What Is Building Biology? A Guide to Designing Healthier, Low-EMF Homes

As awareness grows around the impact of indoor environments on our health, more homeowners are turning to Building Biology: a field of study that offers a holistic approach to creating healthier, low-toxicity, and low-EMF living spaces.

Whether you're building from the ground up or looking to improve your current home, understanding Building Biology can help you make choices that support your long-term health and well-being.

What Is Building Biology?

Building Biology (Baubiologie) is the study of how buildings affect human health. Originating in Germany after World War II, it was developed in response to the rise of illnesses associated with modern construction materials and methods. The practice is rooted in 25 guiding principles that focus on air and water quality, natural building materials, radiation protection, and human-centric design.

Rather than just addressing environmental health in fragments, Building Biology offers an integrated philosophy: your home should support biological life, not disrupt it.

Why EMFs Matter in Home Design

One major focus of Building Biology is reducing exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), the invisible energy emitted by power lines, Wi-Fi routers, smart devices, and more. While the science around EMF exposure is still evolving, many studies have linked chronic exposure to potential health risks, including sleep disruption, hormonal imbalances, and neurological issues [source].

Building Biology consultants use EMF meters and shielding strategies to identify and mitigate exposure. This may include:

• Hardwired internet instead of Wi-Fi

• EMF shielding paint or materials

• Low-voltage bedroom design (especially for children)

• Thoughtful placement of breakers and wiring away from sleeping areas

Core Principles of Building Biology

The 25 Principles of Building Biology, developed by the Institute for Building Biology + Sustainability (IBE), cover a wide range of topics. Here are a few key areas:

• Healthy Indoor Air: Free from mold, VOCs, synthetic fragrances, and pollutants

• Natural Materials: Prioritizing wood, clay, and untreated fabrics over synthetics

• Radiation Protection: Minimizing artificial light at night, EMFs, and wireless exposureSound and Light Harmony: Designing spaces that honor circadian rhythms and acoustic comfort

• Water Quality: Using advanced filtration for clean, mineral-rich water

When applied correctly, these principles create homes that nurture the body in ways that conventional building practices do not.

How Hazel Solutions Applies Building Biology

Hazel Solutions is a consulting firm that helps homeowners, homebuyers, and builders apply Building Biology principles in real-world settings. We don’t build or design homes ourselves. Instead, we provide expert assessments, testing, and recommendations to help you create a healthier living environment, whether you're starting a new project or improving an existing one.

We work closely with certified consultants and partner professionals to ensure our clients avoid harmful materials and reduce exposure to disruptive EMFs. Whether you're chemically sensitive, EMF-aware, or simply want to make informed decisions about your home, Hazel Solutions can guide you every step of the way.

Learn More

Interested in a low-EMF, health-optimized home in Western North Carolina? Explore our 25 Principles of Building Biology or get in touch to schedule a consultation.