Healthy Home: A Builder’s Perspective
At Dilworth Homes, we believe a home should do more than look good. It should support your health, comfort, and well-being every single day. With our latest project coming to the market — the Coolidge House in Culver City — we’ve taken that idea further than ever before.
This is what a healthy home looks like when you build it right from the ground up.
It Starts With the Air
“When we talk about building a healthy home, we’re not just talking about finishes or style — we’re talking about what you breathe, how your home functions, and what it’s made of.”
At the Coolidge House, indoor air quality comes first. Every living space is connected to a dedicated ERV system (Energy Recovery Ventilator), which constantly brings in filtered fresh air and removes stale indoor air — without sacrificing energy efficiency. You’re not relying on just cracking a window to breathe clean.
We also installed a Mitsubishi 5-zone heat pump HVAC system, giving each part of the house independent climate control. It’s whisper-quiet, energy efficient, and eliminates the hot-and-cold room issues that come with traditional forced air.
ERV system—short for Energy Recovery Ventilator
An ERV is usually a separate component of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems designed to enhance indoor air quality while conserving energy. It achieves this by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh filtered outdoor air and transferring heat and moisture between these air streams.
We Pay Attention to the Stuff You Can’t See
“We spend more — intentionally — to use low or no-VOC adhesives and finishes.”
That includes:
Low to No-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives
Schluter waterproofing in bathrooms, replacing the toxic and outdated “hot mop” methods that leak off gas for years
ZIP System sheathing to create a tightly sealed, moisture-resistant building envelope. Built tight. Ventilated right.
1 ¼” Advantech subfloors that are stronger, quieter, and more resistant to mold and warping than standard plywood
These upgrades aren’t flashy — but they matter. They protect indoor air quality, prevent long-term moisture issues, and create a healthier indoor environment for years to come.
Schluter Water Proofing Systems
The Schluter® waterproofing system, particularly the KERDI line, is a comprehensive solution designed to create a watertight and vapor-tight assembly beneath tiled surfaces in areas exposed to moisture, such as showers, bathtub surrounds, and steam rooms.
Built to Last. Built to Breathe.
In fire-prone areas like Southern California, durability isn’t just about lifespan — it’s about resilience. That’s why we’ve hardened the exterior of Coolidge House to resist fire and embers without compromising aesthetics.
Here’s how:
Fiber Cement Siding — Non-combustible and extremely durable, it resists heat, flame, and warping
High-Sloped Standing Seam Metal Roof — Helps shed debris and embers, and is far less likely to ignite
Vulcan Fire-Rated Vents — Allow air to circulate within the rain screen without letting embers or pests in
Combined, these upgrades help Coolidge House exceed California’s fire safety standards.
Vulcan Fire-Rate Vents
These fire- and ember-resistant ventilation products designed to protect homes in wildfire-prone areas like California. Manufactured by New Cal Metals Inc. in Loomis, CA, these vents feature a stainless steel ember mesh and an intumescent honeycomb matrix that expands under extreme heat, sealing off airflow to prevent ember intrusion. They comply with California Building Code Chapter 7A and have passed ASTM E2886 and E119 fire tests.
Why Build This Way?
“This is what a healthy home looks like when you build it right from the ground up.”
We spend nearly 90% of our lives indoors, and the air inside our homes can be more polluted than the air outside. That’s why we focus on what’s behind the walls as much as what’s in front of them.
Coolidge House wasn’t designed for trends. It was built for longevity, performance, and health — and we believe that’s what every homeowner deserves.
Explore the Difference
Coolidge House isn’t just a new home. It’s a new standard. One built with better materials, smarter systems, and a deeper understanding of what makes a space not just livable — but truly healthy.
Want to learn more? Click here and come tour the house when it hits the market in Culver City in July, 2025.
