Building with Nature: Real Projects, Real Impact.

What happens when you bring ancient wisdom, deep ecological thinking, and cutting-edge technology together under one roof—literally? Watch the recording of the LinkedIn Live conversation with Moein Nodehi , founder of BIOTONOMY , and a pioneer in Nature-Based Architecture. Be sure to watch the recording and read the highlights below.

Join the Waitlist to join next Biotonomy's Nature Based Architecture Course!

What Is Nature-Based Architecture?

Nature-Based Architecture is more than a trend or aesthetic. It’s a paradigm shift. Rather than tacking greenery onto buildings, this approach designs buildings as regenerative systems. Imagine homes that:

• Capture and recycle water
• Produce food
• Regulate temperature passively
• Generate renewable energy
• Support biodiversity
• And even feed the soil they stand on

Moein explained how Biotonomy began with autonomous buildings—structures that:

• Heat and cool themselves naturally
• Harvest and purify their own water
• Treat and recycle their wastewater
• Produce their own food
• Generate solar energy
• Regenerate local ecosystems

These buildings don’t just “sustain”—they contribute. They work with nature instead of against it.

Biotonomy has also developed systems that reuse wastewater from showers and sinks to nourish green roofs and walls. These systems:

• Cut water use by up to 75%
• Boost energy efficiency by up to 30%
• Improve mental wellbeing
• And increase property value by up to 20%

From urban wetlands that recycle water naturally to vertical green walls that purify air and provide insulation, Biotonomy is redefining what’s possible in city infrastructure.

Ancient Energies, Modern Tech

We also touched on the intersection of ancient earth wisdom and modern innovation. I shared my fascination with Ley Lines—those energetic veins beneath the earth that ancient cultures used to site temples and sacred architecture.

Moein echoed that reverence, highlighting how ancient cooling techniques and observations of animal behavior can inform smarter, more responsive architecture today. At Biotonomy, this dual respect for science and spirit fuels their design process.

Nature has already solved many of the challenges we face—we just need to listen.

From Greenwashing to Regeneration

One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when we addressed a growing frustration: greenwashing. Too often, developers slap a green wall onto a building and call it “sustainable.” But true ecological design requires:

• Systems thinking
• Local adaptation
• Long-term performance
• And a genuine commitment to regeneration, not just optics

True ecological design requires more than aesthetics. It requires a systems-thinking approach that balances form, function, and future.

Moein made it clear: It’s not about looking good in a rendering—it’s about working for generations to come.

This means selecting the right climate-adapted plants, collaborating with local communities, and creating standards that support circular systems and water reuse.

A Call for Courage and Curiosity

We closed our conversation on a hopeful (and honest) note. Regenerative design isn’t perfect—and that’s okay.

Progress doesn’t come from waiting for perfect solutions. It comes from failing forward.

Yes, mistakes will be made. But with each example, we learn what works—and what doesn’t. As Moein put it: once people get a taste of this way of living, they don’t go back. It’s more resilient. More connected. More alive.

Before wrapping up, I asked Moein one last fun question: “What’s something you’ll never look at the same way again after studying nature?” His answer? You’ll have to watch the replay 😉

If you’re curious about learning more, I highly recommend checking out Biotonomy’s course: 👉 Learn How To Build with Nature-Based Architecture (I’m taking it myself—it’s an incredible resource.) Or, join the Waitlist to join next Biotonomy's Nature Based Architecture Course!

Follow BIOTONOMY and the Biophilic Design LinkedIn Community for more insights like this. Let’s build a world where every structure gives more than it takes. 🌍💚

Author: Alexandra B. Founder, Biophilic Design Community | Biophilic Design + Biomimicry Advocate | Mother, Storyteller, Systems Thinker