often involves passive solar design principles, natural ventilation, and the integration of renewable energy sources to reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling.

In addition to environmental benefits, natural building focuses on social and economic aspects, aiming to make construction more accessible and affordable, while fostering community involvement and skill sharing. This approach to building can be applied in both rural and urban settings, across a range of scales from small dwellings to larger community and commercial projects.

Application Areas

• Residential Construction: Homes built with natural materials that provide excellent thermal mass and insulation, creating comfortable living spaces with minimal environmental impact.
• Community Projects: Community centers, schools, and other public buildings constructed using participatory processes that engage local communities.
• Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces: Incorporating natural elements and materials into the design of outdoor spaces, gardens, and infrastructure.

Well-Known Examples

• The Cob Cottage Company: Known for promoting and building structures using cob, a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water, showcasing the durability and aesthetic appeal of natural building materials.
• Earthship Biotecture: Pioneered by architect Michael Reynolds, Earthships are self-sufficient, off-grid communities built from natural and recycled materials, demonstrating innovative approaches to design and sustainability.
• Hassan Fathy's Architecture: Celebrated for using traditional Egyptian architectural techniques, particularly mudbrick, to create buildings that are both sustainable and suited to the local environment and culture.

Treatment and Risks

While natural building has many benefits, it also faces challenges such as regulatory barriers, the need for skilled labor, and misconceptions about the durability and performance of natural materials. Overcoming these challenges requires education, advocacy, and the development of building codes that recognize and support sustainable construction practices.

Similar Terms or Synonyms

• Sustainable Construction
• Green Building
• Eco-friendly Construction

Summary

Natural building represents a holistic approach to construction that prioritizes environmental sustainability, health, and community engagement. By utilizing locally sourced, sustainable materials and integrating traditional building techniques with modern design principles, natural building offers a viable alternative to conventional construction methods, contributing to the creation of buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also culturally and socially enriching.

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