Enhancing Indoor Air Quality with Mechanical Exchange
Client Background and Vision
Our client, the Cabrera family, wanted to build a luxurious home that prioritized health and wellness. With two young children, they were especially concerned about indoor air quality and the long-term effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by construction materials, finishes, and furnishings.
Their goals included:
Creating a home with minimal VOC exposure.
Ensuring consistently high indoor air quality.
Incorporating sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.
Challenges
The construction process inherently involves the use of materials that can emit VOCs, such as paints, adhesives, sealants, and engineered wood products. Even when using low-VOC and no-VOC materials, residual off-gassing can linger. The challenge was to actively mitigate these emissions and deliver a home with clean, healthy air that exceeded typical indoor air quality standards.
Our Approach
1. Selecting Low-VOC and No-VOC Materials
To minimize VOC exposure from the start, we carefully curated materials, including:
Low-VOC paints, stains, and finishes.
No-VOC adhesives for flooring and cabinetry.
Natural materials or safe engineered alternatives.
2. Designing a Mechanical Air Exchange System
The heart of our solution was the installation of a state-of-the-art mechanical air exchange system, specifically designed to improve indoor air quality by removing VOCs and other airborne pollutants. Key features included:
Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV): The ERV system continuously exchanged stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat or cooling energy to maintain energy efficiency.
HEPA Filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters removed particulate matter, allergens, and other contaminants from the incoming air.
Humidity Control: Integrated humidity regulation ensured a balanced indoor environment, preventing conditions that could lead to mold growth.
3. Active Off-Gassing Mitigation
We implemented proactive strategies to reduce off-gassing during and after construction:
Ventilated the home throughout the construction process using temporary air exchange systems.
Allowed ample curing time for finishes and furnishings before sealing the home.
Activated the ERV system during the final stages to "flush out" any lingering VOCs.
Results
1. Exceptional Indoor Air Quality
Post-construction air quality testing revealed VOC levels significantly below industry standards, with a noticeable improvement in air freshness and purity. The home exceeded the benchmarks set by the EPA Indoor Air Quality Plus program.
2. Healthier Living Environment
The Cabrera family immediately noticed the difference in air quality, citing a lack of "new home smell" (a sign of VOCs) and a fresher overall environment. Over time, the family experienced fewer allergy symptoms and reported improved sleep quality, particularly for their children.
Key features of the Home
1. Advanced Air Exchange System
The advanced system provided a constant flow of fresh outdoor air while removing stale indoor air, improving overall indoor air quality.
2. Sustainable Materials
Eco-friendly finishes and natural materials that aligned with the family’s values.
3. Comprehensive Air Filtration
HEPA filters ensured that even outdoor air contaminants like pollen and dustwere removed.
"Knowing our kids are growing up in a healthier environment is priceless."
We’ve always prioritized our family’s health, and this home reflects that commitment. The air feels fresh, clean, and healthy, and we’ve noticed a real difference in how we feel everyday. Knowing our kids are growing up in a healthier environment is priceless. Landmark went above and beyond to deliver a home that truly enhances our well-being."
— The Cabrera Family
Key Takeaways
This project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, and innovative solutions can transform indoor air quality in custom homes. By integrating mechanical air exchange with sustainable building practices, we delivered a healthier, more comfortable living environment for the Cabrera family.
At Landmark, we don’t just build homes; we build environments that support your health and well-being.
