Biomimicry buildings

in Austin, Texas. This office building is designed to resemble a beehive, with its hexagonal shape and honeycomb-patterned facade. The building is highly energy efficient and uses recycled materials throughout. It won the 2016 LEED Platinum award, the highest level of certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Name: Beehive Campus

Year Built: 2016

Location: Austin, Texas

Size: 100,000 square feet

Architect: Biomimicry 3.0

Sustainable materials:

• Bamboo

• Straw

• Recycled concrete

• Low-VOC paints and finishes

Energy efficiency strategy:

• Natural light

• Ventilation

• Solar panels

• Rainwater harvesting

Water conservation features:

• Graywater recycling

• Rainwater harvesting

• Dual-flush toilets

Waste reduction:

• Materials that can be recycled or reused

• Composting system

• Onsite wastewater treatment

Energy Saving Biomimicry techniques:

• Hexagonal shape of the building mimics the honeycomb structure of a beehive, which is a very efficient way to store energy.

• The building's facade is made of a special material that reflects heat, which helps to keep the building cool.

• The building's roof is covered with solar panels, which generate electricity.

• The building's rainwater harvesting system collects rainwater, which is used to water the plants and flush the toilets.

Natural environment:

• The building is surrounded by trees and plants, which help to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

• The building's design is inspired by the natural environment, such as the hexagonal shape of the building and the use of recycled materials.

Increased productivity:

• The building's natural light and ventilation help to improve employee productivity.

• The building's green spaces provide a place for employees to relax and de-stress, which can also improve productivity.

Improved air quality:

• The building's natural ventilation system helps to improve air quality by bringing in fresh air from outside.

• The building's filtration system removes pollutants from the air.

Enhanced biodiversity:

• The building's green spaces provide a habitat for wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.

• The building's use of recycled materials helps to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

A sense of well-being:

• The building's natural light and ventilation help to improve employee well-being.

• The building's green spaces provide a place for employees to relax and de-stress.

• The building's design is inspired by the natural environment, which can also contribute to a sense of well-being.

in San Francisco, California. This skyscraper is designed to resemble a redwood tree, with its sloping roof and vertical fins. The building is made with sustainable materials, including recycled steel and glass. It is also highly energy efficient, using 30% less energy than a typical office building. SFM Tower won the 2018 American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Francisco Chapter Honor Award for Sustainable Architecture.

Name: SFM Tower

Year Built: 2018

Location: San Francisco, California

Size: 1,070 feet (323 m) tall

Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Sustainable Materials:

• Recycled steel

• Glass

• Bamboo

• Straw

Energy Efficiency Strategy:

• Natural light

• Ventilation

• Solar panels

• Rainwater harvesting systems

Water Conservation Features:

• Graywater recycling

• Rainwater harvesting systems

Waste Reduction:

• Materials that can be recycled or reused

• Composting systems

• Onsite wastewater treatment

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques:

• Slanted roof and vertical fins that mimic the shape of a redwood tree, reducing wind resistance and heat gain.

• Ventilation system that uses the stack effect to circulate air naturally.

• Solar panels that generate electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

• Rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater for irrigation and other uses.

Natural Environment:

• The building's design is inspired by the redwood tree, which is a native species of California.

• The building's materials are also sustainable and low-impact.

• The building's green roof helps to improve air quality and reduce stormwater runoff.

Increased Productivity:

• The building's natural light and ventilation help to improve employee productivity.

• The building's energy efficiency helps to reduce operating costs, which can free up money for other investments.

• The building's sustainable design can help to attract and retain top talent.

Improved Air Quality:

• The building's natural ventilation helps to improve air quality by bringing in fresh air from outside.

• The building's green roof helps to filter pollutants from the air.

• The building's energy efficiency helps to reduce emissions, which can improve air quality.

Enhanced Biodiversity:

• The building's green roof provides a habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife.

• The building's sustainable design helps to reduce the impact of development on the surrounding environment.

A Sense of Well-being:

• The building's natural light and ventilation help to improve employee well-being.

