Health and Wellbeing

One of the most important parts of feeling at home is comfort - safety, security and satisfaction.

The UK Green Building Council issued a report in 2016 which discusses the mental, social and physical health and wellbeing of people who occupy buildings. A ‘healthy’ home is deemed one which is well designed through its fabric, internal layouts, systems, interface with neighbourhood and overall concept. Key considerations are spaces for quiet, views out, living space for socialising and play, connections to amenities and transport, security and generous daylight. The home is where people in UK and Europe spend 65% of their time, meaning it is incredibly personal and important to get right. 

Homes should be designed around the different activities that occur and the particular interests and patterns of the occupier. Providing for social interaction, family activities, rest and relaxation are critical to improving the health and wellbeing of the people living within the space. The design of a space has direct impact on its use - for example, studies have shown that people are able to focus more in rooms with lower ceilings whilst places with high ceilings are more appropriate for social gatherings. 

Orientation of windows, amount of daylight or sunlight, views out and ventilation requirements should be considered when choosing internal materials and colour palette. 

In recent years, there has been a shift towards the use of sustainable energy sources such as air source heat pumps within homes. Our project in Stoke Newington uses air source heat pumps with underfloor heating and a mechanical heat recovery system which reduces the amount of energy required to heat houses than a conventional boiler. These methods also help to control thermal comfort within the home and prevent overheating or high consumption of fuel. 

^ Our project in Stoke Newington provides for interaction throughout the living space.