FlexHousing™ Systems and Materials

FlexHousing™ can incorporate the principles of Healthy Housing™ and can have a major effect on the comfort and well being of the occupants and on the efficiency of the home. Careful planning and the wise use of healthy materials and efficient appliances give occupants a great deal of control over their indoor environment.

Electrical Systems and Controls

For maximum flexibility and to accommodate all of our electrical appliances, install more electrical outlets than usual. To minimize bending and reaching for those with decreased flexibility, the ideal height for electrical outlets is 450 mm (18 inches).

Light switches should be between 840 mm (33 inches) and 1,050 mm (41 inches) off the floor. Large rocker style switches, with their large pushable surfaces, are the easiest to use.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Today, homeowners have more control over their indoor environment than in the past. High-efficiency condensing furnaces, heat pumps and integrated space and water heating systems make precise, economical control of air and water temperature possible.

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) can recover 70% of the heat from stale indoor air, improve indoor air quality and reduce heating costs. At the same time, an HRV continuously supplies fresh air to the home.

Walls and Finishes

Using healthy building materials is one way to improve the indoor air quality of a FlexHouse. Ideas include:

• Using spruce for wall construction. Spruce is domestic, fast growing, renewable and has the lowest chemical content of all the softwoods.
• Fibre-reinforced gypsum drywall creates very little dust and releases few volatile chemicals during installation.
• To help create an airtight drywall barrier system, use low-density polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam tape and low-emission silicone caulking. This combination eliminates drafts and does the best job of keeping outdoor pollutants and moisture out. It also reduces heat loss by up to 75%.

Flooring

For maximum adaptability and accessibility, choose wood and tile flooring. Use area rugs instead of carpeting. Hardwood floors and no-wax vinyl tiles have permanent finishes and require very little care.