Human and Environmental Values
Safe, Well-functioning, Personalized, Durable, Beautiful, Dignified, Low-impact, Good-neighbourly
Homes With Love owner/founder Forest studied environmental toxicology to understand and reduce the impacts of materials and practices. He has worked with indigenous communities for many years to understand their methods, philosophies, and wishes, and serves on the affordable housing taskforce (HAPTF) of the local Islands Trust government.
By taking nothing for granted, we often improve efficiency, savings, and health/safety compared to common building practices.
For example, bitumen-based flashing tapes around skylights, windows and doors often fail, especially when used at low temperature, even with primer, leading to leaks. Water damage is a top-two cause of insurance claim in our area, connected with structural, electrical, and respiratory hazards. Bitumen causes major diseases in people and wildlife. We use an alternative product that costs more up-front but saves on labour and water damage risk, keeps adhesion in all weather, and handles all geometries well.
We've found no need for paint, drywall or sprayfoam, for example, all with potential hazards for workers and occupants. We try to work how nature works and looks, because opposing nature often means materials that pollute and don't last.
When someone living in a home feels good and safe, they can relax, heal, be inspired, and inspire others, including welcoming them to their inspiring space.
Have a look at the photos below showing sheep wool insulation (a thousands year-old practice with reduced respiratory hazard and approved fire safety), stable buildings without excavating indigenous sites or putting tons of concrete, an emphasis on organic shapes and colours, the joy at seeing your home take shape, and two photos of the waste: one, from a half-week's work; one, from an entire waterproof shell, the big black bag being wood scraps usable for heating, the middle piles recycling, and furthest away 1 cubic foot (30 L) of landfill.
