Recently, TÉKA took effect in Hungary, defining binding guidelines for land use planning and building regulations. One of the most significant changes is found in section 8, item 9. According to this provision, the permissible floor area of new buildings or accommodation facilities may increase by up to 1.2 times the limit specified in the local zoning bylaw if the load-bearing structure is made entirely of natural materials, such as clay, straw, hemp, reeds, cellulose, or wood.
This regulation:
• Promotes environmentally friendly and healthy construction methods
• Increases the housing density of a given property, thereby raising its value
• Grants a clear advantage to construction projects using natural materials over conventional ones
IBN comment:
Péter Bíró, owner of a Building Biology Consulting Office IBN in Hungary, has received positive feedback from architects and building owners. The bar is set high, but other EU countries, including Germany, should follow suit and implement such a regulation as well!