Recent statistics suggest that if someone lives until they are 80, around 72 of those years will be spent inside buildings. This makes sense if we bear in mind that, when not at home, humans are working, learning or engaging in fun activities mostly in enclosed, built settings.
Contemplating current events, however, this number is expected to grow. In an increasingly chaotic and uncertain world, marked by the ongoing effects of climate change and the global pandemic, the desire to stay indoors in a protected, controlled and peaceful environment is stronger than ever.
Architects face an important challenge: to create comfortable, productive and healthy interiors with well-regulated parameters, considering factors like indoor air quality, daylighting features from the initial stages of design.
Of course, this involves choosing materials sensitively and accordingly, whether it be by avoiding certain health-harming components or by integrating non-toxic products that soothe and promote wellness. 
We can all agree on the following statement: good architecture is healthy, safe and sensitive. It must protect us from outside treats and should certainly not cause more harm than good.
The invisible threat of indoor contaminants
To the surprise of many, air pollution is much higher indoors than outdoors. Thus, it is important to be aware and understand where it comes from, especially since it is hard to detect. Indoor contaminants come in various sizes and compositions. They might be microorganisms such as fungi and mold, which tend to grow in wet, warm environments, or molecular-type contaminants like allergens that can come from insects, rodents, pets, and so on. Other hidden hazards include CO2 and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that originate from building materials, home furniture or cleaning supplies. All of these pollutants can be detrimental to physical and mental health, even more so if they accumulate. 
Design strategies for healthy interior spaces
Understanding where they come from, architects can implement certain design strategies to eliminate or minimize indoor contaminants, such as ensuring the proper natural ventilation, exposure to natural light and the presence of plants. However, one of the most effective ways to mitigate the propagation of indoor pollutants is by choosing modern, non-toxic, sustainable building materials that are purposely created for safe construction and use in the home –hence promoting physical, mental and environmental health.
We present some examples of construction and flooring surfaces to help architects in the selection process, grouping each material according to its function.
Construction
When it comes to conventional construction materials, wood has proven to be extremely beneficial for physical and mental well-being. Studies suggest that the visual presence of wooden elements can lower stress more effectively than plants, while rooms with around 45% of wooden surfaces boost perceptions of comfort, lower blood pressure and improve cognitive performance. It is pivotal, nonetheless, to source the material from sustainably managed forests or use reclaimed wood in order to ensure environmental health.
Flooring surfaces
For the healthiest home, solid surface flooring tends to be a better option than carpet, laminate, or vinyl flooring. Carpets trap pollutants and are never perfectly clean, while some laminate flooring can release dangerous levels of formaldehyde. It is thus recommended to use wood flooring with a low-VOC finish or tiles with a low-VOC sealant, such as ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles, which are all easy to clean. For installation, it is important to look for non-toxic adhesives or hook fastener systems that don’t require adhesives at all.