Design Strategies for Sustainable and Healthy Homes

From carbon-neutral materials to healthier homes, this in-depth conversation reveals the design strategies shaping the VISION House Austin project and beyond.

Our latest video, featuring an insightful conversation between Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media, and Noah Chitty, VP of Sustainability for AHF, explores how AHF’s brands are incorporating sustainability into their products and design strategies. Whether you're a builder, homeowner, designer, or simply interested in the evolution of green building, this video provides a unique look at cutting-edge sustainable design.

Chitty explains how AHF's recent acquisitions have expanded the company’s capacity to produce eco-friendly building products, particularly with a focus on hardwood, resilient materials, and tile. In the VISION House Austin project, the emphasis is on showcasing sustainability from the design phase.

"This is the perfect showcase to start the conversation about what net zero building means and what products go into a net zero building," Chitty says. He goes on to explain how carbon-neutral products play a vital role in this transformation, with the VISION House Austin project utilizing these materials to reduce environmental impact from the ground up.

A key theme in the discussion is the growing importance of carbon reduction alongside the concept of carbon neutrality. Chitty shares that the goal isn’t just to purchase carbon offsets but to actively reduce carbon emissions throughout the supply chain. He notes, “The final goal is the carbon credits being zero—eventually when we can figure out how to get all the carbon emissions out of the entire life cycle chain.”

In the VISION House Austin project, selecting materials that not only contribute to a lower carbon footprint but also create a healthier indoor environment was imperative. For instance, the carbon-neutral tile products chosen are made from all-natural materials and do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a safer choice for indoor air quality. Chitty points out, "A healthy home is about making sure materials do not emit VOCs, and are easier to clean without harsh chemicals."

Additionally, the home will feature densified hardwood from Robbins to stand the test of time. Through the use of heat and pressure, Robbins is able to create beautiful hardwood floors that are armed with significantly greater dent and scratch resistance than traditional hardwood floors.

From innovative design strategies to the future of carbon reduction, it’s apparent why AHF products were chosen for the future-forward VISION House Austin.

Watch the full video to learn more about AHF’s array of products featured in the VISION House Austin and discover how you can incorporate these forward-thinking ideas into your own projects.