Bioconstruction 1

Bioconstruction
They are called construction systems for building or establishinghousings, shelterand others
constructions, made with low-cost materials environmental impactor ecological, recycled or highly recyclable,
or extractable through simple and low-cost processes such as, for example, raw materials from origin vegetabley
biocompatibles.
The act ofto buildand ofto buildIt generates a great impact on the environment around us. Bioconstruction seeks
minimize it as much as possible helping to create asustainable developmentthat does not exhaust the planet but rather
It generates and regulates the resources used to achieve a healthy habitat in harmony with the rest.
housing must adapt to us like a 3rd skin, it must provide us shelter, warmth, health. Bioconstruction must
to be understood as the way of building that is respectful of all living beings. That is, the way of building that
it favors the evolutionary processes of all living beings, as well as biodiversity. Ensuring balance and the
sustainability of future generations.
For this, the following must be taken into consideration:

Management from the ground

Management of the water
Management of the air
Management of the energy
Consumption and local development
According to the work Bioethics, as a bridge between science and society:

The awareness of theenvironmentit is what leads to formulating models or applying design techniques
and construction for green buildings, buildings with options forsustainabilityconstruction processes
in favor of Earth architectures that evoke the presence of the four elements of thenature:
earth, water, airyfirein the processes of thelifein justproportion, where if we analyze this proportion
to approach the optimal, from a biological perspective, which considers the resonance between the
architecture and its inhabitants, these earthen architectures would be valued, as in combination with
the stone for thebirths, thewoodfor the roofing, theclayboiled for covers and shapes
given these materials, they resolve the harmony of these elements. The earth, and its associated symbolic form,
the circle has historically resolved the foundation of residential architecture.

Principles of bioconstruction
The principles of bioconstruction consider that we must be aware (and it is our responsibility towards
future generations) that everything a living being does affects others, such that one action
never remains isolated but provokes reactions, tangible or not, over a shorter or longer period of time, in everything
that surrounds it, extending its effect in the same way as the waves caused by a stone falling into the water. Thus
all our actions are important, they affect the rest of beings and the planet and have repercussions that go far beyond
themselves. This awareness that the planet is our home and it is our responsibility to take care of it, preserve it and
keeping him and the beings that inhabit it in optimal conditions to produce health and happiness must go away
translucent in all human activity.
Ecological construction, therefore, is a way of creating a habitat while always respecting the environment where it takes place.
and being especially careful with each and every element of nature. It turns out to be aware of the
place where we live and also, take advantage of the qualities that nature gives us to use them productively.
We can call it ecological construction, sustainable building, or bioconstruction. The idea is to achieve that it
implanted in a deeply rooted way in our society to reduce the environmental impact that construction has on
the environment. This topic is especially relevant to all those people committed to the environment,
Bioconstruction 2

with health, and at the same time, does not reject living with certain comforts and indispensable elements, such as those of
a home. Primarily, the group that might be most interested in this topic would be those who love nature, the
take care of and respect it; but also all the citizens who are unaware of the use of ecological materials for the
construction of a house, a building, etc.

Decalogue of Bioconstruction

1) Suitable location
The proximity of sources emitting electrical and electromagnetic pollution, chemical, and acoustic pollution will be avoided.
such as: polluting factories, major communication routes, high-voltage lines, substations, and centers
of transformation, etc. Those places should also be avoided where, due to human activity, it can
to endanger a certain ecosystem.

Integration into your closest environment

Taking into account the morphology of the terrain, adjacent buildings, and traditional architectural styles of the
area, including vegetation native to the place and harmony of constructive forms. 'The key lies in the attitude
what we must adopt when creating a settlement, this must be integration and not occupation

Custom design
According to the user's needs, in a process of continuous interaction with them by the designer, in such a way
so that the housing adapts and perfectly serves to develop your way of life. It will be sought, in
as much as possible, care for the 'wave shape' effect, avoiding excessively straight elements, with
sharp corners. Excessively rigid and/or tensioned materials are not suitable. The large spans
They can be saved with arches, vaults, etc. The spatial proportions, as well as the shapes and colors, play a large role.
role in the harmonization of the place.

