Sometimes building small is the only option. Whether it be because of a small site, a lower budget, or just preference, living in a smaller space can have a lot of benefits, and there are many things you can do to maximize the space. We spoke to Lynn Georgens, a client living in a 400sf EcoNest, about her experience with small living in a Healthy Home.
Read MoreWhat is Building Biology? What is Building Science? Where do these fields intersect, and how do they differ? Can a home simultaneously support human health and environmental sustainability?
The answer is yes!
Read MoreFor a healthy home, furniture can go beyond avoiding harm and instead actively contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Our recommendations for healthy furniture include pieces with natural fabrics and solid wood, ergonomic designs, and natural breathable finishes.
Read MoreIn 2017, Alex Stadtner, a Building Biology colleague invited us to help create a healthy home for his client and friend, Geoff Henderson, who suffered from extreme chemical sensitivities. After a two-year land search, a property was located outside of Petaluma, California, and we proceeded to work on a design for him.
Read MoreMuch has been written about the energy efficiency of appliances. Since appliances account for as much as 30% of household energy usage, choosing wisely can greatly reduce energy consumption. But did you know that appliances can have an impact on the interior air quality of a home, electromagnetic safety, and your health? Here we have focused on health issues related to appliances selection.
Read MoreBesides avoiding things that can cause ill health, the best designs can also deeply nurture and enhance our lives and play a large role in creating a sense of well-being.
Read MoreIf you have the opportunity to build a healthy home from the ground up here are our top 10 design features not commonly found in newly constructed homes that, if incorporated, will create a home that is far more conducive to health than the standard real estate offerings now available. We advise you to challenge these mainstream norms if health is your goal. These can also serve as a checklist when looking to purchase an existing home.
Read MoreEverybody deserves to have a healthy home that is free from harmful chemicals, is resilient against mold infestation and that is wired and equipped to minimize electromagnetic field exposures. Unfortunately, current conventional building practices fall short in addressing harmful chemicals and often fail to prevent mold. As designers and builders become more aware, the gap between conventional and healthy construction is narrowing.
Read MoreYou Asked . . . Our topic this month is window coverings! It’s easy to get wrapped up in big choices when building your home and materials that seem less important get tacked on as an afterthought. Window coverings may seem like a small thing but they can have a big impact on a room, aesthetically, functionally, and from a health standpoint. This month we discuss some of ways window coverings can impact the healthy environment in a home and how to make healthier choices. We reached out to Marlys Wiegand of Adrette Window Coverings and shared her insight.
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