In this episode we explore design practices, recommendations and resources for the healthiest products (materials, finishes, appliances, etc) to consider to improve the health of your home.
Our special guests today are Paula Baker-Laporte and Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest Architecture. Paula is the founder of EcoNest, an architect, building biologist, author and educator. Following a first-hand experience with multiple chemical sensitivities in the 1980’s, Paula has dedicated her career to finding healthier ways to construct based on the principles of Building Biology. Now in its 4th edition, Paula co-authored the industry staple “Prescriptions of a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders and Homeowners."
Andrea is an architect, educator and partner at EcoNest, where she also serves as a materials research specialist and develops protocols for finding, vetting and maintaining a database for healthy building materials. Andrea believes healthy, nurturing spaces should be accessible to everyone and consciously focuses her career on creating healthy and sustainable homes while bringing the practice of building without harmful substances into mainstream design and construction.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:25) What led you both to becoming leading experts and advocates for leading healthy homes?
(7:26) How would you define a healthy home?
(8:43) Why should people be concerned about their indoor environmental quality?
(11:01) What are some health conditions you have seen and know of that arise from being in indoor environments that have health hazards?
(13:50) From a standpoint of designing and building for health, what are your recommended DOs for remodeling?
(15:35) What would be the lowest hanging fruit that someone can do to improve the health of their home? So that after this podcast is over they have a takeaway to gain some health benefits from?
(16:54) In terms of air quality (ventilation, filtration, etc) how would you typically approach that for someone’s existing home?
(21:29) How much more will it cost to build a healthy home?
(27:00) What are the healthiest materials and finishes for the interior of a home?
(31:35) What are you seeing in the industry and environments around moving towards healthier spaces?
(34:57) What advice do you have for people when selecting furnishings and accessories?
(36:16) A lot of people are living mobile lives right now (airbnbs, etc). Is there anything that we can do when we are dwelling in spaces that are not our home to safeguard ourselves against health hazards?
(38:00) What are some things you recommend to people to keep in mind when they are purchasing home appliances?
(43:00) What is electromagnetic radiation and how do you recommend designing your home from that standpoint for better health?
(45:47) In terms of water supply. How do you recommend someone approach evaluating and designing their water system to ensure they are getting healthy water?
(48:25) In terms of your own homes, what are your absolutes for designing and keeping it healthy? And what are some examples of healthy materials and finishes that you have chosen for your homes?
(1:01:13) If you could snap your fingers and instantly get rid of one home healthy hazard globally what would it be?
(1:04:25) Closing thoughts
Resources:
EcoNest Architecture, Healthy Home Design & Consulting (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/)
Books (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/shop)
Paula Baker-Laporte & Andrea Allen Sis (https://www.econestarchitecture.com/about-us)
Disclaimer:
