As awareness of health and environmental issues continues to rise, homes built with natural materials are drawing more attention. Natural materials can help reduce the risk of sick house syndrome while also offering strong humidity control and insulation performance. This article explains the characteristics of natural-material homes and the representative building materials used in them in a clear, practical way.
What is a home built with natural materials?
A home built with natural materials is a house constructed primarily with naturally derived building materials that have not undergone chemical processing. There is no strict definition such as "a home that uses natural materials above a certain percentage," and even houses that use some industrial products in part may still be described this way. Representative materials include solid wood, plaster, and diatomaceous earth.
What are the main characteristics of a natural-material home?
The biggest reason natural-material homes attract attention is their consideration for health. Chemical substances contained in the paints and adhesives used in common building materials can sometimes cause "sick house syndrome." This is often seen in newly built homes, and continuous ventilation systems are now mandatory. Natural-material homes can keep this risk to a minimum.
What are the representative natural materials?
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is soil formed by the accumulation of fossils of plant plankton known as diatoms. It is used as a wall material, and its countless microscopic pores function as a "breathing wall."
Advantages:
- Excellent humidity control that helps maintain comfortable moisture levels throughout the year
- Deodorizing effect through odor absorption
- High non-combustibility
- Contains no substances that cause allergies or sick house syndrome
Disadvantages and points to note:
- Walls can chip easily if furniture hits them
- Cracks are more likely to occur
- There are relatively few contractors who can handle the work
Solid wood
Solid wood is natural timber cut directly from a log. Unlike "engineered wood," which is made by bonding multiple pieces of wood together with adhesive, it does not raise the same concerns about chemical substances from glue.
Advantages:
- High humidity-control and insulation performance
- Helps reduce the risk of sick house syndrome
- The grain and color develop greater depth over time
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than engineered wood
- Quality can vary
- Warping and cracking may occur
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can a natural-material home completely prevent sick house syndrome?
A. Keeping the use of chemical substances to a minimum can significantly reduce the risk. However, depending on the materials and adhesives used, there are cases where it cannot be prevented completely. We recommend confirming the composition of the materials with the contractor.
Q. What is the difference between diatomaceous earth and plaster?
A. Both are natural wall materials, but diatomaceous earth is known for strong humidity-control and deodorizing performance, while plaster is characterized by its alkalinity, antibacterial effect, and bright white finish.
Q. Is solid wood flooring difficult to maintain?
A. It is more prone to scratches and dirt, but it can be repaired by sanding the surface. Regular maintenance such as oil application is necessary, but it is also a material whose aging process can be enjoyed over time.
