Natural Architecture

Like the concentric ripples created by a drop in a pond, every action we undertake in the world reverberates through our surroundings, influencing not only ourselves and those in our immediate proximity but also shaping our broader environment, society, climate, and the entire ecosystem. Siman-Tov Einstein Architecture Studio views the planning process as the pivotal starting point in a sequence of actions whose impact on the environment needs to be considered.

Natural architecture is an architectural philosophy that aspires to minimize the ecological footprint of a structure and maximize benefits to the environment, to the building and to the occupants. 

Why Natural Architecture?

In today's environmentally conscious world, our choices—from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and our transportation methods—affect our well-being and the planet. We opt for organic, minimally processed foods, fair trade, and sustainable clothing, and prefer biking, walking, or public transport. Our living spaces should reflect these values, being pleasant, breathable, and natural. Buildings constructed with eco-friendly materials promote health and reduce environmental impact. Natural architecture not only creates harmonious living environments but also offers economic benefits. Studies show that such buildings can cut energy use by 50%, water use by 40%, and maintenance costs by 15%, leading to long-term savings and durability.

Who Needs Natural Architecture

Everyone. All human beings. Like all living creatures, we are products of nature, part of it, and it is a part of us. Throughout human evolution, our homes were always built from natural materials because, in nature, there is nothing else. Only when we began to prefer reducing costs at the expense of our physical and mental well-being did we start searching for alternatives. These alternatives release toxins during production, have high energy production costs, and continue emitting toxins for years after application, affecting our homes and our health. It's only natural that we return to our roots.

Just as all human beings need natural architecture, the entire world benefits from each person who chooses to build according to natural architecture principles. The advantage of natural architecture is not only for those who choose it, for those who decide to build a better, more pleasant, and environmentally friendly home, but also for all human beings and for the entire kingdom of nature. Such a building reduces our negative impact on the world.

How To Apply Natural Architecture

Different projects require unique considerations, allowing for the expression and implementation of natural architecture principles in distinct ways. We aim to implement natural architectural principles to the fullest extent possible in every project type.

  • Constructing

    Whether it involves construction with a lightweight steel frame ("light construction") or conventional construction on a site devoid of existing structures, all natural architecture principles can be implemented optimally. Following a comprehensive analysis, we plan the structure according to the site characteristics, considering air directions, natural lighting, and window placements aligned with the sky directions. After the initial planning, various green systems can be integrated, such as solar panels for electricity production or a greywater purification system. The frame construction is complemented with maximum use of natural materials (the structure itself can be made of wood, not necessarily concrete/steel). Upon completing the frame, finishing materials are chosen in accordance with natural construction principles and the desired atmosphere.

  • Retrofitting

    When renovating an existing structure based on natural architectural principles, a comprehensive site analysis is added to an understanding of the existing building's constructive qualities and how it can serve as a base for new construction. Utilizing the existing structure means less new construction and fewer material and resource usage. Moreover, the existing structure holds a certain atmosphere that must be preserved and even enhanced in the new construction.

  • Renovating

    During apartment renovations, changes to window placements and other factors are often limited. Analyzing the existing conditions becomes crucial, embodying various planning solutions. During the planning stage, it is essential to optimally apply planning principles based on air directions within the available options. As there are often no structural works in these cases, the entire construction is done with natural materials. Emphasis is placed on significant walls with natural insulation materials to create a better climate in the home. The most prominent principle in apartment renovations, where no structural changes are made, is the selection of materials and design. The choice of materials with unique characteristics or natural materials, when possible, is sought after. Complementary materials are chosen to harmonize with them, ensuring that, in the end, all materials contribute to the desired atmosphere, making the apartment a manifestation of natural architecture within a standard building.