Bioconstruction Course

Lesson 1 • Historical and Cultural Roots

Traces vernacular building traditions that predate modern bioconstruction. Connects historical precedents to contemporary practice.

Lesson 2 • Ecological Systems Thinking

Introduces systems ecology as the conceptual lens for design decisions. Students apply ecological thinking to site and material choices.

Lesson 3 • Defining Bioconstruction

Clarifies what bioconstruction is, its core principles, and how it differs from green building. Anchors the entire course in shared terminology.

Lesson 1 • Integrated Site Analysis Report

Synthesizes all site data into a structured report that drives design. Students practice presenting findings to clients and collaborators.

Lesson 2 • Ecological Inventory and Zoning

Maps existing vegetation, wildlife corridors, and sensitive zones on site. Integrates ecological data into design zoning decisions.

Lesson 3 • Climate Data Interpretation

Teaches how to gather and interpret solar, wind, temperature, and precipitation data. Directly informs passive design strategies in later chapters.

Lesson 4 • Topography and Hydrology Assessment

Covers slope analysis, drainage patterns, and water flow mapping. Ensures foundations and drainage systems are sited correctly.

Lesson 1 • Stone and Lime

Covers dry-stack and mortared stone construction alongside lime binders and plasters. Introduces the chemistry of lime carbonation and durability.

Lesson 2 • Fiber and Straw Materials

Examines straw bale, hemp, and other plant fibers as insulation and structural infill. Addresses moisture management specific to fibrous materials.

Lesson 3 • Timber and Bamboo

Analyzes structural and non-structural uses of wood and bamboo, including grading and treatment. Connects material choice to structural design in Chapter 4.

Lesson 4 • Earth-Based Materials

Covers adobe, rammed earth, cob, and compressed earth blocks in terms of composition and performance. Establishes the material science behind earthen construction.

Lesson 1 • Foundations for Natural Buildings

Addresses rubble trench, stone, and earthbag foundation systems suited to natural buildings. Emphasizes moisture isolation between foundation and wall.

Lesson 2 • Earthen Wall Structural Systems

Examines load-bearing adobe, cob, and rammed earth wall design including thickness and reinforcement. Addresses seismic and wind resistance strategies.

Lesson 3 • Timber and Post-and-Beam Frames

Covers timber frame joinery, post-and-beam sizing, and infill panel integration. Connects timber framing to straw bale and earthen infill systems.

Lesson 4 • Roof Systems and Structural Integration

Covers living roofs, timber trusses, and vaulted earthen roofs with structural detailing. Integrates roof design with wall systems for complete structural continuity.

Lesson 1 • Natural Ventilation Strategies

Teaches stack effect, cross-ventilation, and wind-driven airflow design. Reduces cooling loads and improves indoor air quality without mechanical systems.

Lesson 2 • Moisture Management in Wall Assemblies

Addresses vapor diffusion, condensation risk, and drying potential in natural wall systems. Prevents moisture-related failure in earthen and fibrous assemblies.

Lesson 3 • Thermal Mass and Insulation Principles

Explains heat storage, thermal lag, and the complementary roles of mass and insulation. Directly informs material placement decisions in natural wall assemblies.

Lesson 4 • Passive Solar Design

Covers orientation, glazing ratios, shading devices, and thermal storage for solar gain. Applies climate data from Chapter 2 to optimize solar design.

Lesson 1 • Earthen Wall Construction

Provides step-by-step technique for cob, adobe, and rammed earth wall building. Emphasizes mix consistency, lift sequencing, and curing protocols.

Lesson 2 • Site Preparation and Layout

Covers excavation, batter boards, leveling, and layout for natural building foundations. Establishes the precision needed before any material placement begins.

Lesson 3 • Straw Bale Construction

Details bale stacking, pinning, notching, and mesh attachment for straw bale walls. Addresses moisture protection during and after construction.

Lesson 4 • Plastering and Finishing

Covers base coat, finish coat, and decorative plaster application on natural wall substrates. Addresses adhesion, cracking prevention, and surface durability.

Lesson 1 • Rainwater Harvesting and Storage

Covers catchment area sizing, first-flush diverters, filtration, and storage tank design. Connects roof design from Chapter 4 to water supply planning.

Lesson 2 • Waste Reduction and Circular Material Use

Applies circular economy principles to construction waste, salvaged materials, and on-site composting. Minimizes project waste from design through completion.

Lesson 3 • Passive and Active Solar Energy

Covers solar thermal collectors, photovoltaic basics, and battery storage sizing for small buildings. Integrates with passive design strategies from Chapter 5.

Lesson 4 • Greywater and Blackwater Treatment

Introduces constructed wetlands, biodigesters, and composting toilets for on-site waste treatment. Addresses health standards and safe reuse of treated water.

Lesson 1 • Community and Volunteer Build Management

Addresses organizing community builds, training volunteers, and maintaining safety and quality. Leverages collective labor common in bioconstruction projects.

Lesson 2 • Quality Assurance and Handover

Establishes inspection checklists, defect resolution protocols, and client handover documentation. Ensures long-term building performance and client satisfaction.

Lesson 3 • Project Scoping and Feasibility

Defines project scope, budget parameters, and feasibility criteria for natural building projects. Establishes realistic expectations before design investment begins.

Lesson 4 • Design Development and Documentation

Covers drawing sets, specifications, and material schedules required for natural building permits. Ensures documentation meets regulatory and contractor needs.