A key priority in global urban planning and infrastructure development is the use of sustainable materials. For some time now, regulations have driven research and the adoption of biomaterials, aiming to reduce the environmental impact caused by traditional construction.
Sourced from natural origins but designed through eco-efficient processes, biomaterials present a solution to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency in buildings, as clearly demonstrated in a thesis by Kremer & Symmons (2022). However, their implementation in developing countries faces persistent challenges: from predictable economic constraints to the absence of adequate regulatory frameworks and a certain cultural resistance to change, as noted by García & López (2021).
What are biomaterials, essentially?
Biomaterials are essentially materials derived from nature which, once processed, are used to build structures like homes and buildings in a more eco-friendly way. These are renewable materials—often biodegradable—and, best of all, they integrate into the environment while enhancing it. Some examples are already reshaping construction norms: responsibly grown wood, hemp, bamboo, cork, plant fibers like flax or kenaf, and rammed earth.
Unlike cement or steel, which come from depletable resources, these materials can be cultivated over and over again. When they reach the end of their lifecycle, they don’t turn into toxic waste. Instead, they decompose naturally—like a fallen leaf—returning nutrients to the soil. They are also natural insulators.
For example, cork or hemp fiber help maintain a comfortable indoor climate—cool in summer, warm in winter—without the need for extra energy or heavy reliance on air conditioning or heating. In countries like Japan and Australia, entire buildings have been constructed using laminated wood, hemp panels, or compressed earth blocks.
Advantages they offer
Biomaterials are undoubtedly a viable alternative in construction. They are fundamentally essential to sustainable building. Hemp fibers, mycelium, biopolymers, and biomass ash, among others, are listed among the materials used to minimize ecological impact. Additionally, biopolymers are increasingly in demand as an effective alternative to plastics for manufacturing thermal insulation and cladding (Bashir et al., 2019).
On the other hand, bamboo and recycled wood, aside from offering high structural strength, stand out for their ability to significantly reduce construction waste (Fernández, 2018).
Resistance and performance in extreme environments
But not everything is perfect, one concern regarding the use of biomaterials in construction is their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain adequate structural performance over time. Infrastructure designs aim for long-term durability to reduce maintenance costs in the medium and long run. Some studies have shown that certain biomaterials possess mechanical properties superior to traditional materials (Sharma et al., 2021).
For example, cellulose reinforced with natural fibers has proven in both studies and practical applications to be an excellent substitute for concrete in low-impact buildings. In coastal and humid areas, biopolymers and coatings have been optimized to resist corrosion and maintain structural durability for decades.
Technology and advances
Emerging technologies and material optimization
The development of biomaterials has been driven by technological advances in materials engineering and biotechnology. The incorporation of nanomaterials into biopolymers has significantly improved their mechanical strength and insulating properties. This has allowed for the design of materials that are more energy and structurally efficient.
Recent research has shown that microorganism-based bioconstruction can produce self-healing materials, reducing the need for costly maintenance. Additionally, the use of fungi and bacteria in developing bioconcrete has opened new possibilities for highly durable infrastructure (Jonkers et al., 2017).
Innovative applications in sustainable architecture
Biomaterials have been integrated into landmark sustainable architecture projects, revolutionizing the way eco-friendly buildings are designed and constructed. In various regions across Oceania, Asia, and Latin America, bamboo and wood have been used to build modular homes offering thermal efficiency and seismic resistance (Fernández, 2018). In European cities, the use of microorganism-based bioconcrete has enabled the restoration of deteriorated infrastructure without human intervention, reducing costs and emissions, and improving the performance of older buildings.
And to complement that: A wooden building captures 2,700 tons of carbon per year and transforms sustainable architecture! In the heart of Australia, Daramu House breaks all the molds: it’s a modern high-rise built primarily from wood. Unlike cement, which emits tons of CO2, every laminated wood beam in this building has already captured carbon during its natural growth.
That’s why its wooden structure provides superior thermal insulation, dramatically cutting energy use. Certification from sustainable sources, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensures the wood used in its construction comes from responsibly managed forests, protecting biodiversity and forest ecosystems.
While conventional buildings are carbon bombs, Daramu House is a sponge that absorbs it, proving that green construction doesn’t have to sacrifice beauty or functionality. Daramu House is a breathing manifesto: a future where sustainable architecture and modern design coexist perfectly.
Daramu House in Australia
There are notable examples that support all of this, such as the work of Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, known for using materials like bamboo, cardboard, and paper in all his construction projects—whether emergency shelters, homes, or structures that express both aesthetic and function.
Another example is Mexican architect Javier Senosiain and his Organic House, a construction where architecture blends with nature, creating a space that seems to emerge from the earth, with biomaterials as the very essence of an organic and aesthetically harmonious design.
Cost and material availability
Despite the environmental and structural benefits of biomaterials, their implementation in developing countries faces significant economic barriers. Biomaterials have yet to reach an industrial scale that would lower costs and improve accessibility in emerging markets (Rodríguez & Mena, 2023). Additionally, transporting and storing certain biomaterials requires specialized infrastructure, which raises the cost of implementation. In some regions, the lack of government incentives and subsidies makes it difficult to invest in sustainable construction projects.
In other words: in many developing countries, adopting the use of biomaterials is no easy task. High upfront costs, lack of proper infrastructure, dependency on imports, and general lack of knowledge make this path full of obstacles. Add to that resistance to change, low investment, and the technical complexity of implementing new solutions. Overcoming these barriers requires more than a single effort—it demands a comprehensive approach that considers not only economic factors but also the environmental and social impacts at stake.
Regulations and market perception
Despite the advantages that biomaterials offer for construction, building regulations in several countries still lack specific standards, making large-scale certification and commercialization difficult. The absence of clear regulations and established quality criteria prevents the swift adoption of these materials in both public and private projects. Additionally, market perception regarding the durability and effectiveness of biomaterials remains a limiting factor for their acceptance in infrastructure projects (Sharma et al., 2021).
Conclusions
There’s no doubt that biomaterials represent a key opportunity for sustainable construction in developing countries. Their pros and cons are well known, but despite the challenges related to implementation, their potential to reduce environmental impact and improve structural efficiency is undeniable (Kremer & Symmons, 2022).
The development of specialized markets and the standardization of regulations will allow biomaterials to become a viable option for large-scale sustainable infrastructure. Achieving this will also require institutional awareness and commitment to pave the way toward the much-desired carbon-free future.
References
- Bashir, S., et al. (2019). Biological self-healing materials: A review. Construction Materials Journal, 15(3), 235-246.
- Fernández, J. (2018). Sustainable bamboo architecture in Latin America. Journal of Green Building, 14(4), 502-519.
- García, P., & López, M. (2021). Regulatory challenges in sustainable construction. Building Science Review, 29(7), 845-862.
- Jonkers, H. et al. (2017). Bioconcrete: The future of self-healing infrastructure. Concrete Science International, 19(2), 112-130.
- Kremer, D., & Symmons, J. (2022). Eco-friendly materials in contemporary architecture. Sustainable Engineering Journal, 27(5), 320-340.
- Liu, X., et al. (2020). Nanotechnology for improved bio-composite performance. Materials & Environment, 16(6), 755-779.
- Rodríguez, L., & Mena, R. (2023). Economic barriers in sustainable construction. Economic & Environmental Review, 35(1), 182-194.
- Sharma, P., et al. (2021). Bamboo as a sustainable structural material: Advancements and applications. Engineering Materials Research, 21(5), 401-420.
