Case Study: Building a Low-Toxic, Healthy Home

12 Mar

Are you looking to create a healthy home that prioritises non-toxic materials and excellent indoor air quality? Let’s take a closer look at the Canopy CLT House, completed in 2024, which serves as a prime example of how thoughtful design can enhance well-being.

Canopy CLT House: A Commitment to Health and Sustainability

The owners of Canopy CLT House were committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for their family, choosing to incorporate as many non-toxic materials as possible throughout the building. The structure of the house is crafted from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), a sustainable option made by bonding Spruce timber planks with formaldehyde-free adhesives. The CLT panels are left exposed and uncoated, allowing the natural scent of Spruce to fill the space, creating a fresh and clean indoor environment with the comforting aroma of wood.

Understanding Non-Toxic Materials

While selecting non-toxic materials, it’s essential to evaluate potential Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) levels and consider the building process and addition of sealants, and other finishes that may introduce toxins such as caulking. Keep in mind that “natural” materials may still contain harmful binders, glues, or cause irritation such as wood dust, or silica in sandstone.

What Contributes to Poor Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality can be compromised by various factors, including:

Building materials, carpets, and furnishings (e.g., mattresses)
Home renovation activities like painting and building dust
Perfumed products (soaps, shampoos, air fresheners, cleaning products)
Office devices (printers, photocopiers)
Heating and cooling systems
Smoking
Gas fumes from cooking and heating
Lack of fresh air circulation

Solutions for a Healthier Home: Canopy CLT House Strategies

Low VOC Coatings: The finishes and coatings throughout the house were carefully selected to minimize emissions. Timber surfaces, such as skirting boards and high-wear areas, are treated with water-based finishes like Blanchon. For the painted areas, a low VOC paint (under 50g/L) was used to reduce exposure to harmful emissions.
Low-Dust Strategy: Cork flooring was installed, making it easy to clean and reducing the accumulation of dust. Additionally, burnished concrete and porcelain tiles were chosen for their low-maintenance properties, while carpets, known for trapping dust, were avoided. The HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) system further improves air quality by filtering dust and pollutants, ensuring no external dust enters the tightly sealed building envelope.
Gas-Free Appliances: The house is equipped with electric appliances, eliminating the risk of gas fumes. The range hood is fitted with easy-to-clean filters, ensuring proper ventilation while cooking.
Fresh Air Circulation: An advanced HRV system supplies fresh, filtered air to every room. The house also includes a dehumidifier and air conditioning system to maintain comfort during warmer months.

This approach creates a healthier living space and demonstrates the importance of thoughtful design early in the process to reduce exposure to toxic materials and improve overall indoor air quality.