(Photo : Danist Soh on Unsplash)

Imagine a world where our buildings breathe like forests, harness energy like leaves, and self-repair like human skin. This is not a scene from a futuristic novel. It's the burgeoning reality of biomimicry in real estate technology.

Innovative designers take inspiration from nature and fashion their structures to mimic the aliveness and responsiveness of the surroundings. This approach to architecture has always been closely tied to nature, regarded as a source of inspiration.

Biomimicry views nature as a measure, a mentor, and a model.​ It's a method of solving human challenges by learning and imitating natural strategies. It invites us to rethink our urban landscapes. This is a journey into how we can turn nature's billion-year-old wisdom into tomorrow's architectural marvels. In a way, it reshapes the very fabric of our living spaces.

Why is it necessary for the real estate sector?

The real estate industry is responsible for about 40 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions​​. This significant contribution to global emissions underscores the urgency for sustainable practices in the industry.

Similarly, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, pose physical threats to assets.

Understanding Biomimicry in Building Design

Biomimicry involves imitating models, systems, and elements of nature to solve complex human problems. In building design, this approach seeks to replicate the efficiency and sustainability inherent in natural environments.

Consider the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, also known as the Water Cube. This spectacular project, created for the 2008 Olympics, was inspired by the natural formation of soap bubbles. The specific geometry of the bubbles was used to build a structure that appears organic and random. The building's skin, made of ETFE (Ethyl tetrafluoroethylene), allows more light entry than glass. It also traps 20 percent of solar energy used to heat the pools​.

Integration of Smart Technologies in Biomimetic Buildings

Integrating smart technologies in biomimetic buildings represents a convergence of nature-inspired design and modern technology. This marriage leads to structures that are not only sustainable but also highly efficient and responsive to their occupants' needs.

Here's how biomimicry and technology make it happen:

Automated Systems for Energy Efficiency

Smart buildings, through automated systems, can significantly enhance energy efficiency. These systems use sensors and controllers to regulate heating, cooling, and lighting based on real-time data. For example, automated HVAC systems can adjust temperatures in different parts of the property based on occupancy and weather conditions.

Similarly, automated lighting systems can adjust brightness levels based on the time of day and the amount of natural light available. This adaptability saves energy and creates a more comfortable environment for occupants. It resembles how biological organisms adapt to their surroundings for optimal living conditions.

Responsive Building Materials

The development and use of responsive building materials mark a significant step forward in the construction industry. These materials are designed to react to environmental stimuli, enhancing the building's efficiency and comfort levels.

For instance, self-shading windows, which can adjust their opacity based on the intensity of sunlight, reduce heat gain during summer. Walls or surfaces that change their permeability or insulation properties based on external temperature variations can help maintain consistent internal temperatures. Such materials reduce the reliance on mechanical systems and contribute to the building's sustainability.

IoT and Building Management

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing building management by enabling the interconnectivity of various systems within a building. IoT devices, such as sensors, actuators, and controllers, collect and analyze data from the building's environment and its occupants. This data is then used to optimize systems for energy efficiency, comfort, and maintenance needs.

For example, IoT-enabled sensors can detect the number of people in a room and adjust the HVAC system accordingly. They can also identify areas that need repairs or maintenance. IoT's real-time monitoring and management capability enhances the building's performance and contributes to its sustainability.

How To Integrate Biomimicry and Real Estate Tech

Implementing biomimicry in real estate technology involves a thoughtful approach to integrating nature-inspired solutions into the construction and design of buildings.

Here are tips on how to do this:

Research and understand natural systems

Delve into how nature addresses structural integrity, energy conservation, and resource efficiency challenges. For example, studying the branching patterns of trees can inspire load-distributing structures in buildings. The more in-depth your understanding of these natural systems, the more effectively you can apply these principles to real estate technology. This knowledge broadens the design space, introducing innovative solutions previously unconsidered​​.

Collaborate with biomimicry experts

Building a team that includes biomimicry experts, biologists, and environmental scientists is essential. These specialists can provide invaluable insights into how natural mechanisms can be effectively translated into building designs.

This collaboration ensures that biomimicry is not just a design aesthetic. Remember, it's a functional element that enhances the sustainability and efficiency of real estate projects​​.

Integrate smart technology

With smart technologies, buildings inspired by natural structures and processes can adapt and respond in real time to environmental changes.

This fusion not only enhances sustainability but also elevates the functionality and efficiency of the designs. This is what makes them more harmonious with their natural surroundings.

Focus on sustainability

Emphasizing sustainability in your projects aligns with the core principles of biomimicry. This can involve using renewable materials, minimizing waste, and designing for energy efficiency. Biomimicry enhances the sustainability and resilience of buildings and cities, making them more livable and environmentally friendly.

Beyond that, it makes your homes get more premium from homebuyers. Most buyers would be willing to pay more for an energy-efficient property, signaling a growing demand for sustainable housing.

Educate stakeholders

Educating investors, clients, and the general public about the benefits of biomimicry is crucial. Highlight how these designs can lead to energy savings, reduced environmental impact, and aesthetically unique buildings. This education can drive widespread adoption and appreciation of biomimicry in real estate projects.

Navigate regulatory and safety standards

Biomimicry and real estate tech shouldn't only focus on design and sustainability. Make sure each building has the necessary safety compliance in place.

At present, no specific regulations directly address biomimicry in real estate and construction, particularly concerning safety. However, any construction projects, including those incorporating biomimicry concepts, must comply with the existing building codes and standards. Find a reliable source for construction safety standards to ensure sustainability and safety.

Implement in small steps

Beginning with small-scale applications of biomimicry allows for testing and refining these concepts before applying them to larger projects. This can involve incorporating natural water management systems or energy-efficient lighting designs inspired by nature into existing buildings.

Small-scale implementations can demonstrate the viability and benefits of biomimicry, paving the way for more ambitious projects.

Embrace the Future of Sustainable Design

As we stand on the precipice of a new construction and real estate era, biomimicry is a beacon of sustainable innovation. By weaving the genius of nature into our built environment, we replicate the natural world's resilience, efficiency, and beauty.

In harnessing nature's ingenuity, we unlock a future where our buildings do more than shelter us. They stand as testaments to the harmony between humanity and the natural world. As we move forward, biomimicry in real estate and construction doesn't just promise a greener future but beckons us to build it.