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too, warns Testa. “Anyone who has lived in student accommodation or a busy apartment building can attest to this! Thickly insulated walls, roof and floor; triple-glazed windows, strict airtightness and mechanical ventilation all work together to provide homes with minimal background noise.” HEALTHY HOUSEBUILDERS Some developers are going the extra mile when it comes to creating healthy homes. Barratt London is implementing Passivhaus standards across all developments, ensuring they are ultra-low energy and warm. Head of Design Attzaz Rashid explains, “Delivering sustainable homes at scale is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today. The answer lies not just in implementing but in pushing beyond them through innovation and design. Our ambition is to build homes that are not only energy efficient but that are cheaper to run, healthier and smarter too.” Barratt London’s west London Royal Gateway development in Acton is leading the way, where it is testing new airtightness levels as part of the Lo-E homes rollout, a crucial step in achieving Passivhaus certification. Trials will help the housebuilder understand how best to reduce heat loss, improve comfort and prevent moisture damage. Housebuilder The Hill Group surveyed over 2,000 UK adults to find out how our homes and living habits have evolved. Its Evolution of the Home study found that 84% say their home supports their mental and physical health and, since the pandemic, over 40% of Londoners now use their homes more frequently for exercising. To support this, Hill has joined with MAGIC AI, enabling AI fitness in its homes. Hill finds that homeowners are embracing smart technology and want flexible living spaces that adapt to changing needs. The housebuilder has partnered with fitness technology innovator MAGIC AI to install its cutting-edge AI-powered Fitness Mirror at flagship developments in London, Cambridge and Oxford. Now installed in some show homes, it looks like a traditional mirror, but once activated, transforms into an interactive personal trainer, offering customised workout programmes and real-time feedback. Wall-mounted or freestanding, it is a compact and versatile addition to a modern home. Hill believes that homes can actively support both mental and physical wellbeing and says that the survey highlights a significant cultural shift: homes are no longer simply places to reside, but multi- purpose environments that must support every aspect of life, from working and exercising to relaxation.
features such as programmable lighting for a gradual wake-up, low-level night lighting for less disturbed sleep, automated blackout blinds and purifiers and dehumidifiers which promote better air quality. Uregian believes that this approach is scalable across all tenures. “We are already speaking with SME collaborators and social landlords interested in adapting the blueprint. There is a real appetite to reimagine health-led retrofit as a force for public health.” UNHEALTHY MATERIALS Paul Testa, Sustainable Architect and Founder of HEM Architects, and a guest speaker at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, warns that, as we spend a significant proportion of our lives indoors, it’s essential that we live in homes that nurture our physical and mental health. “Health isn’t just about eating your greens and doing a workout. The space you live in and the condition it’s in are hugely important for your health too. This is why it’s important that more homes are designed specifically with health and wellbeing in mind.” He adds that, in terms of health, not all construction materials are created equally, and many commonly used construction products in UK home builds contain chemicals that can cause poor indoor air quality and have a damaging effect on inhabitants. “Unsurprisingly, natural materials contain far fewer nasty chemicals than their man-made alternatives. This is why it’s always recommended that you use natural, inert materials wherever possible. Alongside this, exposed, natural finishes can also improve wellbeing by helping to connect you back with nature.” Testa advises caution with timber products as they can contain formaldehyde which isn’t good for health, but reclaimed materials are likely to have “released all their nasties” long ago. “The high-spec finishes that many of us crave in our homes can be some of the worst offenders.While they might look nice, they can have a big impact on the health of your home.” He also cautions against paints with high levels of Volatile Organic Chemicals,VOCs. Having poor air quality in your home can be down to damp, condensation and mouldy conditions, but Testa says that these issues can be avoided if you have a house with healthy levels of insulation, airtightness and ventilation. Even if you’re buying a new home, look for one which has a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, MVHR, system which ensures a consistent supply of warm and fresh air, no matter the temperature outside. It also filters incoming air of pollen, dust, exhaust fumes and other particles, leaving it fresh and clean. Sound quality can have a big impact on our health and happiness
EXPERT COMMENT
As a forward-looking developer, it’s essential that we stay at the forefront, anticipating how people want to live and ensuring our homes meet their evolving needs. The rise of multi-functional, tech-enabled spaces is transforming the way homes are designed. At Hill, we are focused on creating flexible, energy-efficient homes that support health and wellbeing and adapt seamlessly to modern lifestyles. Our partnership with MAGIC AI is a great example of how smart tech can enhance the homeowner’s experience of exercising at home.
Rebecca Littler ,
Sales and Marketing Director, The Hill Group
EXPERT COMMENT
Well-designed, energy-efficient homes are also healthier home environments for those living in them, and that benefit is often overlooked. Poorly built housing contributes to damp, mould and poor indoor air quality, all of which can cause health issues. At Greencore Homes, we’re proving that our homes can deliver exceptional energy efficiency, low running costs and comfort from day one. Our homes are built to Passivhaus standards using natural, non-toxic materials to ensure superior insulation, airtightness and comfort. Standard features include triple-glazed windows, air source heat pumps, optimised solar PV panels and EV charging points, reducing bills and carbon while giving people homes that are healthier and more comfortable to live in.”
Laura Stone , COO, Greencore Homes
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