Healthy Paints and Varnishes
In this short article I give an overview of the key issues. It’s a huge subject and this is a brief summary. #healthyhousedesign There are two key aspects: 1. The toxins and VOCs emitted by some paints are bad for your health 2. The “sustainability” of the materials and their manufacture could form part ofContinue reading
Ergonomics and Healthy Villa Design
“Ergonomics” what does it mean? Good ergonomics is kind of making everything fit both physically and psychologically. For example in a traffic jam the cars don’t fit. You could say the ergonomics of the road design are bad. A human skeleton has to fit an office chair – that’s ergonomics. In your kitchen design thinkContinue reading
Plants and a Healthy Villa Design
“Just living is not enough… One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” : Hans Christian Andersen Plants are nature’s eco-friendly living air purifiers with scientific evidence to back this up. So plants should be part of your #healthyhousedesign. Why? Plants re-balance the carbon / oxygen mix Modern construction techniques are making homes increasinglyContinue reading
Design for Healthy Acoustics
Healthy acoustics is certainly taken very seriously in the work place. Studies show that in well-designed acoustic environments students study more effectively, patients recover faster, productivity improves, and stress is reduced. #healthyhousedesign The human ear developed in a natural environment mainly to warn us of danger and understand speech. The modern environment presents many challengesContinue reading
Healthy Cooling Systems
In Spain we have a cooling problem in the summer. If you’re from Northern Europe don’t underestimate this. In July and August it can be, quite simply, too hot. #healthyhousedesign In winter, spring and autumn temperatures can vary widely even in the course of a single day. When the sun is out you can beContinue reading
The Effect of Artificial Light on Health, Mood, and Performance
The arrival of the light bulb in the early part of the 20th century was a game changer for Spain. It allowed them to turn night into day. In Madrid there are traffic jams at 4.00 a.m. as people try to get home after a night out. Many people ask “when do the Madrileños sleep?”Continue reading
Electro Magnetic Fields (EMFs) and Your Health
It’s a tricky topic this one because opinions are deeply held and polarised. Let’s start with a quick summary of the facts and issues and then I will try to choose my words carefully: #healthyhousedesign Electromagnetic fields are generated by 1. Power lines 2. Electrical wiring in buildings 3. Electrical devices Normal bodily function includesContinue reading
Design for Healthy Temperature and Humidity
A healthy room temperature is between 19 and 20 degrees about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (YAWN!). The bedroom should be about 2 degrees lower for a good night’s sleep because your body temperature naturally lowers during sleep (DOUBLE YAWN (irony intentional)). Much more interesting is what is will be the temperature on the Starship Enterprise usingContinue reading
