We almost always talk about recommended materials: madera natural, clay, cal…
But today we are going to do something different: Let's talk about what you shouldn't install.
Specifically, of the soils.
Because they are one of the elements with the most surface area in a home and are in direct contact with your body every day..
In bioarchitetura, This matters more than it seems.
Why soil is key
The ground, beyond an aesthetic decision, It is a finish that influences indoor air quality, the toxic load of space, sensory perception and thermal comfort.
However, most often chosen by price or appearance. Not for health.
- – Laminate flooring. They have become popular due to their cost, speed of installation and aesthetic finish. However, many incorporate glues and resins with formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (COV), that can affect indoor air quality.
- – vinyl flooring (PVC). Although some current versions are marketed as “phthalate-free”, they remain plastic materials derived from petroleum, with chemical additives and complex manufacturing processes.
- – Imitation porcelain tiles. The problem here is not so much chemical as perceptual. Materials that imitate wood, stone or other natural elements can generate a sensory dissonance: the user visually perceives something, but the tactile and thermal experience is different. This inconsistency, although subtle, affects the spatial quality and perceived comfort.
- – Polished or shiny finishes. In addition to involving, in many cases, additional treatments, excessively reflective surfaces create spaces visually harder and less comfortable. The reflection of light and the lack of absorption tend to move away from balanced environments at a perceptual level..
- – Synthetic varnishes on wooden floors. In many projects, The wood is protected with polyurethane varnishes that create a highly resistant continuous film, but they also reduce the breathability of the material, They block their hygroscopic capacity and emit compounds during their application and curing..
At Hababibio we can advise you if you are going to carry out a work or renovation so that it is as healthy as possible., you can find more information at this link.
Choose floors wisely
The problem is that most of the time price is prioritized, ease of installation, aesthetics…
But when you choose well, space changes. It feels more stable. warmer. more alive.
But we know that when you start a project there are a thousand decisions to make and we want to help you choose well from the beginning..
That's why we created the Guide to the 7 Construction Decisions for a Healthy and Natural House.
Transforming your house is, many times, the first step to transform your life.
A hug,
Carmen Vazquez
Bioarchitect and founder of Habitabio
