A Healthy Home

We spend most of our time indoors, yet the quality of our indoor environment is often overlooked. Recent studies have shown that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. In Australia, indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are often higher than outdoor levels and exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) long-term exposure guidelines.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter—around 30 times finer than a human hair. These microscopic particles are a major component of air pollution and may include dust, smoke, soot, and liquid droplets. When inhaled, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and are associated with a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Understanding Sick Building Syndrome

The WHO first defined Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in the 1980s. It describes a condition where building occupants experience acute health symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat that seem linked to time spent indoors, yet no specific illness or cause can be pinpointed.

While originally associated with office buildings, these concerns are now just as relevant in our homes. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches

• Eye, nose, or throat irritation

• Dry or itchy skin

• Fatigue or difficulty concentrating

• Nausea or dizziness

• Sensitivity to odours

• Reduced productivity or wellbeing

Contributing factors may include:

• Poor ventilation or stale air

• High levels of PM2.5, CO2, or dust

• Excessively dry or humid conditions

• Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs)

• Limited natural light or poor-quality artificial lighting

• Chemical contaminants such as formaldehyde or ozone

• Biological pollutants including mould or bacteria
  

What Makes a Home Healthy?

Fortunately, there is a growing global focus on creating buildings that support both human and environmental wellbeing. Two leading frameworks are:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) — which evaluates sustainability performance across energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality

• The WELL Building Standard — which focuses on enhancing health through clean air and water, light, thermal comfort, movement, materials, mental wellbeing, and a connection to nature and community

Drawing from these frameworks and evidence-based best practices, here are key ways we can design healthier, more mindful homes:

1.Improve Indoor Air Quality

• Choose low or zero-VOC paints, adhesives, sealants, and finishes

• Select natural materials that are breathable and hygroscopic (like lime plasters, timber, and natural textiles)

• Maximise cross ventilation by opening windows daily and designing for airflow

• Use externally vented exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms

• Avoid synthetic air fresheners and chemical-heavy cleaning products

• Prevent indoor moisture build-up (e.g. use a clothes dryer with proper ventilation)

• Reduce indoor dust by designing tidy, clutter-free spaces and cleaning regularly

2. Ensure Thermal and Acoustic Comfort

• Insulate walls, ceilings, and floors to improve comfort and reduce energy use

• Use acoustic treatments in shared walls or floors where sound transfer is an issue

• Incorporate verandahs, terraces or buffer zones that shield interiors from external extremes while enhancing indoor-outdoor flow

• Include climate-appropriate systems such as ceiling fans, underfloor heating or radiant cooling

3. Use Healthy Lighting Design

• Maximise natural daylight while managing glare

• Design for seasonal variation — welcoming sunlight in winter and shading interiors in summer with awnings, shutters or curtains

• Select electric lighting that supports circadian rhythms (e.g. warm-toned, dimmable lights in the evening)

• Ensure adequate task lighting in areas for reading, cooking or working

4. Reduce Exposure to EMFs

• Avoid placing beds, sofas, or desks directly against walls with major appliances, smart meters, or switchboards

• Use wired internet connections where possible to reduce Wi-Fi emissions

• Consider switching off Wi-Fi and unnecessary electronics at night

5. Support Mental Wellbeing

• Keep spaces visually calm and organised — clutter contributes to stress and inhibits rest

• Incorporate biophilic design: use natural textures, views to greenery, and indoor plants that purify the air

• Create dedicated quiet areas for rest and reflection

• Ensure layouts allow for easy movement and natural light in daily-use areas

• Design storage solutions that are practical and easy to maintain

6. Plan for Ergonomics

• Support good circulation with thoughtful spatial planning

• Include ergonomic furniture and adjustable workspaces, especially in home offices

• Design bathrooms and kitchens with comfort and safety in mind

7. Choose Healthier Materials

• Prioritise materials that are free from harmful chemicals and low in VOCs

• Select sustainably sourced timber and certified eco-conscious products

• Avoid finishes containing formaldehyde, phthalates, or PFAS where possible

Thoughtful Design, Better Living

Healthy homes don't happen by accident — they’re the result of considered design choices that support both physical health and emotional wellbeing. From improving air quality to choosing natural finishes and planning for light and comfort, every decision matters.

Good design isn’t just about how a space looks — it’s about how it makes us feel, how we live within it, and the sense of ease it brings to everyday life. That’s where lasting change begins.