The ten elements of the Baufritz health philosophy

Click on the images above to find out about the ten elements.

1. No wood preservatives, with materials made from renewable resources.

• We never use wood preservatives and give preference to building materials made from renewable resources
• HOIZ S45 insulation material is used to provide excellent thermal insulation during winter and summer
• Natural timber is used for outside and inside panelling and the support structures of floors and ceilings
• Damp diffusion is effected through external construction as part of the technical specification

2. Extensive research and trials as part of our product development

• Extensive research and trials are routinely undertaken as part of our product development
• All materials that are in direct contact with water at some stage during the lifetime of the building are tested for toxicity in three stages (daphnia, watercress and luminescent bacteria)
• Composting tests are conducted to evaluate the concept of recyclability during product development
• Test chamber examination of Baufritz basic materials is undertaken for suitability for allergy sufferers, conducted by the Institute for Ecology and Health (IUG). With this data, we are able to meet the needs of people with allergies by choosing suitable materials and adjusting the plans accordingly
• Tests are made to measure for radioactivity

3. Protection of all buildings with the innovative XUND-E technology

To protect the health of the residents, Baufritz has developed "Xund-E" - a protective shielding concept that is built in to the building's envelope, i.e. external walls and roof, which dramatically reduces the amount of electromagnetic radiation penetrating the home. The Xund-E plate comprises a thin layer of carbon with a layer of natural gypsum, which is then applied to the walls and roofs and then earthed. The board absorbs 99% of high frequency radiation generated from outside the house from sources such as telegraph poles and mobile phone masts. Various studies throughout Europe and the world prove a definitive relation between the increase of cancer and neurological diseases and high frequency radiation and the protection from this harmful influence can also enhance sleep quality for those living in the house.

The effectiveness of Baufritz protection technology has been confirmed in studies carried out at the University of Munich, and in the quantitative building assessments by the International Association of Electrosmog Research (IEGF).

This innovative product is fitted as standard to all Baufritz homes.

4. Monitoring of hazardous substances

As one of Germany's first companies to produce off-site manufactured timber houses, Baufritz has focused intensively upon the idea of "healthy-living homes". Today all its homes are built entirely from bio-constructive, efficient and natural materials. This is why Baufritz homes have been awarded the ALLöKH seal of approval regarding protection from pollutants and the Bavarian Quality Prize in 2003 for its high-quality craftsmanship. Our ongoing hazardous substances monitoring in our show homes and commercial premises is designed to continuously measure the Baufritz standards and dissolution curves of hazardous substances.

Baufritz uses non-chemically treated building materials, natural products and building methods that ensure good ventilation and protection from harmful electromagnetic radiation to provide a better quality of day to day living. Baufritz makes regular checks for radioactivity, formaldehyde, chemical wood preservation methods (use of PCP, Lindane) on all its building products and materials to ensure they are not present. The company exclusively uses pollutant-tested, high-quality and environmentally-friendly construction and insulation materials and components.

5. Permanent pollutant monitoring

Baufritz conducts regular monitoring of its building sites using specialist equipment to ensure harmful pollutants are not present. To date we have monitored more than 500 sites for VOCs which are pollutants given off by adhesives, oils and waxes such as Formaldehyde and wood preservatives.

6. Indoor air quality analysis

Over the years buildings have been constructed so as to increase thermal efficiency through improved air tightness. As a result there has been a marked increase of people suffering from 'Sick Building Syndrome' (SBS). Symptoms of individuals suffering as a result of SBS include: headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. SBS is caused by a number of factors relating to the interior air quality of the building such as use of chemical contaminants found in building materials such as treated timber, lacquers, adhesives, polystyrene and mineral wool for example. In addition, inadequate ventilation also contributes to SBS.

Therefore the right choice of materials is important to reduce the amount of toxic emissions in the building. Baufritz uses only natural products in all its houses to ensure the good health of its customers. Timber is not treated with hazardous chemicals and the component design is such that toxic adhesives, waxes, lacquers etc. need not be used.

For example, the choice of insulation material very much determines the air quality in the building. Baufritz chooses not to use insulation material made from artificial mineral fibres, as these fibres are bound together by the use of a resin containing Formaldehyde, which can affect the air quality. Baufritz uses its own patented insulation material, Hoiz S45, an insulation material made from wood shavings, sprayed with whey and soda to make them fire, fungus and pesticide resistant. Hoiz S45 is a certified by European building authorities and Natureplus. Baufritz was also the first German homebuilder to build a house in accordance with guidelines from the Institute for the Environment and Health in Germany.

Good ventilation is also essential. Conventionally constructed buildings very often use materials that are non permeable, e.g. plastic membranes, which prevent the extraction of condensation created within the house. As a result these buildings very often suffer from high levels of humidity, mould and fungi and therefore a reduced air quality. Baufritz uses a permeable (breathable) wall construction that extracts condensation quicker than it is created. The construction therefore remains at the right moisture level which improves the durability and lifespan of the construction and guarantees the right air quality inside the house. Since dust-mites cannot survive below 55% humidity, this can help people who are allergic to dust.

We offer our customers analysis of the indoor air quality within inhabited buildings. These measurements are conducted through customer research and help home owners to identify hazardous substances that might be emitted by furniture, home textiles or other objects in the room. Independent assessment of air pollution and airborne fungal spore concentration is conducted by the IUG.

7. Comprehensive product recommendations and advice for customers in connection with building biology

• We offer advice in relation to building biology based on IBN standards, and covering issues that are outside our product range
• We can provide detailed information on all products and materials used in your house at all times during the construction
• Baufritz also provide product recommendations for customers who wish to finish the interior of their house themselves

8. Baufritz care and cleaning range

• We are dedicated to the development of the special Baufritz care and cleaning range
• We have compiled our own selection of premium cleaning products to help you keep hazardous substances out of your home

9. Optional planning-related services

• In order to enhance the wellbeing of our customers, we now also offer detailed site surveys aimed at detecting any former hazardous waste sites, earth radiation and water veins
• At your request, we offer you planning according to the principles of Feng Shui (direction of house, room division and garden design)

10. Material recycling

Baufritz will take back waste construction material and ecologically produced furniture when it has reached the end of its life and recycle it. This policy applies to all materials removed from the house during renovations, extension or demolition work, and furniture from the Baufritz range.