Superior indoor air in a Honka log house

At Honka, we have been conducting research and development for several decades to improve the indoor air quality of our homes. Indoor air that promotes wellbeing rests on several factors: indoor humidity balance, safe and clean low-emission materials, well-functioning ventilation, structural air-tightness and consistent temperature. It is a matter of honour for us that every Honka log house is uncompromisingly healthy – Honka Healthy House™.

Healthy indoor air humidity in a log home

The relative humidity of indoor air is a significant factor affecting living comfort. Our solid wood log walls “breathe” water vapor by absorbing moisture and releasing it back into the indoor air. Thanks to moisture breathing, the indoor humidity of the house remains at a healthy levelfor as long as possible, creating conditions where mould or microbes are minimized. The ability of our log structures to regulate indoor air humidity and to maintain it within the optimal health range has been demonstrated in several research studies.

The thickness of the line is proportional to the magnitude of the risk posed by the factor at that level of humidity. Source: Simonson, Salonvaara and Ojanen: Improving Indoor Climate and Comfort with Wooden Structures. VTT Publications, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 2001.

In a study commissioned by Honka and conducted by VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland, the daily variations in indoor air relative humidity were compared in two rooms, one surrounded with Honka’s solid log walls and the other with gypsum board walls. The results indicated that Honka log walls had a significant positive impact on indoor air humidity.

Read more:

• FAQ: Are log homes proven to be healthier than other types? Three external experts answer.

Low-emission safe materials in Honka log houses

We are exposed to a variety of air pollutants in traffic, workplaces and schools. A Honka log house can be created as a refuge by choosing materials and products with minimal emissions of synthetic chemical compounds into the air.

M1-category and low-emission materials help to keep indoor air clear of synthetic chemical compounds. The Finnish M1 Emission Classification of Building Materials promotes the development and use of low-emitting building materialsAll adhesives used for our logs are M1-approved and safe. We want to maximise the use of M1-classified and low-emission materials in our log house building system to ensure that the indoor air is as clean and safe as possible.

Filtered air ventilation ensures fresh air

Good indoor air planning pays particular attention to ensuring proper ventilation and a sufficient amount of clean air to breathe – without compromising on energy efficiency. Mechanical controlled ventilation provides filtered, clean outdoor air and removes impurities from indoor air.

Air-tightness of a log home

An airtight house prevents the uncontrolled entry of pollutants and humidity into indoor air and structures. Leading log technology and sealing solutions are the basis for good air-tightness of a Honka house. Thanks to the airtightness, there is no harmful draft sensation in the house. Airtightness also plays a major role in reducing heating costs.

Pleasant indoor temperature

A well-designed Honka log house has an even and comfortable indoor temperature. Solid logs naturally balance temperature fluctuations. Especially, in the northern hemisphere the warmth of the low sun in winter and the freshness of cool nights in summer are stored in the log walls. In a well-designed building, eaves protect the walls from the effects of direct sunlight in the summer.

Read more:

• Our healthy and low-emission material choices
• FAQ: What does it mean that a log building breathes?
• FAQ: Which factors affect the energy efficiency of a new building?

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