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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How much more does it cost compared with a conventional home?
The construction cost of a natural-material home is typically about 4 million to 7 million yen higher than that of a conventional home. The main reasons are the specialized construction methods and the higher cost of the materials themselves.
If your budget is limited, a hybrid approach that introduces natural materials only in selected areas can be effective.
- Use natural materials only in the living room
- Use natural materials only in the room of a family member with severe allergies
What should you watch out for when choosing a natural-material home?
Natural materials may be less resistant to scratches and stains than standard building materials. The main points to note are as follows.
- Solid wood: it may crack or warp during the drying process
- Diatomaceous earth and plaster: cracks may occur due to changes in humidity
By understanding these issues in advance and choosing finishes that make them less noticeable during construction, you can maintain a beautiful appearance over the long term. Before building a home with natural materials, careful advance coordination with the builder is important.
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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.
Q2. Is it difficult to maintain a natural-material home?
Solid wood floors require regular waxing, and plaster or diatomaceous earth walls need partial repairs where they become dirty. They require more effort than conventional homes, but the ease of repair and long service life are clear advantages.
Q3. Can an existing home be renovated with natural materials?
Yes. You can introduce natural materials partially, starting with replacing flooring or repainting walls. Costs can be kept much lower than with a full renovation.
Q4. Are fire resistance and earthquake resistance a concern with natural-material homes?
With proper design and construction, they can achieve fire and earthquake resistance equal to or better than that of conventional homes. Review the builder's track record and design details carefully.
Q5. Are natural-material homes suitable for households with children or pets?
Because they carry a lower risk from chemicals, they are particularly suitable for children and people who are sensitive to health issues. Susceptibility to scratches can be addressed through material selection and finishing methods.
