Sustainable house design begins with the primary decisions you make, from selecting plumbing fixtures to avoiding dangerous chemical substances and poisonous supplies. Inhabitat had the possibility to speak to the group at PJC Structure, primarily based in Manhattan, about creating sustainable house design at each degree of that design.
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What supplies or finishes do you keep away from utilizing?
Philip J. Consalvo, PJCA Founder: When choosing supplies, finishes or furnitures, we attempt to specify merchandise with low VOCs (risky natural compounds) to scale back the publicity to off-gassing from poisonous chemical substances over time. We encourage using low-emission paint, varnishes and cleansing merchandise that don’t include harsh chemical substances. It is usually beneficial to air out new merchandise, reminiscent of carpet, previous to their set up and use adhesives which are formaldehyde-free or comprised of sustainable and eco-friendly supplies.
Associated: Methods to make your house vitality extra environment friendly for a tax rebate
For bigger-scale tasks, we take into account environmentally-friendly supplies and non-toxic siding that decrease the discharge of poisons at excessive climate temperatures. We keep away from PVC, (generally utilized in constructing supplies reminiscent of pipes, flooring and vinyl siding) on condition that it will probably launch poisonous chemical substances when uncovered to warmth. As a substitute, we attempt to use alternate options reminiscent of charred wooden siding, a way that not solely helps to protect the cladding by sustaining its waterproofing and making it insect and fire-resistant with out the necessity to apply protecting coatings, but in addition gives a novel and interesting aesthetic.
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How can individuals combine extra sustainable design decisions into their house décor?
Juliana Sorzano, Affiliate: A sustainable inside house is basically impacted by its air high quality, which straight impacts the well being and well-being of its occupants. There are a number of practices that assist enhance air high quality, reminiscent of:
- – Bringing recent air into an inside house, both naturally or with mechanical help, is crucial to flush inside pollution. This may be achieved by ensuring home windows are operable and avoiding the blocking pathways between reverse home windows/doorways to permit cross-ventilation. Cross-ventilation is among the best and commonest pure air flow strategies.
- – Designating a “staging space” by the primary entry as a transition house from the outside to the inside. This helps stop pollution from coming indoors, contributing to a wholesome indoor air high quality. This can be a good apply that may be integrated [in] any house and could also be achieved by having a mudroom or, if missing the house for it, assigning a “transition” house close to the entryway the place footwear, coats and umbrellas are saved… a grate, grille or flooring mat can catch as a lot dust as potential earlier than it’s tracked inside.
- – Incorporating vegetation into an area not solely helps purify the air, but it surely affords psychological advantages to occupants by reducing stress and anxiousness, decreasing illness and serving to with focus ranges.
- – Changing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient lighting. LED lights use much less vitality and last more than conventional bulbs, which might help scale back vitality payments. Additionally, goal for vibrant lights throughout daytime to assist with focus and focus in rooms the place wanted (house workplaces and kitchens) however select heat lights for rooms the place a way of coziness is desired (lounge, eating room, bedrooms). Cool lights have a better focus of blue mild, which suppresses the manufacturing of melatonin, negatively affecting sleeping patterns. Having synthetic lighting on dimmers affords a variety of ambiances, enhancing the consolation and well-being of the consumer.
- – Search for supplies which are eco-friendly and renewable, reminiscent of bamboo, cork and reclaimed wooden. Additionally search for recycled supplies which are handled correctly for efficiency excellence, reminiscent of counter tops comprised of recycled glass, quartz and different minerals. If putting in small parts of counter tops, take into account sourcing stone remnants as an alternative of recent full slabs.
- – Substitute stone for metallic finishes the place potential. Take into account metal kitchen backsplashes. Or, the place an accent stone wall is desired, substitute for aluminum panels with printed stone veining. Aluminum is eco-friendly since it may be recycled a number of occasions.
- – Supply native merchandise and supplies that don’t have to journey lengthy distances.
