Why MgO Boards Are Essential for Modern Biophilic Architecture in 2025

JP Group MagMatrix Brand
Jul 9
16 min read

The building industry is expected to generate nearly 2.2 billion tons of waste by 2025. This makes eco-friendly materials, such as MGO board, crucial for responsible construction. The production of concrete contributes significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions due to its energy-intensive manufacturing process. We need better building methods, and magnesium oxide mgo board stands out as a great choice that creates less greenhouse gas and needs less energy.

Let me explain what the MGO board really is. These innovative panels are made from natural, abundant resources and can also be recycled. The benefits of mgo board compared to drywall and other traditional materials are clear - these boards resist fire, moisture, and noise really well. The boards blend seamlessly with nature-inspired design principles that connect buildings to their surroundings. Building projects that utilize MGO wallboard can incorporate rainwater systems and create spaces that conserve energy. These spaces reduce their environmental footprint and still keep people comfortable. Additionally, these designs seamlessly integrate buildings with their surroundings, encouraging people to connect with nature.

This piece will show you why MgO boards are becoming key parts of modern nature-inspired architecture and how they help create eco-friendly, healthy spaces we'll need tomorrow.

Jinpeng Group -- MagMatrix BMSC 517 New Sulfate MGO Boards for the Exterior Fire Rated & Structural Rated Exterior Wall Sheathing Panels

Understanding Biophilic Architecture in 2025

Biophilic design has brought about a radical shift in our approach to architecture in 2025. This concept stems from our natural connection to nature and has grown from a slight trend to an architectural must-have. Research indicates that 60% of experts anticipate that nature-integrated home design will be a leading trend in interior design in 2025. Our bodies still crave connection with nature, despite all our tech advances.

Natural Integration in Urban Design

Biophilic architecture seeks to integrate our urban environments with nature. This need becomes crucial, as World Health Organization data shows that people spend about 90% of their time inside buildings. As cities grow larger, incorporating natural elements becomes more than just aesthetically pleasing—it's a psychological necessity.

Natural elements have become standard features in biophilic design for 2025. Green walls and indoor plants are no longer unusual sights. Large windows let in plenty of sunlight, helping people feel connected to the outdoors. Materials like wood, stone, and bamboo add warmth and a sense of groundedness that artificial materials can't provide.

Modern biophilic design follows these principles:

Direct experience with nature through environmental features like plants, water elements, and natural lighting
Spatial configurations that mimic natural settings, creating refuge spaces and prospect views
Natural analogs that incorporate textures, patterns, and materials found in nature

These principles align perfectly with eco-friendly magnesium oxide (MGO) board applications. MGO wall board fits nicely in biophilic spaces due to its natural composition and green properties. The material works great for curved designs that mirror natural forms—a key feature of biophilic spaces in 2025.

Health and Wellness Benefits of Biophilic Spaces

Science supports the rise of biophilic architecture with solid evidence on human health. Studies have proven that incorporating biophilic elements can reduce stress by 15% and increase productivity. These benefits are now well-documented facts rather than theories.

Mental health improvements stand out as the most important benefits. Research on biophilic indoor spaces reveals that incorporating nature-based practices can reduce anxiety, making people happier and more relaxed. Natural elements also help decrease depression symptoms and improve brain function.

Physical health gains pack an equal punch. Indoor plants in biophilic spaces clean the air by removing pollutants. People in green-certified buildings score better on cognitive tests than those in regular buildings. Natural elements create spaces that support our body's needs.

These wellness benefits show up in different settings:

Workplaces: Biophilic offices boost productivity by 38% and well-being by 47%
Healthcare: Patients recover faster after surgery when they can see nature
Education: Students focus better, remember more, and behave better in biophilic classrooms

The MGO board's advantages become clear when considering moisture needs in biophilic spaces. Many biophilic designs use water features or need higher humidity for plants. Mgo board's excellent moisture resistance makes it better suited than traditional materials like drywall.

The difference between the mgo board vs drywall stands out more in 2025's biophilic projects. Mgo board resists mold and moisture damage better, making it perfect for creating healthy, nature-connected spaces. It maintains good air quality while supporting the visual and physical connections to nature that define modern biophilic architecture.

