Question
I've heard that environmental builders and designers recommend a mud room, that it saves hardwood floors. What do you think?
A friend recently got LEED certification for his house, and he was told he had to put a mud room in the design. I'm curious about the reasoning behind this.
Answer
Lynn,
As an architect, I recommend that, if possible, a mud room be incorporated into the design of a home.
- A mud room acts as a transitional space which provides storage for shoes, coats, book bags, cell phone chargers, etc.
- It also can be utilized as an airlock so when you enter and exit your home, only a small portion of conditioned air is allowed to escape.
But most of all, a mudroom helps prevent debris and contaminants from entering the home on the soles of your shoes.
This reduction of contaminants improves the indoor air quality of your home.
