From Conventional to Sustainable: Natural Materials and Your Health
You wouldn’t want to wear a thick, plastic raincoat and go for a run – it locks in moisture, isn’t breathable, and leaves you a sweaty mess. Similarly, your living space should breathe well to keep you comfortable and feeling good. Natural materials, which have evolved alongside us, naturally possess these capabilities.
We’ve become reliant on petrochemicals in nearly every industry, construction included. We’ve been led to believe they’re the best and only way forward. Yet, just as plastics have proven harmful to us and our environment, we now understand the need to rethink building materials for our wellbeing. It has become too serious a health and environmental issue to ignore, as recent research has uncovered. Turns out, we can do better by returning to basics.
This is why Base emphasizes high-performance design using almost exclusively natural or biogenic materials, resulting in a carbon-neutral assembly – a new generation of prefabrication. But what does carbon neutrality really mean, and why should your home be built this way?
What is Carbon Neutrality?
Carbon neutrality means that the total carbon cost of the materials we use, like wood fiber, cellulose, and hemp insulation, absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit during production. These materials, having once been plants or trees, act like “carbon sinks,” storing carbon and helping to reduce greenhouse gases.
Typical vs Natural or Biogenic Insulation
Traditional insulators like fiberglass and foam may seem effective on paper but often fall short in practice. Their lightweight nature leads to poor thermal mass and inertia, causing rapid temperature changes and they can degrade over time, allowing water infiltration. Natural or biogenic materials like wood fiber and hemp have high thermal mass, absorb and slowly release heat, and maintain integrity longer. This provides superior temperature stability, energy efficiency, and moisture resistance – ideal for sustainable living spaces.
Performance & Your Health
Natural, non-toxic materials create a healthier indoor environment – it’s that simple. They are breathable, regulate humidity, and don’t release harmful chemicals, supporting your well-being just like a healthy diet. They also offer excellent thermal and acoustic performance, keeping your home comfortable year-round and reducing noise. This results in a quieter home, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.
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