We hear the question more and more often: “Does living in a wooden house really make you healthier?” Recent studies show that this is indeed true. But actually it has been known for centuries. “If you are sick, go to the doctor. Can’t he help you? Then go and live in a wooden house”, is an old Chinese proverb, for example. But it’s not just good for your own health; the planet will also benefit.
Because wood is a natural ‘living’ material, it absorbs moisture from its environment. And if the humidity level is too low, wood returns that extra absorbed moisture, as it were. In this way, the humidity in a wooden house is constantly maintained in a natural way. This moisture-regulating effect indoors is very important for your health. The comfort zone for humans is between 45% and 65% relative humidity. If the climate is more humid, this inhibits our natural cooling system. Not only does it feel uncomfortable, but it’s bad for you. On the other hand, if the humidity is lower, our mucous membranes dry out and the risk of infections increases. Beyond the potential health benefits of living in a wood home, the natural aesthetic can imbibe a sense of comfort and inspiration. Check out these timber frame kits to get an idea of wood homes you can build
Positive influence
In the ideal indoor climate, moulds, house dust mites, viruses and bacteria also have less chance. In addition, living in wood reduces the risk of allergies, asthma and respiratory infections. Scientists are unanimous about the positive influence of a wooden house on rheumatism, osteoarthritis and arthritis. Is it a coincidence that countries in the north (where many more people live in wooden houses) have less rheumatism than in countries more south (where more people live in stone houses)?
Whole towns of wood
And living in wood is not only healthy for you, but also for the planet. A Canadian architect Michael Green argues in favor of building entire cities from wood. His main argument: a 20-storey wooden skyscraper is equivalent to 900 cars being taken off the road for a year. To manufacture the building material you only need the soil and the sun, as opposed to making building materials such as stone, concrete and steel. You can search such houses at danhaus
Ambition
Besides all the benefits for the planet that Green mentions above, living in wood is stress-reducing, good for your heart, the acoustics are better, it feels natural and harmonious, and the indoor climate is regulated with wood in a natural way.
Wood is simply the best insulating material that nature has to offer. A wooden house is better insulated than a stone house. And we all know: a well-insulated house is healthier, more comfortable and of course it makes a significant difference in energy costs. That does not mean that you automatically have a well-insulated house if you opt for timber frame construction. There is much more to it. Think of things like insulation standards for floors, ceilings, roofs and the use of the right windows and doors.
All scientific studies point in the same direction: wooden houses are healthier and provide a pleasant and stable living environment. This results in less stress and better health Learn More