What is MgO Board and Why Does It Matter

Magnesium oxide boards are versatile construction materials that line up perfectly with biophilic design principles. Architects and builders who want materials that support nature-integrated spaces need to understand the composition and performance characteristics of these innovative panels.

Magnesium Oxide Composition and Manufacturing

What exactly is the MGO board? At its core, it's a construction panel that has magnesium oxide (MgO) as its main component. This mineral-based compound forms when magnesium and oxygen combine under specific pressure and heat conditions. The board has approximately 50% magnesium oxide as its primary structural component, which lends it exceptional strength. A binding agent makes up roughly 40%, and various fillers account for the remaining 10% to improve specific properties.

These fillers each play unique roles in the board's performance:

Wood dust/fiber: Adds flexibility and prevents cracking
Perlite: Reduces weight while improving thermal insulation
Fiberglass mesh: Enhances tensile strength and impact resistance
Non-woven fabric: Improves moisture resistance and surface consistency

Raw material sourcing kicks off the manufacturing process. Magnesium oxide comes from three primary sources: magnesium carbonate (magnesite), magnesium chloride-enriched brine, or seawater. Manufacturers then transform these materials through calcination—a controlled high-temperature heating process that removes impurities and carbon dioxide.

The production continues with several precise steps:

Mixing the magnesium oxide with binders and fillers to form a homogeneous paste
Pouring this mixture into molds to shape the boards
Applying high-pressure pressing to compact and strengthen the material
Curing the boards through natural drying or controlled heat
Cutting and finishing the boards to the desired specifications

This process uses 25-50% less energy than producing Portland cement or calcium hydroxide. MGO wallboard proves substantially more eco-friendly than many traditional construction materials.

Chloride-Free vs Sulfate-Based MgO Boards

Mgo board manufacturing comes in two distinct varieties, each offering unique properties for biophilic applications. The binding agents make the difference: magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) or magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄).

Magnesium chloride-based boards, known as MOC (magnesium oxychloride), are the original and most common type. Light-burned MgO mixed with concentrated magnesium chloride brine creates these boards. They're accessible to more people, but have one big drawback—they tend to absorb moisture from their environment. This moisture-loving quality can cause "sweating" or surface crystallization in humid conditions common in biophilic spaces.

Magnesium sulfate-based boards (MOS) are more effective in moisture-rich environments. These boards, developed in 1891 as an alternative to Sorel's oxychloride, stay structurally sound even at 90% relative humidity. This feature is crucial for biophilic designs that incorporate indoor plants, water features, and elevated moisture levels.

The two formulations differ beyond just handling moisture:

Corrosion Resistance: Chloride ions can corrode metals, such as steel studs, nails, and other building materials. Sulfate-based boards don't have this risk since they're chloride-free. This makes them ideal for long-term use in biophilic buildings where metal components must stay strong. Jinpeng Group, with its MagMatrix brand, is the most innovative of the BMSC 517 new sulfate MGO boards, which is a totally chlorine-free and most advanced new sulfate MGO board for the exterior wall sheathing, subfloor sheathing, and roofing sheathing panels.

Environmental Impact: Both types are eco-friendly, free from asbestos, formaldehyde, ammonia, silica, and benzene. Despite this, sulfate-based boards gained popularity after 2010, when Denmark experienced over €100 million in damage from moisture-affected chloride-based boards.

Comparing the MGO board and drywall for biophilic uses shows clear advantages. Regular drywall can't handle the moisture needed for nature-integrated spaces and often develops mold in humid environments. Well-made sulfate-based MgO boards maintain their strength while supporting the higher humidity levels that indoor plants and natural elements need.

Fire Resistance in MgO Boards for Safer Indoor Environments

Safety plays a crucial role in modern architecture, and fire resistance is a key consideration when selecting building materials. MgO board shines because it resists fire exceptionally well. This makes it perfect for biophilic designs that need both safety features and natural elements.

