Biophilic design represents a design approach that reconnects building occupants with nature, based on the concept that humans have an innate biological attraction and need to connect with the natural world. There are three levels to this approach: nature in space (direct incorporation of natural elements such as plants, water, natural light, natural sounds and smells); natural analogies (indirect references to nature through materials, colors, shapes and patterns that evoke natural elements); and nature of space (spatial organization that recalls natural configurations such as shelters, perspectives, mysteries).
Numerous scientific studies show that biophilic environments reduce stress by 15-20%, increase productivity by 8-12%, improve cognitive well-being by 15-25%, and accelerate recovery time in health care by 30-40%. The most sophisticated implementation integrates dynamic systems that mimic natural changes: light variations that follow the sun's rhythm, air flows that simulate breezes, aquatic elements with soothing sounds, and augmented reality technologies that amplify the perception of the natural elements present.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardized scientific approach (ISO 14040/14044) to quantify the environmental impacts of materials throughout their life cycle. The full LCA analysis considers multiple impact categories: global warming potential (CO₂ equivalent), acidification, eutrophication, consumption of nonrenewable resources, human toxicity and ecotoxicity, water consumption, and land use. This approach allows for the identification of materials with the lowest environmental impact, while also considering often overlooked aspects such as durability, maintainability, and end-of-life reuse potential.

This approach includes outdoor air sampling with analysis of contaminants such as particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, ozone, allergens, fungal spores, and radon. The analysis also considers local factors that may affect air quality: presence of busy roads, industrial activities, valley floors subject to thermal inversions, vegetation with high allergenic potential. The collected data are processed into dispersion models that predict how outdoor pollutants may infiltrate the building under different weather and ventilation conditions. This information guides key design choices: orientation of the building with respect to pollutant sources, placement of air intakes, selection of specific filtration systems for detected contaminants, differential pressurization strategies, and possible implementation of strategic vegetation barriers that can reduce the concentration of some pollutants by up to 40-60%.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling enables optimization of natural ventilation by identifying the optimal position and size of openings. For mechanical ventilation, CFD optimizes the placement of diffusers and return air grilles, preventing short circuits, stagnant areas or annoying drafts.

The latest generation of VMC systems go beyond the simple function of air exchange, becoming true integrated air handling systems. At the heart of the system are highly efficient enthalpic countercurrent heat exchangers, which recover both sensible and latent (humidity) heat, dramatically reducing energy losses. Advanced multistage filtration includes coarse prefilters (G4), fine dust filters (F7-F9), HEPA filters (H13-H14) for ultrafine particles, activated carbon filters for VOCs and odors, and final treatments with controlled bipolar ionization or photocatalysis technologies that neutralize bacteria, viruses, and residual organic compounds.

Photocatalytic materials are an advanced solution for passive indoor air purification. These materials contain semiconductors that, when activated by UV or visible light, generate highly reactive free radicals that decompose organic (VOCs, formaldehyde, benzene) and inorganic (NOx, SOx) pollutants into harmless substances such as water and CO₂. Newer formulations extend photocatalytic activity to the visible spectrum, allowing effectiveness even under standard artificial light. These materials can be applied as paints, spray coatings, or incorporated into a variety of substrates: plasters, wallpaper, textiles, glass, ceramics, and metals. The most innovative applications include furniture elements with self-cleaning and self-purifying surfaces, which maintain antimicrobial properties by reducing bacteria and viruses on surfaces.

Integrated biofiltering plant systems represent the technological evolution of indoor greenery, transforming plants from purely decorative elements to active components of the air purification system. These systems take advantage of the natural ability of certain plant species (such as Spatiphyllum, Pothos, Dracena, and Sansevieria) to absorb pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene, enhancing it through integration with mechanical ventilation. Air is forced through the root substrate, where maximum degradation of pollutants occurs through the combined action of rhizobacteria and mycorrhizae. More advanced systems use bioactive substrates with activated carbon and zeolites that enhance VOC uptake by up to 300% compared to conventional plants, and incorporate specific LED lighting that optimizes photosynthesis and purification processes.

Advanced water purification systems represent integrated solutions that ensure optimal water quality throughout the building. These multistage systems include: prefiltration (20-50 microns) for sediment and coarse particles; granular activated carbon filtration for chlorine, organic compounds, and odors; selective controlled ion-exchange softening to maintain optimal mineral balance; ultrafiltration or nanofiltration (0.01-0.001 microns) for bacteria and viruses; and, in the most comprehensive systems, selective reverse osmosis that removes specific contaminants while maintaining beneficial minerals. The most innovative technologies integrate energy-efficient UV-C LED disinfection or microcurrent electrolysis for residual antimicrobial activity without chemical additives. Multi-parameter sensors are used that monitor pH, hardness, conductivity, ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) and turbidity in real time. They can provide water with different characteristics for specific applications: ultrapure water for food use, mineralized water specifically for tea and coffee, softened water for bathing, and water with optimized characteristics for hydration with slightly alkaline pH (7.5-8.5) and balanced mineral profile.

Smart electromagnetic shielding represents a technological evolution from traditional shielding systems, combining selective protection and connectivity. These systems use innovative composite materials that effectively block potentially harmful high-frequency electromagnetic fields (>1 GHz) while maintaining permeability to frequencies used for essential communications. The most advanced materials include metallized fabrics with nano-filaments of silver or copper embedded in specific weaves that create electromagnetic "band-pass filters," shielding paints based on graphene or carbon nanotubes with selective attenuation (30-80 dB), and transparent window films with nanometer metal oxides that block RF while maintaining excellent light transmission (>85%). More sophisticated solutions incorporate controllable "communication windows", specific areas of the home where shielding can be electronically modulated to allow wireless connectivity when needed while keeping overall exposure low.