Material Collections

Our goal is to help you make informed material choices. Healthy Materials Lab evaluates each product holistically for its contents, impact, and performance. We consider a product’s effect in every stage of its life cycle, examining its impact on people and ecological health through the lens of human exposure. We build on the work of like-minded endeavors by preferring products which prioritize human health, particularly in the context of affordable housing. The evaluation process begins with ingredient disclosure, requiring each product to have significant transparency documentation, and appreciates third-party certifications for verifying qualities of material health among other important attributes. Like the continually shifting market, HML vetting criteria is under continuous evaluation.

Human and environmental health considerations must be forefronted throughout the entire design process: from model making to finishes, throughout the building. These curated product collections contain products contributing to a healthier design in a range of areas.

When we remember natural materials as a source for building alternatives and pair it with current technology if needed, high performing and healthier alternatives can be created. These collections of bio-based products include natural insulations, structural materials, packaging, foams, and fibers. Using bio-based alternatives benefits human health, as many natural materials are free from toxic additives like flame retardants. By biodegrading at the end of their life, these materials can benefit the health of the environment as well. Some of the products in these collections are available to view in person at the Donghia healthier Materials Library at Parsons.