4) Appropriate orientation and distribution of spaces

The logical distribution of services will be taken into account as well as bioclimatic considerations, energy saving and
Functional. A good orientation will always be pursued whenever possible. The glazing will be projected.
suitable for maximum thermal and light utilization (with walls and floors of high thermal inertia)
Situation of little-used rooms in the North (garages, storage rooms, stairs, ...) and Day Zones in the South. A space will be dedicated to it.
very special attention to the study of rest areas, avoiding that directly above them there are...
electricity, water or any other type conduits...

5) Use of healthy materials,biocompatibles ehygroscopic

These should facilitate the exchanges of moisture between the dwelling and the atmosphere. The dwelling must 'breathe'.
Materials should be made from the least processed raw material possible and located as close as possible to the work site.
(use local resources). They must be completely free of harmful elements such as asbestos, polyurethane,
chlorine, PVC (used very commonly today). Large diameter sanitation pipes can be made of
ceramics with rubber connections and those of small diameter, made of PPpolypropylene), PB (polybutylene) and/or PE
(polyethyleneinstead of PVC. With these materials, the conduits are more stable, flexible, durable and less
noisy. For electrical conduits, there are already halogen-free and PVC-free cables available on the market, as well as
polypropylene pipe-ridge. We will avoid closed-pore insulation and paints, plasticized elements
electrostatic dust retainers (carpets, plastic floors...) and all those materials that emit gases
toxins in their combustion. We should use silicate paints, water-based, linseed oil, colophony, natural waxes,
etc..., as well as, for decorative elements, wood treatments or finishes and plastering. In the elements
Bioconstruction 3

Structural, we will use natural cements or hydraulic lime. The use of steel should be restricted to what is essential.
and must be appropriately grounded. Nowadays, structural elements are often abused.
reinforced concrete, such as beams, columns, and slabs, especially the prestressed reinforced concrete joists, the
those containing steel with a permanent tension-torsion, when in many cases these can be replaced by
self-supporting walls, trusses, arches, and vaults. There are several reasons to avoid the use of reinforced concrete. For a
On one hand, the steel that gives it rigidity also creates internal tensions (especially in tension) and alters the field.
natural magnetic. This affects the pituitary gland, responsible for the secretion of melatonin during the night,
especially sensitive moment for our body, as it is when it must regenerate. These tensions also
they endure in time altering the vibrational field. On the other hand, Portland cement is composed of
volatile ashes and steel slags that affect sustainability and health in various ways:
When raising theelectric
potentialyradioactive(since it is baked at more than 1450 °C) it promotes gas conduction
radon (radioactive gas) that rises from the subsurface (especially where there are rocks and granite layers) and is
accumulates in the lower spaces of the houses. Cement, besides having a high energy cost (1.23
Kw/Kg), has a shorter lifespan than expected, especially in places exposed to high conductivity,
such are the foundations, which when buried are in the presence of moisture and high conductivity,
accelerating molecular decomposition bypar-galvanicand causing the premature oxidation of the scrap metal,
an inaccessible place, such as the foundation, and of which we do not become aware until a structural disaster occurs.
For those who believe in thevitalismreinforced concrete has the drawback of having an index, used in the
scale only measurable byradiesthesiaand therefore subjective of the "Vital energyvery low (below 3600Bovis,
when the normal for the human being is 6400 Bovis). As an example, clay does not go below in any case.
the 7200 Bovis. This is why vitalists believe that this material "absorbs Vital Energy" and de-vitalizes the being.
human

THE ALTERNATIVE TO The alternative involves hydraulic lime reinforced with bamboo or stainless steel. In those cases where it is difficult
REINFORCED CONCRETEacquiring hydraulic lime can be replaced by natural cements free of volatile ashes and steel slags,
or alternatively the white cement BL-1A.

6) Optimization of natural resources

It is highly recommended to conduct a resource study of the area, so that we can determine the elements.
natural resources that can provide us with some kind of 'work' without limiting their durability, to keep in mind: Climatology
Sunstroke (incident solar radiation and temporality)
• Geologyehydrology
• Rainfall measurement
Winds dominant (force, temporality, and direction)
• Biomass(forest mass)
• Ecosystems
Throughout history, the first element of analysis for the choice of a place as a human settlement has
Water was. It is the primordial element that conditions the sustainability of a settlement. Nowadays
we must consider it a scarce resource. Special care will be taken with water treatment, its capture, its
accumulation, its use, its purification, its reuse, and its return to the natural environment. The collection is convenient
perform it in a horizontal mine (if possible), if not, we must search for the water table or a water vein. Or
including channeling and accumulating rainwater. The water storage tanks must be protected from light and from
heat, as well as being built with natural materials. Their use should be responsible and austere. It is recommended to separate
gray waters (sinks, bathtubs, showers) from black waters (toilets) to be treated efficiently and
to purify them biologically for their subsequent reuse. It will be a matter of taking advantage of sunlight (insolation)
as a primordial element of lighting and as a source of energy for heating surfaces and
Bioconstruction 4