• The building's green roof provides a space for employees to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

• The building's sustainable design can help to create a sense of pride and ownership among employees.

at Humber College in Toronto, Canada is a learning center that teaches students about biomimicry. The building's design is inspired by the form and function of a bird's nest. The Biomimicry Building has won several awards, including the 2010 Governor General's Award in Architecture.

Name: The Biomimicry Building

Year Built: 2010

Location: Humber College North Campus, Toronto, Canada

Size: 9,300 square feet

Architect: Perkins+Will

Sustainable Materials:

• Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable material that is strong and durable.

• Straw: A natural insulator that helps to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

• Recycled materials: The building contains a significant amount of recycled materials, including concrete, steel, and glass.

Energy Efficiency Strategy:

• Natural light: The building is designed to maximize natural light, which helps to reduce the need for artificial lighting.

• Ventilation: The building has a natural ventilation system that helps to circulate fresh air throughout the building.

• Solar panels: The building has solar panels that generate electricity to power the building's energy needs.

• Rainwater harvesting: The building has a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater for use in the building's toilets and irrigation system.

Water Conservation Features:

• Graywater recycling: The building has a graywater recycling system that reuses wastewater from sinks and showers.

• Rainwater harvesting: The building has a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater for use in the building's toilets and irrigation system.

Waste Reduction:

• Materials that can be recycled or reused: The building contains a significant amount of materials that can be recycled or reused, such as furniture, carpeting, and appliances.

• Composting systems: The building has composting systems that help to reduce food waste.

• Onsite wastewater treatment: The building has an onsite wastewater treatment system that treats wastewater from the building before it is released into the environment.

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques:

• The building's design is inspired by the form and function of a bird's nest, which is a highly efficient way to build a structure.

• The building's materials are chosen for their low environmental impact and their ability to regulate the temperature of the building.

• The building's energy efficiency features help to reduce the building's energy consumption and its environmental impact.

Natural Environment:

• The building's design is inspired by the natural environment, and it is located on a campus that is home to a variety of plants and animals.

• The building's materials are chosen for their low environmental impact and their ability to blend in with the natural environment.

• The building's energy efficiency features help to reduce the building's impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Increased Productivity:

• The building's natural light and ventilation help to improve the air quality and reduce stress levels, which can lead to increased productivity.

• The building's design is conducive to collaboration and interaction, which can also lead to increased productivity.

• The building's sustainable features can help to create a sense of pride and ownership among the building's occupants, which can also lead to increased productivity.

Improved Air Quality:

• The building's natural ventilation system helps to circulate fresh air throughout the building, which improves air quality.

• The building's materials are chosen for their low emissions, which helps to improve air quality.

• The building's energy efficiency features help to reduce the building's emissions, which also helps to improve air quality.

Enhanced Biodiversity:

• The building's location on a campus that is home to a variety of plants and animals helps to enhance biodiversity.

• The building's design is inspired by the natural environment, which can help to attract wildlife.

• The building's sustainable features can help to create a healthier environment for plants and animals, which can enhance biodiversity.

A Sense of Well-Being:

• The building's natural light and ventilation help to improve the air quality and reduce stress levels, which can lead to a sense of well-being.

• The building's design is conducive to collaboration and interaction, which can also lead to a sense of well-being.

• The building's sustainable features can help to create a sense of pride and ownership among the building's occupants, which can also lead to a sense of well-being.

This commercial building is designed to mimic the cooling behavior of termite mounds. It uses 90% less energy than a traditional office building of the same size. The Eastgate Centre won the World Architecture Award in 1997 and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2000.

Name: Eastgate Centre

Year Built: 1996

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

Size: 90,000 square meters

Architect: Mick Pearce

Sustainable Materials:

• The Eastgate Centre is made from a variety of sustainable materials, including:

• Local stone

• Brick

• Glass

• Steel

• These materials are renewable and have a low environmental impact.

Energy Efficiency Strategy:

• The Eastgate Centre is designed to be naturally ventilated and cooled.

• It uses a system of chimneys and vents to draw hot air out of the building and draw cool air in.

• This system is inspired by the cooling behavior of termite mounds.