Non-combustibility at 1200°C

Quality MgO boards have earned the highest fire safety rating possible - A1 non-combustible classification under EN 13501-1. These boards prove their worth by not burning even at 800°C. The boards show no visible flames at extreme temperatures of 1200°C.

MgO board's excellent performance comes from its unique thermal properties. During a fire, these boards:

Take in lots of heat during combustion, which slows down fire spread
Release up to 30 pounds of water as vapor to cool and contain flames
Absorb thermal energy and char instead of releasing toxic fumes

People get more time to evacuate safely thanks to these properties. Yes, it is worth noting that MgO wallboard systems with metal studs and rock wool insulation can resist fire for over three hours.

ASTM E136 serves as the gold standard to test non-combustibility. Materials must survive a 750°C vertical tube furnace for at least 30 minutes. Quality MgO boards don't just pass - they stay unchanged at temperatures above 750°C. These boards show zero flame spread even at 1,200°C (2,192°F).

MgO boards also excel in the ASTM E84 test (Steiner Tunnel Test) with perfect scores:

Flame Spread Index: 0
Smoke Developed Index: 0

This performance earns MgO boards the highest possible Class A (Class 1) fire rating for building materials. Multi-family buildings need stricter fire safety measures. ASTM E119 testing demonstrates that high-quality MgO boards can achieve 1-hour and 2-hour fire ratings in wall assemblies without the need for additional materials.

Comparison with Gypsum and OSB Boards

Fire performance differences become clear when you look at MgO board versus drywall (gypsum board) and other traditional materials. Gypsum boards offer some fire resistance but fall short of MgO boards in many ways.

Gypsum boards depend on water content to resist fire. Heat causes this water to evaporate, creating a temporary barrier. The boards start to crumble and lose their strength once this moisture is exhausted. MgO boards stay strong even during long fire exposure.

Smoke poses another issue with gypsum boards, which produce more smoke and potentially harmful gases in fires. MgO boards produce minimal smoke, enabling people to see and escape during emergencies. This feature becomes extra valuable in biophilic spaces with complex natural escape routes.

OSB and plywood fall even further behind:

Material	Fire Resistance	Flame Spread	Structural Integrity in Fire
MgO Board	Non-combustible; withstands 1200°C	Zero flame spread	Maintains integrity
Gypsum Board	Moderate; degrades with heat	Limited spread	Crumbles after moisture depletion
OSB/Plywood	Highly flammable unless treated	Rapid spread	Burns and fails quickly

Wood-based products, such as OSB and plywood, catch fire easily. Without special fire-retardant treatments, these materials help fires spread quickly. This creates real risks in biophilic designs that use wood elements. MgO boards can create a safety buffer around these natural components.

Architects working on biophilic spaces benefit from MgO board's superior fire resistance. These spaces often combine natural elements (many catch fire easily), higher occupancy levels, and complex escape routes. Using materials that resist fire well becomes more than just meeting building codes - it becomes essential to good design.

Moisture and Mold Resistance in Biophilic Settings

Building materials that can withstand changing humidity levels are essential for creating spaces that blend seamlessly with natural elements. Biophilic designs typically feature water elements, numerous plants, and natural airflow. These elements bring moisture-related challenges. MgO board becomes the perfect match for nature-inspired architecture in such cases.

Performance in High-Humidity Zones

The moisture absorption properties of building materials play a vital role in biophilic settings. Quality MgO boards absorb just 0.34% moisture while gypsum boards take in 3%. MgO boards retain their structural integrity even in the presence of abundant plant life or water features due to their low absorption rate.

Architects must understand the distinctions between MgO board types when designing moisture-rich, biophilic spaces. Sulfate-based MgO boards absorb 37% less moisture than their chloride-based counterparts at 95% relative humidity. Magnesium chloride naturally pulls in moisture from the air, but magnesium sulfate doesn't share this trait.

These differences become clear in ground applications. Chloride-based boards often start "crying" or "weeping" in high humidity. Water droplets with chloride ions form on their surface. This issue caused damage worth over €100 million in Denmark alone. Sulfate-based MgO boards stay dry under similar test conditions.

