73 THINK ABOUTWELL-BEING FROM THE DESIGN STAGE… While specific solutions exist for each aim, certain more general best practices must be an integral part of considerations when designing and then constructing a building. As always in the realm of real estate, location is a key point. A well-situated building will make it possible not only to control the light or heat gain but also, conversely, any loss due to shade or wind. Taking into account environmental noise linked to infrastructure such as airports, highways, and rail corridors is also a clearly essential prerequisite. Then, work must be done on the envelope to protect our home or workplace from the effects of too much humidity, wind, unwanted air infiltration, excessive sunshine, indoor air pollutants or noise, while avoiding a confined space that is also harmful. In concrete terms, this involves designing an envelope impervious to air and water, combined with natural (window) and/or mechanical ventilation, making it possible to control the temperature, humidity, and noise environment and ensure air exchange with the exterior. When it comes to the envelope, the battle plays out on two fronts: glazing and insulation. The layered construction of solar control glass lets sunlight in and either radiates or reflects heat away, as necessary. For the insulation of opaque walls, reducing losses and limiting thermal bridges through The air we breath can be 5 to 10 times more polluted indoors than outdoors(2) the use of high-performance insulation combined with vapor barriers and waterproofing membranes, with or without air spaces depending on the situation, is generally the best option. …AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIALS Maintaining air quality is also a matter of choosing the right materials. Construction and interior design products must demonstrate low formaldehyde(1) and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds; top rating of A+) emissions. Certain “active” materials even have a directly positive impact on indoor air quality: plasterboard permanently removes up to 80% of the formaldehyde in indoor air, while wall coverings have an antimicrobial and antifungal action. Previously neglected, acoustic comfort has also become a priority to reduce noise pollution with acoustic ceilings and baffles and high‑performance partitions and linings. (1) Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature. It is often marketed in liquid form as formalin. (2) Indoor Air Quality Observatory.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTA2Nw==