- – Spend money on high-quality furnishings, constructed to final. Or purchase used or upcycled furnishings and décor objects, in a approach to assist scale back waste when potential.
- – Examine product labels and third-party certifications, and supply from respected corporations which are clear sufficient to indicate all parts of their merchandise and that prioritize sustainable and non-toxic supplies.
PJCA makes use of Dekton, a revolutionary counter materials often called a “technical ultracompact stone.” It’s comprised of uncooked supplies blended collectively and processed utilizing warmth and stress. This method creates a dense, sturdy materials that’s almost non-porous.
Inform us extra about Dekton. How did you study this materials and the way does it evaluate to different varieties of counters?
Philip J. Consalvo, PJCA Founder: We came upon about Dekton when it was first launched to the market via a shopper, who visited a showroom and got here again amazed about how scratch, stain and heat-resistant this materials was. Once we began studying extra about this materials, we have been stunned in regards to the sustainable traits it has.
Dekton’s end is extremely customizable and it is available in all kinds of colours and textures, together with stone and concrete finishes, making it a fantastic substitute to marble functions. Total, Dekton surfaces are recognized for being immune to abrasion, scratch, water and stain. Their sturdiness, energy and flexibility are making them a preferred selection for counter tops, flooring, wall cladding and facade functions.
Dekton’s price is decrease than marble and similar to quartz, however greater than granite. Its sturdiness makes it cost-efficient contemplating its low upkeep. Nonetheless, because of its hardness, it requires specialised tools for its correct set up, which can deliver prices up.
How can owners keep away from harmful chemical substances in relation to furnishing and adorning their properties?
Juliana Sorzano, Affiliate: Learn product labels to verify their chemical composition for flame retardants, formaldehyde and phthalates. Select merchandise with non-toxic or low VOC supplies in objects reminiscent of furnishings, carpets, rugs and paint.
Search for merchandise which have third-party certifications to reveal compliance with chemical emission requirements and the corporate’s dedication to more healthy indoor environments. Search for furnishings and décor comprised of pure supplies, reminiscent of bamboo, cork and teak, or pure fibers like cotton, wool or linen. Keep away from artificial supplies.
Keep away from merchandise with fragrances, reminiscent of scented candles and air fresheners, as they will include dangerous chemical substances.
You advocate low-flow plumbing fixtures to avoid wasting water. What else do you suggest owners do to allow them to save on water utilization?
Philip J. Consalvo, PJCA Founder: In addition to low-flow fixtures that use much less water with out sacrificing efficiency, take into account water-efficient home equipment, reminiscent of washing machines and dishwashers. Sensor taps and stream restrictors also can contribute to decrease water utilization.
Replace previous plumbing to stop leaks and add flood cease sensors, that are leak detection units that robotically shut off the water provide.
Water crops through the use of a drip irrigation system to attenuate water waste. Or acquire and recycle grey water and rainwater for backyard irrigation functions.
What else are you able to suggest for integrating extra sustainable decisions into house design?
Juliana Sorzano, Affiliate: The substitution of gasoline stoves for electrical or induction home equipment is a not too long ago beneficial technique that helps scale back the well being dangers that include this supply of indoor air pollution.
Temperature management helps maintain an area wholesome and comfy. Warmth and air con techniques will be hooked to thermostats that robotically activate or off the tools, preserving a relentless temperature at house. Moreover, there are window therapies to assist block the warmth from direct daylight and keep away from overheating an area.
Reuse present buildings relatively than choosing new building to attenuate the carbon footprint and detrimental influence that building has on the surroundings.
When sourcing a product, discover out if the corporate affords a take again program or purchase again and resell service, a sustainable initiative that enables shoppers to return a product on the finish of its helpful life which can then be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally accountable method.
Take into account passive sustainable approaches when potential.
Make it possible for for each choice you make, goal to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.
+ PJC Structure
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