Classification System

PRMS
Taxonomy

Four sequential levels of architectural maturity. Three node typologies. Three operational scales. A formal classification system for metabolic architecture.

Maturity Levels

Sequential taxonomy

Each level is a threshold, not a label. A system advances through demonstrated operational performance, not design intent or certification compliance.

01

Sustentable

Baseline compliance with sustainability standards. Reduces resource consumption relative to conventional construction without achieving meaningful autonomy. Equivalent to LEED Silver / BREEAM Good / EDGE certification threshold. Entry level — the minimum PRMS recognizes as a system rather than a conventional building.

Energy reduction ≥20% Water reduction ≥20% IoT instrumentation: partial
02

Eficiente

Significant performance gains through integrated system design. Energy and water flows are actively optimized. IoT monitoring is operational across all four layers. The building begins to behave as a system — not just a compliant structure. Equivalent to LEED Gold / BREEAM Very Good / EDGE Advanced.

Energy reduction ≥40% Water reduction ≥40% IoT instrumentation: full PEAR-ROI Score ≥0.50
03

Autónomo

The system generates most or all of its own energy and manages water independently. External network dependence is minimal. Continuous optimization cycles are established. This is the level demonstrated by SmartLiving Milenio III-308 (PEAR-ROI Score: 0.78, Year 1 data). No direct certification equivalent exists — this level exceeds the top tier of existing standards.

Self-sufficiency ≥70% Net-zero energy capable PEAR-ROI Score ≥0.70 Full metabolic monitoring
04

Regenerativo

The natural outcome of all metabolic cycles operating correctly. Energy generation exceeds consumption — the surplus feeds the grid or adjacent systems. Water cycles are fully closed. Ecological function is actively restored. Regenerativo is not an aspirational label; it is the proof that PRMS was applied with full integrity from design inception. Exceeds Living Building Challenge in measurability requirements.

Net-positive energy Closed water cycle Ecological restoration PEAR-ROI Score ≥0.90

Node Typology

Types of PRMS nodes

A PRMS node is any space that satisfies four functional conditions simultaneously: energy production, self-regulating climate, verifiable habitability, and real-time performance measurement.

Residential Node

Single-family or multi-family dwelling operating as a self-contained metabolic unit. Base module: 3.60 × 7.20 × 3.60 m. Primary empirical case: SmartLiving Milenio III.

Productive Node

Commercial, industrial, or mixed-use space generating metabolic surplus — energy, materials, or biological production — beyond its own operational needs.

Territorial Node

Urban district or community operating as an interconnected metabolic network. Nodes at this scale exchange surplus flows between buildings and interface with city infrastructure.

Operational Scales

Three levels of application

Scale Unit Primary flows PRMS instrument
Vivienda Individual dwelling or node Energy, water, thermal comfort, IAQ PEAR-ROI Score, IoT dashboard
Edificio Multi-unit building or campus Collective energy balance, shared water systems, mobility Aggregated metabolic index, node network
Ciudad District or territorial cluster Grid interaction, ecological corridors, material cycles Territorial metabolism map, surplus exchange protocol

Positioning

PRMS vs. existing standards

Standard Validation basis Real-time data Metabolic framework PRMS equivalent
LEED Design documentation No No L1–L2 Sustentable/Eficiente
BREEAM Design + some monitoring Partial No L1–L2 Sustentable/Eficiente
EDGE (IFC) Resource reduction targets No No L1 Sustentable
Living Building Challenge Net-positive outcomes Partial Partial L3–L4 Autónomo/Regenerativo
PRMS Continuous operational data Yes — mandatory Yes — constitutive L1→L2→L3→L4