A HEALTHIER
. . . D E S I G N E D
what makes a home, healthy?
By now we've all heard the statistic that we spend about 90% of our time indoors, with the majority of that time spent in our homes. Taking a holistic approach to the design & building process can help achieve healthy, sustainable and successful outcomes that enhance the health and well-being of the occupants.
Healthy home design can improve our health, our mood and our sleep. It goes beyond non-toxic building materials, clean construction practices and chemical free finishes and furniture; and incorporates our basic human need of natural light exposure, fresh clean air, purified water and a quiet and peaceful environment.
Taking a holistic approach to the building process has become our way of reaching a positive and wellness focused design outcome. Ensuring you have team of wellness experts that support the holistic design & construction approach ensures an aligned goal is realized.
7 foundations
of a healthier home
01
site location
For a successful construction or renovation project, assess your site's characteristics and comply with local regulations. Set a clear budget, prioritize goals like healthy air quality, and assemble a capable team of professionals and contractors. This approach ensures efficient and compliant execution while meeting your specific needs.
03
water: filtration & moisture
Prioritise water quality by conducting a pre-purchase water test or testing as soon as possible to identify contaminants. Install water filtration systems, preferably a whole-home system, for clean and healthy water throughout the entire household. In home design, emphasise effective moisture management through permeable vapour barriers, well-planned bathroom ventilation, and other considerations to ensure optimal control of moisture within the home.
05
comfort: thermal, acoustic & olfactory.
Prioritise balanced temperatures for optimal productivity while working from home by investing in effective insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and access to natural ventilation. Foster a peaceful and focused atmosphere by designing spaces with sound insulation, minimising noise sources, and creating a serene acoustic environment. Consider the impact of odours on comfort and well-being; manage and minimise odours through proper ventilation, elimination of synthetic fragrances, and use of non-toxic materials to create a pleasant and enjoyable home environment.
02
air: quality, purification & ventilation
Improve overall air quality by incorporating whole-home ventilation systems like ERVs or HRVs. Ensure proper ducted, mechanical ventilation in bathrooms. Optimise architectural design for passive heating and cooling, favour health-conscious materials, and mitigate pollution by isolating or ventilating garages strategically.
04
lighting
Maximise natural illumination by exposing yourself to morning sunlight before using artificial lighting. Opt for circadian-friendly lighting, with warm tones in the evening and bright, white light during the day. Strategically place key living spaces on the north side for continuous natural light, while positioning bedrooms facing east for morning sun exposure and passive heating in winter. Implement shading solutions to prevent overheating in the summer.
06
electromagnetic fields: EMF
Reduce EMF exposure by keeping electronic devices away during sleep, using wired connections, avoiding direct contact with wireless devices, and positioning beds and seating away from high EMF sources. Create low-EMF zones in the home, use shielding materials, and employ EMF-reducing devices to foster a healthier living environment with minimised electromagnetic field exposure.
07
non-toxic: building materials and household items
Prioritise health by choosing materials low in VOCs, free from harmful substances, and made from non-toxic ingredients. Research and inquire with manufacturers to ensure your selections align with health-conscious standards. During construction, maintain adequate ventilation, use air scrubbers during painting, and run HEPA air filters to enhance air quality. Additionally, avoid toxic chemicals in cleaning and beauty products for a safer living environment and improved overall health for you and your loved ones.
A Few Further Considerations: Sustainability and Community Alignment
Consider sustainability in your home's design by incorporating passive strategies for reduced energy consumption and choosing durable, eco-friendly materials. Enhance biodiversity with native plants in landscaping and implement waste management systems for responsible resource usage. Extend your impact to the community by supporting the local economy and respecting neighbours' privacy and sunlight access. Prioritise clean and healthy materials for the well-being of both you and your community. Integrating these considerations creates a home that benefits not only you but also the world around you. Crafting a healthy home requires careful planning and the right team, turning your vision into a reality that positively impacts both your well-being and the environment.
HEALTHY HOME CHECKLIST
If you would like more information, download our helpful healthy home checklist for action steps you can take today.