Why a Log Home is Good for Your Health

Build for a Boost: Why a Log Home is Good for Your Health

While building a home is a unique journey personal to you and your family, there are often a few main reasons why folks choose to build a log, timber or hybrid home. A few things that might top your list: the warm and cozy look and feel of natural wood, the superior energy efficiency and the proven longevity of log and timber structures. But there may be one surprising benefit to building a house with Ward Cedar Log Homes that hasn’t crossed your radar. Living in a log home can be a boost to your health! Here are five ways living in a log home is good for your health.

Materials Matter

It’s no secret that stress takes a significant toll on our health, both mentally and physically. Log homes, often associated with words like “retreat” and “haven,” provide a natural escape from the everyday world and its stressors. And it’s not just in theory. Studies show that living in and around natural materials — like our northern white cedar logs, for starters — have a direct link to lower stress levels.

Take In the Views

Did you know that just looking at a photo of nature can create a sense of calm? Viewing natural images activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which slows your heart rate and breathing and leads your body into “rest” mode. Now, imagine the effect of being surrounded by real, perfectly-framed nature scenes at every turn — via your home’s windows. Log homes tend to be situated in the middle of beautiful natural environments, so our design plans feature plenty of windows to take advantage of the views and therefore, the health benefits.

Let the Light In

Along with the beautiful scenery your windows will showcase, you’ll also benefit from having an abundance of light in your interiors. Being exposed to good natural lighting results in higher serotonin levels which, in turn, increases both physical and psychological well-being (and lowers depression and fatigue). If you’re lucky enough to build in a remote location, ditch the blinds and curtains to allow those feel-good rays to filter in freely.

Temperature Control

A structure that promotes comfortable interior air temperatures — not too hot, not too cold — is one of the tenets found in “Nine Foundations of a Heathy Building,” a publication put out by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Thankfully, gone are the days of quaint, drafty log cabins. Ward’s modern log homes are cozy and comfortable and rely on tried-and-true construction techniques (such as combining  tongue-and-groove joinery with newly formulated caulking) that produce an air-tight and waterproof shell. Ward also uses only the best-name door, window and roofing products in the industry since about two-thirds of a home's energy loss is through these elements.

Breathe It In

While it’s obvious that breathing is foundational to our existence, breathing healthy air is an important part of feeling our best. (“Healthy indoor air” is one of the nine principles discussed in the “Nine Foundations of a Heathy Building.”) Most new construction homes built today rely heavily on drywall. Unfortunately, drywall and the joint compounds used with it can release sulfur, mercury and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into their surroundings. Conversely, logs are known for their natural, air-purifying qualities and ability to absorb and release moisture as needed (aka regulate humidity levels). Not to mention – the classic, sweet smell of our northern cedar logs will have you breathing easier in your new log home.

Start discussing your ideas for your log home or cabin, and reach out to our team today. We are ready to help you live your best life in a log or hybird/timber home today … and long into the future.

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