Is This Material Good for Me? A Guide to Choosing Healthier, Soulful Materials in Your Next Build
Most people are conscious of what they eat. We check food labels, avoid chemicals, and seek out whole, natural ingredients. But when it comes to buildings—the spaces we spend almost all our time in—we rarely ask: What is this made of?
We should. Because the materials that make up our homes, schools, and workplaces are not neutral. They can impact our health, our sense of wellbeing, and the planet we share.
This blog is not a list of "approved" products. It is a mindset shift. A set of empowering questions that help you, as a client, ask better questions. To ensure the spaces you live in are made from materials that support your life—not work against it.
Why Materials Matter
Modern construction is full of synthetic shortcuts: petroleum-based plastics, chemically treated surfaces, flame-retardant-laced foams. These often enter our spaces disguised as durability, efficiency, or low maintenance. But what they really offer is invisible risk. VOCs. Off-gassing. Microplastics. Dust that lingers in carpets, resins that emit into your air, adhesives that never quite stop leaching.
And yet, buildings can do the opposite. Natural materials—wool, timber, clay, stone—regulate moisture, insulate sound, and feel beautiful under hand and foot. They calm. They breathe. They connect us back to place.
So, how do you make better choices? You start with better questions.
Seven Questions That Change Everything
1. What is this material actually made from? Do not settle for vague marketing terms like "eco" or "sustainable." Ask for the ingredient list. Is it plastic? Is it oil-derived? Is it a mixture of compressed resins and glue? Transparency starts here.
2. Does it contain VOCs or formaldehyde? These are the main culprits behind indoor air pollution. They are commonly found in paints, carpets, MDF, sealants, and adhesives. Look for zero-VOC finishes and naturally inert materials.
3. Where did it come from, and how was it made? Local and low-processed is often better—both environmentally and socially. Imported, high-embodied-energy materials come with hidden costs.
4. Is it breathable? Materials like clay, timber, and wool help regulate humidity levels naturally. This keeps your space more comfortable and reduces risk of mould or condensation.
5. What happens at the end of its life? Can it be composted? Recycled? Or will it sit in landfill for centuries? Materials that return to nature are the most forgiving.
6. Is it certified by someone I can trust? Seek out third-party certifications like Declare, FSC (for timber), Cradle to Cradle, or Environmental Choice NZ. But remember, no label replaces common sense.
7. How will this material affect how I feel in the space? Does it echo? Does it feel cold? Does it warm to the touch? Materials shape not just function, but emotion. Ask yourself: Does this material make me feel at home?
Red Flags to Watch For
"Low maintenance" products that rely on plastic coatings
Composite panels that hide layers of glue or foam
Synthetic carpets marketed as hypoallergenic
Vinyl flooring that mimics timber but leaches toxins
Cabinets made from MDF with no backstory
Common Offenders and Better Alternatives
| Material Type | Avoid | Better Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | Polyester / Nylon | Wool carpet | Natural, durable, low-emission |
| Flooring | Vinyl / PVC | Timber, cork, real linoleum | Avoid vinyl-laminates labelled \u201ceco\u201d |
| Cabinetry | MDF + laminate | Plywood with low-VOC finish | Or solid timber if budget allows |
| Paints | Standard acrylics | Zero-VOC or clay/lime paints | Resene "Environmental Choice" a good start |
| Cladding | PVC or plastic-based | Brick, clay tile, or timber | Low-carbon brick and tile options available |
| Insulation | Glass wool / polyester | Wool, hemp, or recycled cellulose | NZ wool insulation performs beautifully |
| Benchtops | Acrylic/resin composites | Solid timber, stainless, stone | If using concrete, ask for low-carbon mix |
How Daedal Approaches This
At Daedal, this is not a checklist tacked on at the end. It is the foundation. We evaluate every material against its health impact, life cycle, and feel. We look for warmth, texture, breathability, and integrity. Not just technical performance, but soulfulness.
We also acknowledge that innovation is rapidly changing the material landscape. New products emerge constantly, and keeping up with every one is nearly impossible. But that is the beauty of asking the right questions: you do not need to know every product. The same set of questions can be applied to any new material, at any time. It is a mindset, not a list.
We are here to guide. To take the overwhelm away. But also to invite you into the conversation.
Final Thought: The Right to Ask
You do not need to become a scientist. You just need to stay curious.
Every material used in your project is a vote for the world you want to live in. A vote for care. For beauty. For something better than "just standard."
So ask the question: Is this good for me?
And do not stop asking until the answer feels right.
If you would like help reviewing materials for your upcoming project, or want to work with someone who thinks deeply about every layer of the spaces you live in, get in touch. Daedal is here to build with soul.