Biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for design, is a growing area of research in the fields of architecture and engineering. This is due to both the fact that it is an inspirational source of possible new innovation and because of the potential it offers as a way to create a more sustainable and even regenerative built environment. Nature provides a large database of adaptation strategies that can be implemented in design in general, and in the design of building envelopes in particular. The widespread and practical application of biomimicry as a design method remains however largely unrealized. Through literature review, and an examination of existing biomimetic technologies, this paper elaborates on distinct approaches to biomimetic design that have evolved. Biomimicry origins, levels and adaptation principles are discussed.It is hypothesized that applying biomimetics to architectural designs that incorporates an understanding of organisms' ecosystems' adaptive mechanisms could become a tool for creating a built environment that goes beyond simply sustaining current conditions to a restorative practice where the built environment becomes an adaptable and a vital component in the integration with and regeneration of natural ecosystems.