Juan Tallo Photography

Sustainability is a buzzword in every industry, but when it comes to home design, it takes on a slightly different meaning. Sustainable home designs seek to reduce negative impacts on the environment caused by the materials and products used within the home as well as the lifestyle habits of the building occupants.

The goal of sustainable home design is to improve overall building performance and reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources. This concept is supported by multiple organizations, foundations, and initiatives to help inspire manufacturers to reuse existing materials, create more sustainable products, and strive to create healthy structures that don’t negatively impact the surrounding environment.

The definition of this type of home design may sound abstract, but there are numerous benefits to sustainable home building that make it worthwhile. Here are 4 benefits of sustainable home designs, and how you can start creating a healthier home with glass patio door systems.


Project by Build LLC

1. Improved indoor air quality for healthier environments  

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial element of sustainable or green home design. We encounter pollutants in the air every single day – both indoors and outdoors, whether it’s gas emissions from cars or a buildup of dust. Common pollutants can accumulate over time within our indoor environments and become hazardous to our health.

In the past, people were getting ample amounts of fresh air through open windows and by spending more time outdoors. Today, we spend copious hours indoors and building codes require tighter systems to prevent air gaps, which can trap contaminants indoors and negatively impact IAQ.

With closed indoor systems, we can sometimes experience higher concentrations of common pollutants – such as carbon monoxide, pesticides, pollen, and mold – compared to the amounts found in the air outside. To help improve IAQ and reduce the buildup of contaminants in your home, consider installing large patio door systems and large, functional windows to help draw fresh air in and provide you with cleaner, healthy air to breathe.

Now, you may be thinking, “how energy efficient can it be to leave large areas of my home open for multiple hours a day?” Keep reading to learn why this is beneficial instead of a costly disadvantage.


Project by Otis Architecture

2. Decreased utility costs without sacrificing year-round comfort

It may seem counterintuitive that by installing more glass in your home your utility costs decrease. But when you choose the right windows and door systems, this is exactly what happens! Energy efficient, Low-E insulating, and dual-paned tempered glass all help insulate your home to combat rising energy costs while allowing ample natural sunlight to flood into your spaces.

With a well-placed patio door system, you can capitalize on the ample sunlight and use it as a passive heat source, which minimizes the need for you to adjust the thermostat, turn on an overhead fan, or use a lamp for extra visibility. Introducing more daylight into your environment also can improve your health by:

  • Reducing the strain on your eyes from artificial light
  • Improving visibility throughout your home, leading to fewer accidents
  • Diminishing the influence of the dreaded winter blues

By installing large glass panels, additional windows, or replacing a wall with a substantial sliding glass door system, you can reduce your energy costs and create a healthier, more sustainable home design that improves your day-to-day life.

Pro tip: When looking for energy efficient windows and doors, make sure that you look for products that are manufactured with sustainability in mind and specifically engineered to function properly in your specific climate.

3. Increased alignment with surrounding nature

Healthy homes tend to be bright and open, which makes sense because sustainable home design is rooted in creating environments that work in harmony with surrounding nature, instead of against it. This concept can be applied in different areas of your home to create light, airy spaces that you love spending time in. A successful sustainable home erases the lines drawn between indoors and out.

With fewer obstacles between indoor living spaces and outdoor environments, it’s easier to create a healthier home that’s well-ventilated, clean, and safe. By design, folding patio door systems enable this engagement between indoor and outdoor spaces by literally removing the walls that traditionally separate the two. Not only do folding patio door systems improve IAQ, but they’re also built to visually improve the environment without compromising on performance.

By installing patio door systems, larger windows, and additional exterior doors, you can create an indoor environment that allows the outdoors to merge seamlessly with your home’s interior. In addition to being aesthetically appealing, this close connection to nature has the potential to help improve your sleep patterns, boost your daily lifestyle, and reduce seasonal depression.


Design by LMK Interiors

4. Reduced environmental impact and waste

When choosing glass patio doors, windows, and other building materials, it’s important to look at the materials used and the sustainability of the manufacturing process. Remember, sustainable home design is rooted in reducing the negative impact the structure has on the environment. Purchasing products from environmentally conscious manufacturers is just one way to help create a more positive impact.

For example, LaCantina Doors is a proud member of the US Green Building Council and offers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification options to help you create a healthy home. LaCantina also uses recycled materials for packing and transportation.

By purchasing windows, doors, and other building materials from organizations that understand the importance of reducing waste and supporting green design, you can feel confident that you’re utilizing the right products to help you create a healthier, more sustainable home from the ground up.

To find the right products that will help you create a healthier home, view our interactive video library here.