Introduction

We are living in a time of overlapping crises

In the wake of a global pandemic, we are witnessing concurrent stresses on our financial, social, environmental and health systems; and we are learning just how interconnected these systems are.

And yet, through these stresses we have an opportunity to reconcile, rather than compromise. In the words of Introba Principal, Mary Casey, we may harmonise these tensions into new solutions where “unseen and unrealised potential is revealed”1

As we grapple with this challenge, we are reminded that nature has provided us with a blueprint for success. Reconciling these tensions is something that the natural world — in all its complexity — excels at.

Breathable buildings are grounded in the belief that the built environment should function as an extension of the natural environment, supporting human health and wellbeing by drawing inspiration from the beneficial characteristics of natural ecosystems.

By integrating natural ventilation, daylighting and biophilic design principles, breathable buildings can enhance indoor air quality, increase operational resilience, and improve occupant satisfaction and productivity.

This study is a collaboration between two global engineering

1 Read more on The Law of Three in Mary Casey’s Resonances essay: https://www.introba.com/news/resonances-regenerative-practice firms — Introba and Eckersley O’Callaghan — who share a commitment to advancing sustainable, resilient, and healthy building design. Drawing on our combined expertise and experience, we have developed a framework for designing and delivering breathable buildings to provide occupants with a greater connection to the outdoors.

This study explores breathable buildings through two lenses: why and how. In doing so, we discuss the value proposition and key challenges that commonly present themselves when delivering these buildings. It is intended to:

Support the business case for natural ventilation by articulating the social, environmental, and financial benefits of a breathable building

Provide guidance on procurement and integration to streamline the design and development process

Provide technical guidance for design teams to navigate challenges of natural ventilation system design

Remember that we inhabit a world of complex, interconnected systems. Breathable buildings are just one of a range of tools at our disposal.

We hope this study will spark meaningful discussions and inspire new approaches to building design that prioritise occupant health and wellbeing. We invite you to join us in this important conversation and to work together towards a future where all buildings contribute to better financial, social, environmental and health outcomes.