In architecture, the concept of breathable homes includes walls that enable moisture and air to ventilate and "breathe." Moisture and other air particulates are able to move in and out of the home more readily. Most modern homes are not built to breathe in this manner, and instead are built to prevent air from escaping to seal the house for energy efficiency. Chemicals from houshold cleaners, dust, pollen, smoke and offgassing from paint, sealants and carpets can become trapped in the home causing harmful levels of indoor pollution. Oram Miller of Environmental Design and Inspection Services discusses this concept more on his website.
The images here from Costa Rica casita I am renting are an extreme example of a breathable home. The open tile roof enables moisture (not rain), dust from the forest, leaf clutter and insects to come right in. As you can see the top 24 inches of my walls open directly to a screened in porch area. This house can get quite drafty when the wind blows. If I were to redesign this home, I would add screens to these upper walls, as well as have a barrier below the roof tiles that would capture some of the moisture and allow it to travel downward from the roof rather than into the home.
Comments