Sustainable home design. You’ve probably heard a lot about it. Probably made some assumptions, as well. Namely, putting much of the sustainability onus on energy efficiency.
Make no mistake. Proper energy stewardship is crucial in sustainable homes.
But sustainable design is a much more holistic concept. Is the home durably constructed to stand the test of time? Does it provide a safe, non-toxic environment to promote the ongoing wellness of occupants? Will its features remain attractive and promote resale value over the long run?
To zero-in on these lesser talked about traits of sustainable homes, keep reading for more insight on safe and durable materials to choose for an upcoming home renovation!
Quartzite Countertops: Equal Parts Rugged and Stylish
Durable or classy? It no longer has to be a choice.
Take a look at quartzite slab countertops in the kitchen. Quartzite is a hard stone that resists scratching and chipping. It has premier heat resistance for heavy-duty cooking. In addition, quartzite provides stain resistance to fight daily spills. All of this while offering the elegant patterns and color variety found in high-end statement kitchens.
Seems like a lot? Surprisingly, upkeep requirements are quite minimal. Standard care consists of wiping down with a soft cloth and mild soap/water mix. This makes quartzite slabs ideal for busy homeowners wanting to make a splash without mortgaging precious time.
Bamboo Flooring: Eco-Friendly Hardwood?
Who doesn’t love the timeless charm of hardwood floors?
Durable as they are elegant, they are the dream flooring for many homeowners.
Unfortunately, they do have their issues. Some hardwood sealers will off-gas as they cure. Then there is the whole issue with timber harvesting and deforestation.
Enter bamboo flooring.
Many bamboo options are manufactured with low-VOC adhesives and finishes. This yields healthier indoor air quality. Strand-woven bamboo is also highly durable. It can do a better job than traditional hardwood of resisting dents and daily wear. In addition, bamboo grows quickly and is naturally resistant to moisture and pests. This makes it a long-lasting and sustainable flooring choice for homes that love the timeless look of hardwood.
Denim Insulation: The Ultimate in Low Toxicity
Human-centered design.
Google it when you have some time.
Here’s the cliff notes version: It is the concept of planning how building occupants will use and experience a structure before getting to work on the blueprints. In short, adapting homes to people instead of hoping people will adapt to homes.
Health and wellness is a huge component of human-centered design. More specifically, air quality. Windows. Transitional spaces. Functional exteriors. Each of these are major trends for helping people get a dose of fresh air.
But there are times when you will be trapped inside. If your insulation is steeped in formaldehyde and other harmful VOCs, respiratory issues could ensue.
To alleviate these concerns, recycled denim has emerged at the top of the list of best non-toxic insulation products. Manufactured without harmful chemicals, it will not off-gas during or after installation. Resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, it offers premium durability for ongoing interior air quality and thermal performance.
Reclaimed Wood Accents: Extending Resource Lifespan
Reclaimed wood has aged and stabilized over many years. This reduces the likelihood of warping or shrinking after installation. It is very durable since much of it comes from old-growth timber. This tends to be denser and stronger than many newly harvested woods. Reclaimed wood also supports a healthier and more sustainable home by reusing existing materials and reducing the need for new logging. Accent walls. Ceiling beams. Flooring. Floating shelves. Furniture. Each of these are great ideas to consider incorporating reclaimed wood into your home renovation.
Window Seals: Acoustic Comfort in Bustling Neighborhoods
Acoustic comfort?
Isn’t that more about annoyance than safety?
Not necessarily.
Recent figures indicated that some 95 million Americans are dealing with noise pollution. Much of which is negatively impacting health. Tinnitus is ringing of the ears due to excessive noise. It can be a symptom of permanent hearing loss. Other people have noise-related anxiety. This can compound into chronic stress that profoundly impacts quality of life and increases chances of an acute health episode.
As such, soundproofing has become a major priority in contemporary home design. Acoustic wall panels. Quiet insulation products. Demountable partition walls. Window seal kits for sound proof windows.
To this last point, easy-to-use window seals can be magnetically attached to either the window trim or jamb. They help fortify gaps in the window-to-wall transition and absorb ambient sound, keeping street noise from polluting tranquil home interiors.
Sacrifice Nothing During Your Renovation by Choosing Safe and Durable Materials
Safety and durability. Not as “buzzy” as energy efficiency, but equally important when renovating modern homes. From quartzite countertops to easy-to-use window seals, consider the materials listed above for a renovation with staying power. For more of the latest trends in home and lifestyle, explore the content at Bored Mom for ideas and inspiration today!
By Lisa Thompkins
Author Bio:
Lisa Thompkins is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. She works closely in the Home Improvement and Restoration fields and has a background in Real Estate. When not writing, Lisa enjoys spending her time traveling and seeing the world. Lisa’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
