Soul Garden House | Source: ArchDaily
Winston Churchill’s words, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us,” profoundly highlight how our interiors influence our well-being and health. Recent studies indicate that an individual living up to 80 years old will spend about 72 of those years inside buildings.
This statistic is unsurprising when considering that most activities—whether working, learning, or engaging in recreational activities—take place indoors. In light of current events, including the ongoing effects of climate change and the global pandemic, this indoor tendency is likely to increase as people seek safety and tranquility within controlled environments.
Our mindset, physical health, and social well-being are closely linked to the materials and spaces we inhabit. Architects now face the significant task of designing interiors that are not only comfortable and productive but also healthy, by carefully regulating indoor conditions. This means paying close attention to aspects such as air quality, natural light, and the incorporation of biophilic elements from the earliest design phases. As humans spend most of their lives indoors—learning, resting, and creating—the need for well-regulated, health-focused environments is crucial.
Achieving this involves the mindful selection of healthy building materials, avoiding those harmful to health and incorporating non-toxic products that enhance well-being.
What are Healthy building materials?
Healthy building materials are those that promote well-being by minimizing exposure to harmful substances. Key characteristics include being non-toxic and low-VOC materials which improve indoor air quality.
Additionally, using bio-based materials, non-porous and incorporating natural elements, like stone or wood, supports a healthy environment. These choices also contribute to environmental sustainability, making spaces healthier and more enjoyable to live in.
Zen-Like hallway | Source: architecturaldigest
What are the invisible threats of Toxic materials?
Toxic contaminants are more prevalent in indoor environments than outdoors – they come in various sizes and compositions, with a potential to negatively impact their occupant’s health. These contaminants may include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), CO2, fungi and more, which can harm the health of the occupants. Even seemingly clean interiors can contain airborne particles when materials are not used wisely.
Fine Dust and Invisible threats | Source: Safeopedia
How can we incorporate Healthy Building Materials?
The choice of materials in interiors plays a crucial role in reducing propagation of invisible toxins. They should be selected based on its Non-toxic and low VOC value, Allergen- resistance, certifications and durability and so on. For example, opting for solid surface flooring instead of carpet can help minimize unhealthy elements. Designers should mindfully select materials based on their function and suitability, such as flooring, wall finishes and insulation, to enhance the space’s health and wellbeing.
Diversity in Materiality in a Co-working Space | Source : Arch Daily
Healthy Materials for Healthier Interior Spaces
Glimpse of a Healthy Materials Lab | Source: newschool
Here’s a list of materials that contribute to a healthier indoor environment, categorized into three sections:
- Non-Porous Materials These materials resist moisture and are easy to clean, helping to maintain hygienic indoor environments.
Natural Stone: Natural Stone is A timeless material known for its durability, natural stone is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable. It is non-porous, making it resistant to moisture, stains, and bacteria, which contributes to a healthier indoor environment and easier maintenance. Stones like granite and quartzite are naturally resistant to heat and moisture.
Natural Stone in Interior | Source: quarryStainless steel: Stainless steel is an excellent choice for healthy interiors due to its durability and ease of maintenance. It is naturally resistant to bacteria, Mold, and stains, making it a hygienic option for surfaces like countertops, sinks, and appliances. Additionally, stainless steel is non-porous, which means it does not harbour allergens or contaminants, contributing to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
One of a kind steel bathtub | Source: architecturaldigest - Bio-Based Materials: Bio-Based materials are derived from natural sources and are renewable and temperature regulators.
Bamboo Charcoal: Bamboo charcoal is a versatile material created through the pyrolysis of bamboo plants, making it more eco-friendly. It is effective at absorbing Odors, bacteria, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms and children’s rooms. Additionally, bamboo charcoal can improve indoor air quality by filtering harmful chemicals and pollutants, contributing to a healthier interior environment. Bamboo charcoal wood veneer is one of the most trending materials in interiors, which can be used in furniture, walls, flooring and so on.
Bamboo charcoal wood veneer panel | Source: JunpropanelIndoor Plants: While not a material, plants play a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance of any interior space. The Areca Palm, for instance, is easy to maintain and purifies the air by reducing toxins. It also adds humidity to the room, keeping occupants comfortable in hot and dry climates. Additionally, the Areca Palm acts as a natural air filter by removing airborne pollutants. Other beneficial plants include the Spider Plant, which helps remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air, and the Peace Lily, known for its ability to filter out common indoor pollutants like benzene, trichloroethylene, and ammonia, thereby contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
A space full of plants is always a delight | Source: domainDesserto cactus leather: Desserto cactus leather is an alternative to synthetic leather that can be used for soft furnishings. It does not emit toxic gases, as it is free from formaldehyde. Highly durable and wear-resistant, it is also low-maintenance and easy to clean.
Vegan Cactus leather | Source: architecturaldigestCork: Cork is typically associated with wine stoppers and pinboards, but it is also a versatile and rustic material for interior use. As a renewable resource, cork has a low environmental impact. It is particularly beneficial for creating healthy interiors due toits antimicrobial properties, which combat Mold. Additionally, its anti-static surface prevents the absorption of dust and toxins, making it an excellent choice for allergy-sensitive environments.
Nia School | Source: archdaily - Low Volatile organic compounds [VOCs] Materials with low VOCs minimizes harmful chemical emissions, and toxins promote healthier indoor air quality.
Solid Floor: Porcelain tiles, vinyl, and linoleum can help prevent the accumulation of fine dust particles, thereby reducing allergens in the air and improving indoor air quality for occupants. These materials are also easier to clean and maintain, which helps reduce the growth of bacteria and mold. High-traffic areas like offices and schools should consider these types of flooring to create a healthier environment for users.
Flooring that fits together | Source: contemporisRock Wool: Rock wool is popular for its insulating properties and is both easy to install and affordable. Made from natural volcanic rock and slag, it does not emit toxic fumes, making it a safe choice with anti-allergic properties. Its antimicrobial qualities help resist mold, rot, and mildew.
Rock wool as an insulation | Source: angiClay Wall Plaster: Most Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in materials have been major contributors to allergies and asthma in occupants. Natural materials and finishes, such as clay wall plasters, offer a better alternative to conventional plaster. They also help maintain a ‘Goldilocks zone’ by controlling humidity levels, which reduces the growth of fungi on walls.
Freshly dried plaster | Source: islandblacksmith
Since the Industrial Revolution, material advancements for both exteriors and interiors, such as insulation and soft furnishings, have often overlooked the potential harm from harmful chemicals these materials may emit. Today, healthier alternatives are available, making it imperative for architects to prioritize both human and environmental well-being. It is clear that good spaces should be inherently healthy, safe, and sensitive, but achieving this requires more than theoretical understanding—it demands actionable design strategies.
As technology evolves and people spend increasingly more time indoors, the creation of healthy interior environments has become essential. By selecting materials that are resistant to bacteria, antifungal, antimicrobial, easy to clean, and maintain, designers can create environments that promote holistic well-being and peace for occupants.
By embracing these principles and integrating them from the outset of design, professionals can craft interiors that enhance both the health and tranquility of their occupants, making the vision of healthy interiors a tangible reality.
References
https://bhutrastones.com/ why-choose-natural-stone-for-home-or-project-interiors-2/
https://www.materialscouncil.com/ wellbeing-and-design-materials-for-healthy-interiors/
https://biofilico.com/ news/ health-risks-toxic-building-materials-interiors