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Custom-built house promises pure atmosphere Raleigh Extra October 25, 2006 By ELEANORE J. HAJIAN Raleigh Extra staff Here's a riddle. What maintains its health without proper diet and exercise? Give up yet? The answer is HealthyHouse, a home being built in Cary with health and environment in mind. Lined with carpet made of recycled milk jugs, all-natural linoleum and paint void of harsh chemicals, HealthyHouse promises 6,400 square feet of pure atmosphere at a custom- built cost of $600,000. social awareness ,of environmental concerns, instigated the development of the project, builder Jon Rufty of Rufty Custom Built Homes in Cary said at a news conference last week. "People spend about 50 percent of their lifetime in their own personal houses,” Rufty said. “This project will help us raise the consciousness of the public as to what is available in home building and remodeling.” Although the price tag is high, the information collected on more natural, energy-efficient house building materials will be applied across the home building spectrum, Rufty said. HealthyHouse has won the support. of the American Lung Association, which has affiliated itself with four such projects throughout the nation to raise awareness about indoor air pollution. Lowering the amount of chemicals used in home building products has become a priority in the industry, said Michael Nicklas, an environmental architect and president of Innovative Design in Raleigh. “What people are exposed to today are more and more chemicals”, Nicklas said. “This project is a big step toward improving life.” The foundation and frame of HealthyHouse are being constructed in the MacGregor West subdivision on a one-half acre lot. Construction is expected to be finished by October for a fall home show. A manual of healthy building materials, their prices and other - pertinent information will, be compiled for consumer use « Back |