solar collectors. Likewise, electricity can be produced with photovoltaic panels. The following will be taken into account
dominant winds, their intensity, direction, and temporality. With this, we can adopt climate control systems.
based on the principle of 'differential pressure in ventilation and/or cooling ducts', as well as adopting
measures to prevent possible ailments by placing biological screens. Install elements for the
natural climate control, such as forest masses, lagoons, solar thermal plants, greenhouses, green roofs, etc...
Also, the implementation of renewable energies that can be utilized in that specific location (such as wind turbines,
hydraulic turbines, solar panels, biomass, etc.), as well as the utilization of construction materials
of the place.

7) Implementation of systems and equipment for savings

Use of theBioclimatic, through passive solar collection systems, controlled ventilation galleries,
Hydric plant systems regulating temperature and humidity. Ventilation by solar thermal. Eaves.
properly designed. Preferably self-supporting walls that provide thermal inertia, with insulation towards the
exterior. In facades with strong sunlight, ventilated screens can be incorporated. Perennial vegetation to the North and
expires, to the South, East and West. Where the climate allows, it is advisable to incorporate plant covers.
floodable. Sprinklers for water saving in taps. Those used for showering must be
thermostatic. Low-impact furniture equipment with ergonomic configuration, low-energy appliances
consumption and low electromagnetic and ionic emission, zero emission of microwaves and gamma waves, etc.... with a
proper grounding, that do not emit harmful gases and that their surrounding elements are natural. It should be taken into account
It takes into account not only the optimal arrangement of the furniture but also its own shape and geometric outline.

8) Incorporation of clean production systems and equipment

After studying the natural resources of the place and the needs to be met, we can determine the systems.
more suitable to obtain the energy we need, such as e.g.:
Thermal solar energywith flat panels, concentrators or vacuum tubes to meet the needs of Water
Sanitary hot water and heating support. We can also produce cold with solar energy, geothermal.
biomass or biogas, through absorption machines. Through solar ovens and/or parabolic collectors.
We can obtain the necessary energy for cooking food on more than 75% of the days.
The planning of systems that consider savings is not only based on the savings per se from the installed mechanism.
it is of the type of use of this. This is how a passive solar collection system works but without individual regulation by
room, makes inefficient use of the system. To effectively incorporate the system, we will propose the
system needs separately from the consumption systems, so that we can optimize energy of
efficiently.
Geothermalin those places that have a nearby magma vein and/or steam coming from the
subsoil, through exchangers for all types of thermal treatments such as those covered by solar
thermal.
Biomassfrom agroforestry waste for the support of Solar-Thermal.
Biogasfrom the anaerobic digesters of the wastewater treatment plants to support Solar-Thermal.
Photovoltaic solar energyfor electricity production.
Hydraulicsfor the generation of electricity as well as those machines that require a driving force.
Its use should be considered restricted to those places where its impact is minimal.
Windexactly the same as Hydraulics. Its use should be considered restricted to those places where its
the impact is minimal.
Bioconstruction 5

9) Waste recovery and discharge treatment program

Waste separation at source, with a recycling program and, if possible, reuse of inorganic solids
as well as composting of organic materials. We must pay special attention to the treatment of wastewater
for future use, e.g., in irrigation. In places with severe water scarcity, systems must be incorporated
organic dehydration or "dry toilets" with their subsequent composting program.

10) User manual for its use and maintenance

In which the actions that the user must take and those that the professional maintainer must perform are detailed.