MgO wallboard's stability in the presence of moisture makes it valuable for biophilic designs. While wood-based products expand, contract, and break down when wet, MgO boards keep their shape and strength. They handle wetting-drying cycles - standard in biophilic settings - much better. After 25 cycles, quality MgO panels kept almost all their strength. OSB lost 40%, plywood dropped 9%, and gypsum fell 36-52%.

MgO boards work best in:

Bathrooms and kitchens with high moisture levels
Areas surrounding indoor water features
Green walls and plant-integrated spaces
Exterior-facing walls in coastal or humid regions

Impact on Indoor Air Quality

MgO board outperforms drywall in indoor air quality, a key aspect of biophilic architecture that aims to improve occupant well-being. MgO boards' mineral-based cement composition naturally fights mold and mildew. Their inorganic makeup doesn't feed fungal growth.

This resistance creates healthier indoor spaces. This matters a lot in biophilic designs where indoor plants, increased airflow, and higher humidity might otherwise help mold grow. MgO boards protect against mold exposure risks like breathing problems, allergies, and more serious health issues.

Lab tests prove that magnesium oxide MgO board makes almost no smoke and zero toxic emissions. These eco-friendly building materials have:

No formaldehyde emissions (meeting ASTM D6007-14 standards)
Zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on ASTM D5116-10 testing
Complete absence of asbestos materials
No toxic binders or crystalline silica

Regular options often release formaldehyde, a breathing irritant and known cancer-causing agent. EPA research links poor indoor air quality to serious health problems, including breathing diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

MgO panels work exceptionally well in all climate zones, without moisture buildup or conditions that promote mold growth. Even where panels meet insulation, the relative humidity remains below the 80% threshold required for mold growth.

The true worth of MgO boards in biophilic settings becomes obvious - they create spaces that support both nature and human health. Designers can build moisture-rich, plant-filled areas without worrying about structural strength or air quality.

Durability and Structural Integrity in Natural Designs

Structural durability is the foundation of successful biophilic architecture. The materials must keep their integrity while supporting nature-integrated design elements. Magnesium oxide mgo board stands out here with strength characteristics that traditional building materials can't match.

Load-Bearing Capacity of 9mm and 12mm MgO Boards

MgO boards exhibit impressive structural performance due to their substantial material strength, typically measured at 13.36 MPa. Even relatively thin panels demonstrate remarkable load-bearing capabilities. To name just one example, a standard 12mm thick mgo board with a #10 screw supports 16 pounds of downward force and an impressive 200+ pounds of sideways pressure.

Quality MGO boards achieve a compressive strength of 12-25 MPa. This makes them perfect for applications that need structural support. Architects who design biophilic spaces with heavy planters or water features rely on these boards' structural integrity.

MagPanel boards that are at least 3/4" thick show outstanding weight-bearing capacity. You can install them with standard 24-inch joist spacing. This means biophilic designs can include:

Green roofs with substantial soil and vegetation weight
Interior living walls with integrated irrigation systems
Ceiling-mounted plant installations
Heavy stone or water features affixed directly to walls

MgO board's tensile properties add to its structural value. These boards resist breaking under tension due to reinforcement with fiberglass mesh and specialized fillers, such as perlite or vermiculite. This feature is a great way to get better ceiling applications in biophilic designs, especially when supporting suspended natural elements.

The board's ability to resist bending forces without cracking—its flexural strength—beats traditional drywall. Tests show that MGO boards retain their mechanical properties even after years of exposure to harsh environments. Accelerated aging tests that simulate years of wear confirm this advantage, making them ideal for biophilic applications where stability is crucial.

Resistance to Cracking and Warping

MgO wall board's dimensional stability sets it apart from regular alternatives. The boards stay stable during temperature and humidity changes. This is vital for biophilic environments, which often have variable moisture levels due to the presence of plants and water elements.

Wood-based products often warp, rot, or break down over time. MgO boards are well-suited for use in challenging environmental conditions. Tests show that after 25 cycles of water immersion and drying, mgo boards kept virtually all their flexural strength. This is a significant development, as it means that OSB lost 40% of its strength, plywood dropped by 9%, and gypsum boards suffered reductions of 36-52%.

