Use Healthy Materials to Build Cleaner, Safer Spaces

Why Building Materials Matter More Than You Think

Your house's material environment has profound, measurable effects on both physical and mental health. Poor ventilation, toxic building materials, and minimal daylight are all linked to increased rates of respiratory illness, allergies, and fatigue. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from paints, adhesives, flooring, and cabinetry can linger in the air for years, increasing health risks over time. Despite these risks, the construction industry has often overlooked on the importance of wellness in their materials, focused on short-term savings and aesthetics.

At Enso Homes, we believe that every detail of your home construction or renovation should support your health and wellness. This starts with the materials that make up your living space. The air you breathe is directly influenced by the paints, flooring, cabinetry, and finishes that are used throughout your house. Our team is committed to making sure the materials we choose not only look beautiful but also contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Below are ways we make sure your materials aren’t holding you back:

Choosing Zero-VOC Paints, Sealants, and Adhesives

Traditional paints and adhesives often emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds can linger in the air and cause side effects like headaches, respiratory irritation, and even long-term health effects. These products might not only put you at risk, but those most those who have weakened immune systems or already existing breathing conditions, like children, seniors, and those with allergies or asthma.

Our team uses exclusively zero-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives. We make sure that all the materials we bring into your home have your health and wellness as a priority. These products minimize the indoor air pollution, making it a safer home for all your loved ones in your household.

Formaldehyde-Free Cabinets and Non-Toxic Flooring

Cabinets and flooring are one of the most significant sources of indoor air pollutants in homes. Many cabinets are made from woods like plywood and particleboard, which use glues and adhesives that contain formaldehyde. Materials like this release formaldehyde into your home over time. The same thing goes for engineered wood and laminated flooring, which use adhesives and resins while being manufactured.

Enso Homes installs formaldehyde-free cabinetry and chooses non-toxic flooring solutions like natural wood, bamboo, cork, or stone. These materials are not only safer for you, but they’re often more durable and easier to maintain, contributing to a fresher, healthier home.

Prioritizing Natural, Breathable Materials

Having a focus on natural materials with good breathability is important in homes because they help regulate humidity levels, prevent moisture from building up, and improve indoor air quality. Not only that, but by maintaining indoor climates, breathable materials can contribute to saving more energy because of the reduced need for excessive heating or cooling. 

Natural materials like wood, tile, and stone are central to our wellness-focused mission. Unlike synthetic alternatives, these materials are naturally breathable, don’t trap pollutants, and don’t emit harmful chemicals into your air. Something as simple as unprocessed wood can help regulate humidity, balance condensation, and keep indoor air clean.

Avoiding Fragrances and Synthetic Harsh Chemicals

A large number of studies have shown that products with synthetic fragrances and chemicals often hide harmful chemicals that are linked to allergens, hormone disruption, and degrade your indoor air quality.

Here at Enso Homes, we think you should be able to breathe easily, knowing there’s nothing harming you. Our team is intentional in avoiding these additives in all of our projects. We do our research to ensure that our products are certified for low chemical emissions. We’ll make sure that your home environment is as pure and nontoxic as possible.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Building Choices

The materials you choose impact your wellness and the planet. That’s why we embrace sustainable home renovations using materials like reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and bamboo that are as durable as they are environmentally responsible.

These eco-friendly materials and choices minimize the amount of allergens and pollutants in your home. Bamboo, for example, is a rapidly renewable resource, doesn’t produce off-gassing chemicals, and is naturally resistant to mold and pests. Incorporating these materials whenever possible will have a significant impact on not only your health but also the health of the planet.

‍Maintenance and Longevity for Healthy Living

We don’t only want a home that looks good after the initial build, we want a home that will last for years to come. This is why constructing with natural materials is so important; materials like wood and metal are known for their ability to withstand wear and tear. Not only are they non-toxic, but they’re often more durable and easier to clean than materials with synthetic coatings and harsh chemicals.

After our builds, we educate you on maintenance that’s best for your materials to make sure your home remains healthy, beautiful, and functional for many years to come.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Materials have a massive impact on your home’s breathability. Whether you’re making a renovation or a new construction project, choosing the right materials can have a lasting impact on your indoor air quality and ultimately, your health. 

At Enso Homes, we’re proud to stand apart from typical home remodeling contractors in Austin, TX, by offering health-first building practices. From zero-VOC products to natural finishes and sustainable materials, we design every space to support your well-being, one breath at a time.