Some of the materials specific to bioconstruction

Bioconstruction is based on building traditions using primary materials native to the location being constructed.
how can they be theAdobe(mixture ofclays, vegetable fibers and sometimes dry excrement) or thestone.
• Replyofstrawofcerealit is orgrasstall as blocks, which are covered with pastes that include mixtures ofcalo
clayto protect them from external agents. This system, although it may seem very rudimentary, allows
high strength and acceptable constructionshabitability, with reasonable insulationthermalyacoustic, it
that allows for greater energy savings. There are straw bale houses that have been standing for 150 years. It has even been
a sports complex has been built with this system inGermany.
Fibers ofhempylinoleumin aggregates or mortars with lime, for the preparation of strong bricks and
fire-resistant, or a wide variety of insulating materials.
•Lumber and derivatives (mortars, agglomerates, etc.), both for structures and in fiberboard.
for insulations
Soil and clays for construction withtapial, BTC, cobyadobes.
Recycled materials of plastic, paper (especially in insulation and between façade and interior partition or
drywall), glass, etc. The insulation made with recycled and shredded newspaper, also known as
isolation ofcelluloseIn Central Europe, it has been applied for 25 years, in the US for a century. Its
the application is very simple with special machines using blowing or wet spraying in cavities,
facades, attics, roofs or false ceilings or dry partitioning.
• in general, anything that arises from the use and the idea of low environmental and economic impact
it can be included within bioconstruction.
Insulations:
of plant origin: cellulose, wood fiber, cork, hemp, cotton, linen, coconut fiber
of animal origin: sheep wool
of mineral origin: arlite, perlite, vermiculite, clay
Construction systems:
Raw earth:tapial, Adobe, compressed earth block (BTC), cob
Fired earth: fired bricks of various types
With vegetal materials: straw bales, guadua, lime formwork and hemp, light wooden framework
Bioconstruction 6

Bibliography
Various authors (2011) (in Spanish). Guide to Ecological Habitat for Bioconstruction (2011 edition).
EcoHabitar. pp. 200.ISBN1887-6617.
• Nitkin, Rikki (2010) (in Spanish)ISBN
978-84-614-2406-1.
Minke, Gernot (2010) (in Spanish). Earth Construction Manual. EcoHabitar. pp. 224.ISBN
978-84-614-24054-0.
Minke, Green Roofs. Planning, execution, practical advice (expanded)
edition). EcoHabitar. pp. 92.ISBN978-84-609-4431.
Ferreiro, Alejandro (2011) (in Spanish). Architecture with earth in Uruguay. EcoHabitar. pp. 120.ISBN
978-84-615-1006-1.
• Institute for Building Biology + Ecology Neubeuern (2011)(in Spanish). Radiations (2011 edition). EcoHabitar.
pp. 152.ISBN978-84-615-3340-4.
• Argano, Guixeras, Sònia, Montserrat (2009)(in Spanish). Aerial lime in paste. Joistuc. pp. 64.
Barley, Patricia (2005)(in Spanish). Healthy and Ecological Houses with Straw Bales (2005 edition)(Karuna
edition). Karuna. pp. 117.ISBN978-84-609-7865-7.

References
[1](http://www.ecohabitar.org/construction-criteria)Article from the magazine EcoHabitarhttp://www.ecohabitar.org
Towards BioconstructionUnable to access external links or documents.. From the book 'Bioethics,
as a bridge between science and society(http://web.archive.org/web/http://www.bioeticaunbosque.edu.co/publicaciones/
biosyethos13_bioethics.htm)
[3]http://www.fundamenta.cl/eco-efficient-buildingsEco-efficient Construction Projects
Sources and contributors of the article 7

Sources and contributors of the article

Bioconstructionhttp://es.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=70306500 Contribuyentes: .José, Barbanegra 2005, Bcnecologia, Billinghurst, Brinerustle, Comendeiro, Creando
sensaciones, Csb2, Czajko, Dark, Dhidalgo, Diamondland, Domoterra, Duduziq, Echani, Ensada, Falconaumanni, Fonsi80, Fremen, Ganímedes, Gijzopium, Grillitus, Hahc21, Hanjin, Humberto,
Inkalota, JMCC1, JoSongoku, Joselarrucea, Juanantonaya, Lezamart, Linux65, Lulilla98, Mansoncc, Matdrodes, Natarquitectura, Nedkelly, Nihilo, Ortisa, PaleoFreak, PePeEfe, Polinizador,
Proyectohornero, Ravave, Sacd, Sallavor, Satefachadas, SimónK, T. Marin, Takashi kurita, Tano4595, Technopat, Tonito2, Tonius, VARGUX, Varano, Wilmesis, Xisqueta, Yalltëku, Yeza, 74
anonymous editions

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