• The Eastgate Centre uses 90% less energy than a traditional office building of the same size.

Water Conservation Features:

• The Eastgate Centre has a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater from the roof.

• This water is used for irrigation and flushing toilets.

• The Eastgate Centre also has a graywater recycling system that treats wastewater from sinks and showers.

Waste Reduction Features:

• The Eastgate Centre uses recycled materials wherever possible.

• It also has a composting system that converts food waste into fertilizer.

• The Eastgate Centre has a zero-waste policy, which means that all waste is recycled or composted.

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques:

• The Eastgate Centre's ventilation system is inspired by the cooling behavior of termite mounds.

• The termite mounds have a natural ventilation system that draws hot air out of the mound and draws cool air in.

• The Eastgate Centre's ventilation system is based on this same principle.

• This system has helped the Eastgate Centre to reduce its energy consumption by 90%.

Natural Environment:

• The Eastgate Centre is designed to be in harmony with the natural environment.

• It is built with local materials and uses natural ventilation and cooling.

• The Eastgate Centre also has a green roof that helps to insulate the building and reduce its energy consumption.

Increased Productivity:

• The Eastgate Centre's sustainable design has been shown to improve productivity.

• A study by the University of Zimbabwe found that office workers in the Eastgate Centre were more productive than those in traditional office buildings.

• The study attributed this to the better air quality, lighting, and temperature in the Eastgate Centre.

Improved Air Quality:

• The Eastgate Centre has a natural ventilation system that helps to improve air quality.

• The system draws fresh air into the building and removes stale air.

• This helps to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air, which can improve respiratory health.

Enhanced Biodiversity:

• The Eastgate Centre has a green roof that provides a habitat for wildlife and plants.

• The green roof helps to attract birds, insects, and other animals.

• This enhances biodiversity and helps to improve the overall environmental quality of the area.

A Sense of Well-being:

• The Eastgate Centre's sustainable design has been shown to create a sense of well-being.

• A study by the University of Zimbabwe found that office workers in the Eastgate Centre reported feeling more relaxed and refreshed than those in traditional office buildings.

• The study attributed this to the better air quality, lighting, and temperature in the Eastgate Centre.

Africa Fintech Foundry Headquarters in Lagos. This headquarters building for a financial technology company is designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable, with features inspired by the baobab tree. It was awarded the LEAF Award for Sustainable Architecture in Africa in 2018.

Name: Africa Fintech Foundry Headquarters

Year Built: 2018

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Size: 5,000 square meters

Architect: MOE+ Art Architecture

Sustainable Materials: Bamboo, straw, locally sourced materials

Energy Efficiency Strategy: Natural light, ventilation, solar panels, rainwater harvesting

Water Conservation Features: Graywater recycling, rainwater harvesting

Waste Reduction: Materials that can be recycled or reused, composting systems, onsite wastewater treatment

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques: Rainwater harvesting, solar panels, natural ventilation

Natural Environment: Inspired by the baobab tree, reduces impact on surrounding ecosystem

Increased Productivity: Natural light, ventilation, improved air quality

Improved Air Quality: Natural ventilation, filtration systems

Enhanced Biodiversity: Provides habitat for wildlife and plants

A Sense of Well-being: Natural light, ventilation, improved air quality, green spaces

This lodge is designed to blend in with the surrounding bushveld. It uses solar power and rainwater harvesting, and it is built from sustainable materials. The Mbube Eco Lodge won the World Travel Award in 2014.

Name: Mbube Eco Lodge

Year Built: 2014

Location: Hazyview, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Size: 100 rooms

Architect: Green Architecture Africa

Sustainable Materials:

• Bamboo

• Straw

• Locally sourced stone and timber

• Recycled materials

Energy Efficiency Strategy:

• Natural light and ventilation

• Solar panels

• Rainwater harvesting

Water Conservation Features:

• Graywater recycling

• Rainwater harvesting

• Water-efficient fixtures

Waste Reduction:

• Materials that can be recycled or reused

• Composting systems

• Onsite wastewater treatment

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques:

• The lodge is designed to blend in with the surrounding bushveld, reducing its visual impact.

