Since I’m in the business of designing houses, I make it my priority to do constant research on what is in the marketplace locally as well as anywhere I go. I mean anywhere! I’ve been known to knock on the door of strangers in Antigua Guatemala (my favorite World Patrimony), as well as calling on architects in Venice, Santiago, and Barcelona to show me the the concepts of living that pervade those cultures.
Many standards are different by city, country, and culture. But a few important ones unite us, including putting a premium on indoor-outdoor living. From the large balconies and endless rooftop parks of La Pedrera building by Gaudi in Barcelona, to the colonial entry courtyards, or patios, in Antigua, quality of life is gauged by the availability of views, natural light and natural ventilation.
This concept of living is important to our health, both physical and mental. Studies have shown for years that natural light and green outdoors can stave off depression and boost immune systems. The bottom line is that our homes need to be part of our healthy living.
Natural ventilation is not being taken seriously enough in the construction of new housing, and in remodeling of older homes. The reason is simple: the differential in price of an operable window and a stationary one starts at $30 and can get much larger than that. The construction budget is in a different league if the window package becomes a premium one, to include operable windows and screens in every part of the house.
It will be up to every client, or potential buyer like you, to demand that windows are operable, and that our homes can be ventilated naturally in beautiful days. But what to do about POLLEN season? Keep your house closed. Keep an eye on the fine greenish dust that covers cars and everything outdoors. Don’t let that get into your air system indoors. Go a step further: after the pollen season is over, start opening windows and doors and clean with wet disposable rags the windows, doors and sills, where pollen has accumulated and can be blown indoors when you open your house. If you believe in screens the way I do, this is a good time to wash them.
Your energy bill will shrink when you manage your naturally ventilated home throughout the year. Every day or night of using less energy will save you money. And what about your sanity and well-being? Priceless.
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