Impact resistance gives these boards another edge. With an impact strength of over 5 kJ/m², they effectively handle everyday wear and resist physical damage. High-traffic areas in biophilic commercial spaces benefit from this feature.

Looking at the mgo board vs drywall shows clear differences in how they handle environmental stress:

Material	Response to Moisture	Impact Resistance	Dimensional Stability
MgO Board	Minimal change in properties	>5KJ/m²	Maintains shape
Drywall	Deteriorates faster	Easily damaged	Warps and sags
Wood-based	Swells and weakens	Moderate	Poor with moisture

Real-world benefits go beyond theory. MgO boards work well for walls, ceilings, and subflooring in biophilic architecture. They resist cracking, warping, and breaking under typical construction stresses. This means they last longer with less maintenance.

The MgO board's most significant advantage in natural designs becomes clear—you can create structurally sound spaces that incorporate living elements without compromising building integrity. Environmental tests exposing these boards to various conditions show minimal changes in structural properties. This proves they're perfect for biophilic applications that need long-term stability.

Eco-Friendly Lifecycle of MgO Boards

Construction materials for biophilic architecture need more than just good performance characteristics to be environmentally responsible. MgO board offers compelling ecological benefits throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.

Low Carbon Emissions During Production

MgO boards create substantially lower carbon emissions than traditional building materials during manufacturing. The production process requires less energy, operating at temperatures between 600°C and 1300°C. Conventional materials, such as gypsum, require higher temperatures, around 1400°C. This temperature gap leads to a smaller environmental footprint.

The data paints a clear picture. MgO board generates just 340 kg of CO2 per metric ton. Traditional concrete materials release more than twice that amount, at 740 kg per metric ton. This 54% reduction in carbon emissions becomes even more crucial for large construction projects.

MgO's overall carbon footprint stays lower than calcium oxide-based materials, even after factoring in shipping distances. The cement industry generates 6-8% of global human-made CO2 emissions - more than the entire aviation sector combined.

Some companies have created patented manufacturing processes that work at room temperature. MgO boards can absorb 20–40% of their CO2 over time through passive carbonation, making them a unique building material.

Recyclability and End-of-Life Reuse

MgO boards stand out as 100% recyclable, making them truly sustainable building materials. These boards don't end up in landfills like other construction materials. Instead, they can be collected, cleaned, crushed, and transformed into new products.

The recycling process creates several environmental benefits:

Reduced landfill waste through material reuse
Conservation of natural resources by minimizing new raw material extraction
Lower emissions through recycled production methods
Better sustainability through circular economy principles

MgO boards have an edge over drywall - they're classified as "nutritional waste". Leftover material can boost soil nutrition when ground up. The board's composition allows safe burial in landfills without harming land, streams, or water bodies.

The magnesium in these boards serves multiple purposes. It can be extracted and reused in various industrial processes, creating a complete recycling loop. MgO wall board goes beyond construction uses, helping with soil remediation, wastewater treatment, and air emissions treatment.

MgO Board vs Drywall and Other Traditional Materials

Wall material choices can substantially affect building performance and occupant comfort in biophilic spaces. MgO boards and conventional materials differ from each other. These differences extend far beyond their simple properties and encompass thermal, acoustic, and practical installation aspects.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Comparison

Thermal regulation plays a key role in environmentally responsible construction. MgO boards show excellent thermal performance with a conductivity value of 0.45 W/m/°C at room temperature. The conductivity drops to about 0.12 W/m/°C when temperatures reach around 200°C. This adaptive thermal behavior makes MgO wallboard perfect for biophilic designs that face temperature fluctuations.

These practical benefits include:

Less energy loss through walls and ceilings
More consistent indoor temperatures
Reduced heating and cooling costs
Minimal thermal expansion problems

Sound control tests show MgO board and drywall are nowhere near alike. MgO boards outperform standard drywall panels at sound insulation. This happens because:

Their higher density creates better sound barriers
Their unique composition absorbs rather than transmits sound waves

Offices or educational facilities within biophilic buildings need good noise management. A 6mm MgO board delivers 29dB noise resistance, which proves its effectiveness.