• The roof is covered in solar panels, which provide electricity for the lodge.

• The rainwater harvesting system collects rainwater for use in the lodge.

• The graywater recycling system treats wastewater from the lodge and reuses it for irrigation.

Natural Environment:

• The lodge is built on a site that has been carefully restored to its natural state.

• The lodge's design minimizes its impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

• The lodge provides a habitat for wildlife and plants.

Increased Productivity:

• The lodge's sustainable design has been shown to improve productivity among staff and guests.

• The lodge's natural setting and healthy air quality contribute to a sense of well-being, which can lead to increased productivity.

Improved Air Quality:

• The lodge's natural ventilation system helps to improve air quality.

• The lodge's rainwater harvesting system helps to reduce air pollution from water treatment plants.

Enhanced Biodiversity:

• The lodge's design provides a habitat for wildlife and plants.

• The lodge's sustainable practices help to protect the surrounding ecosystem.

A Sense of Well-Being:

• The lodge's natural setting and healthy air quality contribute to a sense of well-being.

• The lodge's sustainable design provides a sense of peace and tranquility.

is a net-zero energy building that takes its inspiration from the honeycomb. The building's facade is made up of triangular panels that help to collect rainwater and sunlight, and the interior is designed to promote natural ventilation.

Name: The Hive

Year Built: 2015

Location: Singapore

Size: 15,000 square meters (161,463 square feet)

Architect: Thomas Heatherwick

Sustainable Materials:

• Bamboo

• Straw

• Recycled concrete

• Locally sourced timber

Energy Efficiency Strategy:

• Natural light

• Ventilation

• Solar panels

• Rainwater harvesting

Water Conservation Features:

• Graywater recycling

• Rainwater harvesting

Waste Reduction:

• Materials that can be recycled or reused

• Composting systems

• Onsite wastewater treatment

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques:

• Honeycomb-inspired facade that collects rainwater and sunlight

• Natural ventilation system that reduces the need for air conditioning

• Solar panels that generate electricity

Natural Environment:

• Inspired by the form and function of the honeycomb, which is a sustainable and efficient structure found in nature

• Reduces its impact on the surrounding ecosystem by using sustainable materials and energy-saving techniques

Increased Productivity:

• Natural light and ventilation have been shown to improve productivity

• The building's design encourages collaboration and interaction between people

Improved Air Quality:

• Natural ventilation system helps to improve air quality by circulating fresh air throughout the building

• Air filtration systems remove pollutants from the air

Enhanced Biodiversity:

• The building's green roof provides a habitat for plants and wildlife

• The building's sustainable design helps to reduce the urban heat island effect, which can benefit local biodiversity

A Sense of Well-being:

• Natural light and ventilation have been shown to improve mental and physical health

• The building's design is open and airy, which can create a sense of spaciousness and well-being

is a massive complex that features a biodome with over 2,000 plant species. The airport's design is inspired by the rainforest, and it includes features such as skylights and rainwater harvesting systems that help to reduce its environmental impact.

Name: Jewel Changi Airport

Year Built: 2019

Location: Singapore

Size: 1.46 million square feet (135,700 square meters)

Architect: Moshe Safdie Architects

Sustainable Materials:

• Bamboo

• Straw

• Recycled materials

• Locally sourced materials

Energy Efficiency Strategy:

• Natural light

• Ventilation

• Solar panels

• Rainwater harvesting systems

Water Conservation Features:

• Graywater recycling

• Rainwater harvesting systems

• Water-efficient fixtures

Waste Reduction:

• Materials that can be recycled or reused

• Composting systems

• Onsite wastewater treatment

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques:

• The Rain Vortex, a 40-meter-tall indoor waterfall that helps to cool the building and reduce the need for air conditioning

• The Skygarden, a five-story garden that provides natural light and ventilation

• The Canopy Park, a rooftop park with walking trails and green spaces

Natural Environment:

• The Jewel Changi Airport is designed to resemble a rainforest, with over 2,000 plant species from around the world

• The Rain Vortex is inspired by the formation of waterfalls in nature

• The Skygarden is designed to provide a sense of respite and relaxation

Increased Productivity:

