Architect and building biologist Paula Baker-Laporte and architect Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest explain what actually makes a home healthy, from the materials and finishes you choose to indoor air quality, and the simple changes that make the biggest difference.
In this episode we explore healthy homes and building biology with Paula Baker-Laporte and Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest Architecture. Paula is an architect and building biologist and the author of Prescriptions for a Healthy House, now in its fourth edition. Andrea is an architect and partner at EcoNest specializing in healthy building materials.
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.
Timestamps:
(2:25) What led you both to becoming leading experts and advocates for 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 that arise from being in indoor environments that have health hazards?
(13:50) What are your recommended DOs for remodeling?
(15:35) What are some easy ways someone can improve the health of their home?
(16:54) How do you design air quality for an 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 home?
(31:35) What are you seeing in the industry with healthier spaces?
(34:57) What advice do you have for people when selecting furnishings?
(36:16) Is there anything that we can do when we are dwelling in spaces that we are temporarily renting to safeguard ourselves against health hazards?
(38:00) What are some things you recommend to people to keep in mind for home appliances?
(43:00) What is electromagnetic radiation and how do you recommend designing your home with it in mind?
(45:47) How do you recommend someone approach evaluating and designing their water system to ensure they are getting healthy water?
(48:25) What are some 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 health hazard globally what would it be?
In this episode:
The "third skin": why your home is an interface between you and the environment.
The lowest-cost wins: change your cleaning products, open windows, HEPA-filter your vacuum.
VOCs, SVOCs, and endocrine disruptors, what they are and where they hide.
Why a safe, low-EMF bedroom matters most (you heal at night).
The antimicrobial backlash and why "kills germs" finishes can backfire.
How to choose healthier flooring, countertops, and appliances.
Guests: Paula Baker-Laporte is the founder of EcoNest, an architect, building biologist, and educator. After a building triggered severe chemical sensitivity in the 1980s, she dedicated her career to healthier building and wrote Prescriptions for a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders, and Homeowners, now in its fourth edition. Andrea Allen Sis is an architect, educator, and partner at EcoNest, where she serves as research specialist for healthy building materials. She is dedicated to making healthy, nurturing spaces accessible to everyone and to bringing building without harmful substances into mainstream design and construction.
Prefer to watch? The full video episode is on YouTube @thealignedinterior
Disclaimer:
The Aligned Interior Podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other health care services, including giving medical advice.
The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk
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