Built by Nature is a Dutch foundation with ANBI non-profit status, registered under KVK number 83326901 and based in Amsterdam. Founded in 2021 by Laudes Foundation, it emerged ahead of COP26 to promote timber and biobased materials in construction, addressing the sector's 40% share of global emissions.
The organization operates a network connecting developers, architects, engineers, investors, city leaders, and researchers across Europe. It supports over 100 organizations in more than 13 countries, including four national networks in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, with France and Germany slated for 2025. Its Accelerator Fund finances projects tackling technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles; early grants went to Holland Houtland's biobased housing model and Waugh Thistleton Architects' New Model Building for UK residential timber use.
In 2024, its prize drew 300 entries from four continents, awarding €250,000 to Singapore's Widuz for structural bamboo composites. Built by Nature also shaped the EU's carbon removal certification framework with input from pilot projects. Recent efforts include a 2025 prize for timber construction and partnerships like Bauhaus Earth's German network launch. Led by CEO Paul King and chair Donald Brenninkmeijer, it funds frontrunners such as Arup and Lendlease to scale low-carbon building practices.