Installation and Maintenance Differences

These materials need different installation approaches. MgO boards need specific tools such as:

Circular saws with thin carbide blades
Diamond blade plunge saws for thicker boards
Stainless steel screws to prevent corrosion

Drywall installation uses T-squares, utility knives, and specialized drywall screws. The finishing process sets them apart. Drywall needs joint tape, multiple compound layers, and sanding. MgO often skips these steps.

MgO board saves time because builders can use it right after installation. Drywall takes up to seven days for joint compound to cure fully. This time saving helps offset the higher original MgO board price through faster project completion and fewer labor hours.

Applications of MgO Wall Board in Biophilic Architecture

MgO boards have evolved faster from niche products to mainstream construction materials. These boards now serve multiple purposes in biophilic architecture, where their unique properties solve specific design challenges. Their adaptability makes them perfect for spaces that blend natural elements with built environments.

Interior Walls, Ceilings, and Subflooring

MgO wallboards excel as substrates for walls and ceilings in biophilic interior spaces where both moisture resistance and aesthetic flexibility are required. These panels create smooth, durable surfaces that work well with various finishes, including paint, wallpaper, and tile. Designers can create nature-inspired aesthetics without sacrificing performance. These boards work best in:

Moisture-rich environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, and indoor pool enclosures, where they fight off humidity damage while staying structurally sound
Educational and healthcare settings where their non-combustible nature and A1 fire classification keep everyone safe
Data centers and equipment shelters that need materials that don't warp or crack when humidity changes

MgO boards show impressive strength for subflooring—13.36 MPa in technical tests—and give exceptional stability under heavy loads. The installation is 30% faster than traditional gypsum systems because it requires only simple tools and techniques. These panels create a solid base for any flooring, from hardwood and laminate to tile and carpet.

Exterior Cladding in Green Buildings

MgO boards serve as effective structural sheathing, soffits, fascias, and trim work on the exterior. Although not completely waterproof, these panels resist moisture sufficiently to serve as wall sheathing in most climates. They're especially valuable for coastal projects because they resist salt damage while conventional materials deteriorate quickly from sea spray.

As roof decking, these boards can withstand temperatures of up to 750°C without failing, providing extra protection during fires. Their high impact resistance protects against harsh weather and creates a secure foundation for roofing materials in biophilic designs.

The comparison between MgO board and drywall becomes crucial in biophilic architecture that connects indoor and outdoor spaces. Unlike drywall, MgO boards stay dimensionally stable and don't warp when temperatures and humidity change. This stability is crucial to maintain living walls, water features, and other natural elements in building exteriors.

Conclusion

Magnesium oxide boards are leading the way in biophilic architecture as 2025 focuses on eco-friendly building practices. These remarkable panels give exceptional advantages that regular building materials can't match. They resist fire and withstand temperatures of up to 1200°C without burning, creating safer indoor spaces where natural elements can flourish. These panels also handle moisture exceptionally well, making them ideal for biophilic designs that incorporate water elements and numerous plants.

MgO boards' structural strength makes them even more valuable in nature-integrated spaces. Regular materials often warp, crack, or deteriorate when conditions change, but these panels remain strong even in the face of tough environmental challenges.

Architects can now design differently with biophilic elements. They can incorporate features like green walls and water elements without worrying about structural issues.

MgO boards are the foundations of biophilic architecture's environmental principles. They produce 54% fewer carbon emissions than concrete during manufacturing, and they can be recycled entirely. These boards also enhance thermal and acoustic performance, creating comfortable, energy-efficient spaces that foster a stronger connection with nature.

When you match MgO boards against traditional materials like drywall for biophilic projects, the choice becomes clear. The boards might cost more initially, but they work better in every way that matters for nature-integrated designs – from handling moisture and ensuring fire safety to lasting longer and benefiting the environment.

Without a doubt, MgO boards will become crucial in innovative architecture as we seek materials that support our need to connect with nature while addressing climate issues. These innovative panels do more than serve as building materials – they help bring the biophilic vision to life by creating spaces where people and nature live together in our built environment.