Area builder to show home that meets higher standard

Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Everyday products such as cleaning supplies, synthetic air fresheners, paints, new carpeting and furniture may release chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These create toxic fumes that can linger indoors and cause respiratory irritation in adults and children.

Dior Builders, a North Shore custom homebuilder, tackles these issues in The Healthy House, a new home in Long Grove. The house is the first in the nation to meet the strict 2009 building standards from the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.

The 7,500-square-foot educational show house, open for tours beginning Saturday, Aug. 29, features the latest in sustainable technology with a special focus on air quality, locally-sourced materials, and water conservation. The Healthy House features include UltraTouch cotton-fiber insulation made of 85 percent recycled natural fibers, such as recycled blue jeans. A special HEPA air filter captures almost one hundred percent of pollutants that can circulate indoors, including pet dander, bacteria and pollutants. Building materials are chemical free, with AFM Safecoat paints and stains as well as locally-sourced, formaldehyde-free cabinetry. The home is furnished with hand-selected green furniture and luxury accessories.

"Since most Americans spend a full 80 percent of their time indoors, it's no wonder that indoor air quality has been identified as the fourth largest environmental threat in the nation," said Peter Di Iorio, founder and managing principal of Dior Builders. "Our mission is to showcase sustainable and healthy home design through interactive materials and hands-on exhibits."

Tours are free and open to the public. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win products featured in the home. All the raffle proceeds will benefit Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit group that seeks to protect children and families from harmful chemicals through education and community action. The tour opens with a preview party, A Breath of Fresh Air, benefiting Healthy Child Healthy World from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27. Visit healthyhousetour.com or call Dior Builders at (847) 934-1500 for preview party ticket information, tour details, and a look inside the home.

The Healthy House Showcase Home is at 6918 Brookfield Court in Long Grove. Tour the home on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 through Sept. 13. Enjoy special festivities on Fridays, Sept. 4 and 11.