A truly healthy home nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Unfortunately, many homeowners and families we speak to every week do not enjoy this basic necessity, even in relatively new homes. Americans are increasingly becoming aware of the detrimental impact that rapid, careless construction methods and cheap building materials have on their well-being. They feel trapped in homes that are stifling, dark, poorly insulated, and unhealthy, raising concerns for the health and safety of their children and aging parents. They’re just not happy.
At Bensonwood, we believe people should be able to live joyfully! Bensonwood’s mission is to design and build homes that not only stand the test of time but also support the complete well-being of their inhabitants and the planet. Keep reading for a run-down of the essential elements of a healthy home and how each contributes to a better living environment.
1) The Air We Breathe
Fresh air is the cornerstone of a healthy home, but achieving this isn’t always as simple as opening a window. Most climates experience seasons during which opening a window is impractical due to heat losses and gains. Additionally, those who have experienced recent wildfires or springtime pollen understand how dust, pollen, unwanted smells, and pollutants can infiltrate homes, leading to health issues and discomfort.
To combat this pollution, modern building science relies on a tightly controlled “envelope” that seals out unwanted contaminants and retains conditioned air. A properly sealed home requires intake ventilation to ensure a continuous supply of clean air. Bensonwood homes are equipped with advanced mechanical ventilation systems that cycle out stale indoor air and replace it with fresh, filtered air from the outside. These systems not only provide a constant influx of oxygen-rich air, enhancing indoor air quality and promoting respiratory health but also improve a home’s overall energy efficiency by capturing and reapplying heat from the exhaust air before it is vented outside.
How to Measure and Improve Air Quality
Some will counter that homes need natural airflow to “breathe” and maintain air quality, preventing issues like mold. However, this is a common myth. Airtight construction paired with advanced mechanical ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), manages humidity levels more effectively than uncontrolled leaks and drafts, preventing mold growth and related issues more reliably. Contemporary practices show that airtight homes with controlled ventilation provide superior air quality, energy efficiency, and moisture management.
Bensonwood Homes integrates high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and other advanced filtration systems to capture and remove harmful particles, ensuring that the air inside your home remains clean and safe. Furthermore, we prioritize using low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials in our construction. From paints and finishes to adhesives and flooring, we select products that minimize the emission of harmful compounds, creating a healthier indoor environment.
2) Consistent Indoor Temperatures
Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home is key to comfort and energy efficiency. Bensonwood homes feature superior insulation, high-performance windows, and advanced heating and cooling systems that work together to maintain an even temperature year-round. This thermal consistency not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Our homes feature high-quality insulation that effectively keeps the interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This insulation is meticulously installed to eliminate gaps and reduce thermal bridges – elements in the construction of a wall that conduct hot or cold temperatures through the wall, reducing the efficiency of the interior space — ensuring an airtight and energy-efficient building envelope.
Doors, Windows, and HVAC
High-performance windows are typically triple-glazed, with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings and gas fills between the panes to reduce heat transfer. They prevent heat loss in colder months and block unwanted heat gain during warmer months, maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
Advanced heating and cooling systems, such as energy-efficient HVAC systems and smart thermostats, provide precise temperature control and work seamlessly with the home’s insulation and windows. This optimization minimizes energy use and maximizes comfort.
Bensonwood homes also incorporate passive solar design principles, using natural sunlight for heating in winter and providing shading to reduce cooling loads in summer, further enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.
The combination of superior insulation, high-performance windows, advanced HVAC systems, and passive solar design ensures that Bensonwood homes maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature year-round, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
3) Peace and Quiet
A peaceful home is a healthy home. Beyond temperature consistency, sound plays an important role in interior comfort. Homes that incorporate soundproofing techniques and materials can minimize noise pollution from both outside and within the house. The result is a serene and quiet living environment where you can relax and unwind.
Effective soundproofing begins with strategic design, including the overall room layout. A thoughtful, project-specific evaluation of room adjacencies—both within the home and relative to external conditions—is key to creating a comfortable living environment. Sound-absorbing materials are also crucial. Bensonwood builds exterior walls that are much thicker and better insulated than code minimums, providing enhanced thermal resistance and reducing sound transmission. Our triple-glazed, high-performance windows further minimize external noise, effectively blocking sound waves and significantly reducing disturbances like traffic noise and neighborhood chatter.
Implementing these soundproofing measures improves the quality of sleep and overall well-being but also enhances concentration and productivity for those who work from home. By creating a serene living space, homeowners can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle free from the distractions of noise pollution.
4) Connection with the Outdoors
A strong connection with nature is vital for mental and physical health. Biophilia, the innate human connection to nature, is a key principle of healthy home design. Homes should maximize natural light, and views of the outdoors often incorporate a careful balance of windows, skylights, and open floor plans. Outdoor living spaces such as patios, decks, and gardens further enhance this connection, encouraging residents to spend more time outside and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and natural surroundings.
The principles of biophilia also relate strongly to the materials with which a home is built. Bensonwood integrates natural elements such as wood, stone, and plants into our homes to create spaces that feel organic and calming. This connection to nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
When we’ve done our jobs well, a healthy home that is well connected with the outdoors also doesn’t need to be as large. As homebuilders, we often remind people that bigger isn’t always better! Right-sizing a home prioritizes design such that the space perfectly fits the needs and lifestyles of its inhabitants without unnecessary excess. By focusing on the efficient use of space, we create homes that are both functional and comfortable, minimizing wasted areas and maximizing a sense of purpose. In addition to all the psychological benefits, this approach reduces the environmental footprint of the home. It lowers energy costs and maintenance requirements, providing a more sustainable and economical living solution.
5) Building a Greener Future on a Planetary Scale
Lastly, we strive to provide peace of mind by ensuring that our homes are environmentally responsible and resilient for the future. Using sustainable building practices and materials helps minimize our impact on the planet. Homes that are energy-efficient and built to last reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Knowing that your home and lifestyle are not contributing to global warming or resource depletion affords a sense of pride, clarity and harmony, living in the knowledge that you inhabit the benefits of your own sustainable choices.
We take great pride in creating structures that support healthy living through thoughtful design and sustainable materials. By focusing on elements such as fresh air, renewable materials, thermal consistency, acoustic comfort, and a strong connection to nature, we ensure that our homes promote both personal well-being and environmental stewardship. Discover the difference a Bensonwood home can make for your health and happiness.
About Bensonwood
Bensonwood has been a leader in the rich tradition of New England timber framing for over 50 years. Our mission is to use our capabilities, capacity, and culture to expand the highest standard of sustainable living. We strive to produce consistent quality, a strong work ethic, and a spirit of inclusivity and teamwork. We believe in creating design homes that stand the test of time and evolve to meet your changing needs.
Our diverse team, comprising experts in architecture, timber framing, engineering, and manufacturing, blends tradition with innovation to design and build homes that last. Bensonwood was founded by Tedd Benson, a pioneer in the revival of timber framing in America, who has led the company in pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction. Today, we continue to lead the industry, developing high-performance, energy-efficient homes that set the standard for sustainability.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Keene, NH, has built projects across the U.S. and beyond. Bensonwood remains committed to making sustainable, high-quality building practices accessible to all. Visit our home galleries for Unity Homes and OpenHome to learn more.
