PANELS PROVIDE
PERFECT FIT FOR NONTOXIC HOUSING
Building Systems Magazine | July/August 2001
Nina Anderson thinks the panel industry is missing
out on a sizeable marketing opportunity. Anderson, S.P.N., president
of The Building Analyst and an industry consultant on healthy
homes, recognizes a growing need for homes constructed with
nontoxic building and decorating materials.
"The housing search is difficult for clients
with chemical sensitivities or people who just want to breathe
healthy indoor air," says Anderson. "In my book (now
out of print), Your Health and Your House, I told the
story of a woman who developed life-threatening illnesses because
she had her
carpets cleaned. It seems the plywood sub-flooring was defective
and steam cleaning dissolved the glue, leaching formaldehyde
into the air, which she constantly was breathing."
The
woman was eventually diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity
syndrome. "Building a new house was her only solution,"
says Anderson. "Things are getting better as we have more
choices of nontoxic building and decorating materials. The Canadian
Year 2000 program for energy-
efficiency, that was popular in the late 1980s, brought to light
the need for HRVs (heat recovery ventilators) used to mitigate
stale air within tight homes. This is extremely important for
factory builders to consider as they adhere to energy-efficiency
standards. Not only does it exchange the air, but it removes
out-gassing toxins as well, making the air healthier. This is
an absolute necessity for any builder to offer their clients
who voice concern for super-insulated structures.
"We have been advising builders and customers
regarding energy-efficient, nontoxic housing for some time.
When we decided to build our model residence, we searched for
companies that offered energy efficiency and nontoxic finishing
products. Our intention was to provide factory housing for our
clients that would support a healthy indoor environment and
be energy efficient as well. We needed to offer a finished product
that would be no more costly than units offering standard carpets
(chemically based), glued (chemical) surfaces, plastic cabinets
and molding (outgas chemicals), stains and varnishes (chemicals)
and heavily insulated houses without a way to exchange the air.
For the same price, we developed a unit that was truly a healthy
house."
Northern Design & Building Associates Ltd.
(Hudson Falls, NY) was eager to work with Anderson to design
and build such a model. "The house was a passive solar
design that was one of their standard models," says Anderson.
"Superior Walls supplied the foundation for the structure.
By panelizing both below- and above- ground components, we scheduled
a closed-in structure within four weeks from breaking ground.
To ensure low heating bills, we required energy efficient, low
toxicity, low flame-spread insulation. Our choice was an Icynene™
Insulation System that had no CFCs or formaldehyde and exhibited
no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) after 30 days of aging.
Not only was [our choice] a super-insulating, nontoxic foam
sprayed on site, but it was extremely fire retardant. Before
deciding on panelization, we asked many modular companies if
they would allow us to use this type of insulation, but none
would budge from standard fiberglass installation. Northern
Design's panelization allowed us to use this super insulation,
which is comparable to SIPs in performance.
"Northern
worked with us on the finishing products as well. HardiPlank
was used for siding, which gave us an additional fire-retardant
layer of protection. This type of siding also contains no asbestos,
glass fibers or formaldehyde. Finishing materials were selected
for their low-chemical qualities. Drywall was used with low
VOC paint. Unfinished hardwood flooring was stained and lacquered
with Zero VOC products from AFM. All-wool carpet with no stain
guard finishes (formaldehyde) was used in some areas along with
ceramic tile. Kitchen cabinets were solid pine and countertops
were tiled. An Acucraft fireplace system was used as the primary
heat source, although for the record, we installed hot water
baseboard.
"Many of our clients are concerned with
the indoor air quality. Since there is more information being
written about healthy houses, they are asking educated questions.
We wanted to dispel the myth that a healthy house is an expensive
house. With panelization and careful control of finishing products,
we have shown that a factory house can be as healthy as a daily
dose of vitamin C. Most builders associated with timber frame,
log or panelized companies can offer nontoxic finishing applications
as an opt ion. This not only gives them an edge on their competition,
but may prevent clients from exercising their right to litigation,
should they try to pin their illness on the sick-house syndrome.
"In this age. when marketing plays a big
part of attracting buyers, nontoxic, energy-efficient models
can help you stand out and get more press from your local media.
In addition, your buyers will he healthier, happier and send
you many more referrals."
If you've got a client in need of a healthy home,
contact Anderson through Northern Design at 518-747-2200.
