Exploring multi-level biomimicry in building façade construction

Abstract

The built environment consumes about 75% of the world's energy, and building facades are a key component in controlling heat, light and energy exchange. Biomimicry is becoming a popular design approach for sustainability, but its use at various scales in building façade design is not yet fully developed. This study aims to fill this gap by systematically reviewing the literature using Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and Emerald databases, using specific keyword searches to identify and analyse peer-reviewed studies. Based on the defined inclusion criteria (English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2025 on biomimicry and façade performance), a total of 46 relevant sources were selected. The review explores the potential for three levels of biomimicry – organism, behaviour and ecosystem – to be applied to the design of building façades to meet performance targets that include thermal performance, daylighting, solar control, energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Bio-inspired structures like cactus-rib geometry at the organism level can decrease the solar heat gain by 20-50%. The principles of termite-mound ventilation and stomata-inspired kinetic panels at the behaviour level can save 35% and 85.5% of energy, respectively, and enhance daylighting. Coral inspired materials decrease the embodied carbon by up to 48.76% at the ecosystem level. A conceptual framework is created that connects biological inspirations, levels of biomimicry and façade performance targets to a structured design instrument, which offers practitioners a systematic and evidence-based approach to bio-inspired façade design.