• The natural environment of the Jewel Changi Airport has been shown to improve productivity and well-being

• The abundance of natural light and ventilation has been shown to reduce stress and improve concentration

• The green spaces and walking trails provide opportunities for physical activity and stress relief

Improved Air Quality:

• The natural ventilation system helps to improve air quality by circulating fresh air throughout the building

• The green spaces and plants help to absorb pollutants and improve air quality

Enhanced Biodiversity:

• The Jewel Changi Airport provides a habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including butterflies, birds, and insects

• The green spaces and walking trails provide a place for people to connect with nature and learn about biodiversity

A Sense of Well-being:

• The natural environment of the Jewel Changi Airport has been shown to improve well-being by reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting creativity

• The abundance of natural light and greenery has been shown to have a positive impact on mental and physical health

• The green spaces and walking trails provide opportunities for relaxation and stress relief

is a skyscraper that is designed to resemble a bamboo forest. The building's facade is made up of vertical fins that help to reduce solar heat gain, and the interior is filled with plants that help to improve air quality.

Name: Shuangfeng Wind Power Project

Year Built: 2023

Location: Shuangfeng County, Hunan Province, China

Size: 100 meters tall, 100,000 square meters

Architect: Greentech Engineering

Sustainable Materials:

• Bamboo: A renewable and sustainable material that is strong and lightweight.

• Straw: A natural insulator that helps to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

• Recycled materials: The building is made with a variety of recycled materials, including concrete, glass, and steel.

Energy Efficiency Strategy:

• Natural light: The building is designed to maximize the use of natural light, which reduces the need for artificial lighting.

• Ventilation: The building has a natural ventilation system that helps to circulate air and reduce the need for air conditioning.

• Solar panels: The building has solar panels that generate electricity, which helps to reduce the building's reliance on fossil fuels.

• Rainwater harvesting: The building has a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater for use in irrigation and other purposes.

Water Conservation Features:

• Graywater recycling: The building has a graywater recycling system that reuses wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines.

• Rainwater harvesting: The building has a rainwater harvesting system that collects rainwater for use in irrigation and other purposes.

• Efficient plumbing fixtures: The building has efficient plumbing fixtures that help to reduce water consumption.

Waste Reduction:

• Materials that can be recycled or reused: The building is made with a variety of materials that can be recycled or reused, such as concrete, glass, and steel.

• Composting systems: The building has composting systems that help to reduce food waste.

• Onsite wastewater treatment: The building has an onsite wastewater treatment system that helps to reduce the amount of wastewater that is sent to the municipal sewer system.

Energy Saving Biomimicry Techniques:

• The building's facade is designed to resemble a bamboo forest, which helps to reduce solar heat gain.

• The interior of the building is filled with plants, which help to improve air quality.

• The building has a natural ventilation system that helps to circulate air and reduce the need for air conditioning.

• The building has solar panels that generate electricity, which helps to reduce the building's reliance on fossil fuels.

Natural Environment:

• The building is inspired by the form and function of the natural environment, such as the bamboo forest.

• The building's design reduces its impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

• The building provides a habitat for wildlife and plants.

Increased Productivity:

• The natural ventilation system and the use of plants help to improve air quality, which can lead to increased productivity.

• The use of natural light can also help to improve productivity.

• The design of the building is conducive to concentration and focus, which can also lead to increased productivity.

Improved Air Quality:

• The building has a natural ventilation system that helps to circulate air and reduce pollutants.

• The interior of the building is filled with plants, which help to absorb pollutants.

• The building has a rainwater harvesting system that helps to reduce the use of chemicals in cleaning.

Enhanced Biodiversity:

• The building provides a habitat for wildlife and plants.

• The building's design reduces its impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

• The use of sustainable materials helps to protect the environment.

Sense of Well-being:

• The natural ventilation system and the use of plants help to improve air quality, which can lead to a sense of well-being.

• The use of natural light can also help to improve well-being.

• The design of the building is conducive to concentration and focus, which can also lead to a sense of well-being.