20. Do buildings or spaces outperform statutory minima, such as building regulations?
Code for sustainable homes (DCLG, 2006): ‘In 2004, more than a quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions – a major cause of climate change – came from the energy we use to heat, light and run our homes.’
Features such as generous space, good natural light, energy efficiency and good sound insulation can greatly improve the popularity of a home and the quality of life for the people who live in it. