Commercial property specialists must stay abreast of current trends that could shape their future work. One is “hypostruction” — a method pioneered by design firm Caplow Manzano. Although that group currently applies it to residential projects, there are benefits of interest to those involved with other buildings, too. 

What Is Hypostruction and Why Does It Matter? 

Hypostruction comes from the Greek word for “less” and the Latin word for “building.” Those definitions explain that the goal is to apply a reductionist approach of creating more with less.

Many construction trends gain momentum when ongoing evidence indicates current practices are insufficient to address new needs. Such was the case when the Caplow Manzano team recognized Miami — the city of its headquarters — faces an extraordinary risk of rising sea levels, climate change and increasing rainfall. While taking inspiration from the successful species that survive by adapting to their surroundings, the designers developed hypostruction to increase the chances of homes weathering what the future holds.

The most notable aspect of this construction technique is it eliminates drywall. Additionally, those using it investigate ways to use more durable, less chemically volatile materials. Together, these decisions make structures more suitable for climates where high humidity and heavy rainfall could introduce moisture into a residence.

An internal study indicated ceiling and wall voids take up about 20 percent of a home’s space. However, besides interfering with livability, those wasted areas can become havens for pests while accumulating dust, mold and other factors that could risk occupants’ health.

Why does hypostruction do away with drywall? Although ubiquitous in residential and commercial builds, it is fragile and difficult to repair when damaged. Such problems can degrade structural integrity, compromising the potential return on investment. Additionally, structures with drywall conventionally have fiberglass insulation, which breaks down once wet.

Doing Things Differently With Hypostruction

Caplow Manzano representatives spent six years thinking outside the box when developing this reimagined method of designing building enclosures. Once clients choose hypostruction for their project, what differences should they expect in the results?

Another significant change is the plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems will be explicitly designed to remove inefficiencies and non-essential ductwork. Additionally, the insulation is inside the walls. This decision reduces the chances of health problems from that material and often increases energy efficiency.

Hypostruction’s principles facilitate repairs or updates to critical infrastructure, allowing people to proceed without destroying the ceilings or walls. This approach to design supports individuals recovering from events outside of their control, such as an office building’s unit flooding and damaging the properties below it. Whether such damage affects a commercial building, efficiently removing the water is essential for preventing mold.

Buildings constructed with hypostruction emphasize materials such as glass, concrete and metal. These are much more resilient to water than drywall. Prioritizing those options gives eye-catching results and could make it easier for occupants to deal with water damage.

Applying Hypostruction in Practice 

Professionals in the building, construction and design industries may feel curious about the potential of hypostruction but understandably want to know what it looks like in real life. It all started in 2020 when firm principals Ted Caplow and Nathalie Manzano discovered a pipe had burst in their dining room as they enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner. Dealing with the aftermath meant addressing soggy insulation, crumbling drywall and corroded wires.

That unexpected disaster caused them to think about the kind of home they wanted, concluding they would rather not stay in a residence with so many hidden potential hazards. The couple also became interested in the WELL Building Institute’s WELL Building Standard, which focuses on creating thoughtful and intentional spaces that promote human well-being and health. They eventually built a new home that was one of 25 entries in a pilot project. 

The abode has elevated concrete floor slabs and accessible plumbing, so there is no need to tear into walls if leaks occur. There is a notable absence of drywall and traditional air conditioning ducts, which can harbor mold. The home also features removable oak-panel walls and non-toxic finishes.

People who care about the environment will find plenty to love about this residence, with its whole-house water filtration system, electric vehicle charging station and rooftop solar panels. Also, the designers included proactive touches to promote resilience in a changing climate — the surrounding landscaping features hardy plants that require little watering and the residence sits on stilts.

Responding Proactively to Emerging Needs and Societal Priorities

Research shows flood days have increased over the past decade for dozens of cities in the United States. Although no one knows the future, planning for rising water levels seems wise, especially regarding something with as much inherent value as a house. Although Caplow Manzano’s professionals have only applied hypostruction to residential projects so far, nothing about the method prevents expanding its principles for commercial efforts.

Such a strategy could allow decision-makers to increase preparedness while catering to current or future tenants. It is easy to imagine people interested in renting office or retail spaces principles would appreciate the durable materials and reduced chemicals in a building made with hypostruction.

Some parties occupying the units could even connect sustainability and health aspects to their business models. For example, a massage therapist or the owner of an eco-living shop could capitalize on the hypostruction aspect by setting up their operations in spaces that reflect their broader values.

Mold can have surprising health effects, including some scientists have only learned about relatively recently. Researchers found moldy buildings, persistent organic pollutants and a host of other factors can cause people to develop chemical intolerances.

The results of respondents’ personal exposure inventory suggested toxic mold was the most common event to trigger chemical intolerances, cited by 17.5 percent of the participants. The study’s co-author also linked recent climate change and associated events such as heavy rainfall and hurricanes with increased indoor mold.

Commercial buildings made with hypostruction could become more compelling to tenants who care about their health and that of their customers. Additionally, the minimalist construction approach makes it easier for the building’s users to clean up after storms hit.

Hypostruction — An Emerging and Intriguing Option

Although those behind hypostruction have only used this technique in homes so far, it seems equally or even more applicable to commercial buildings since those usually have more people occupying them. Professionals should continue watching how this option develops and consider how they could integrate it into future projects.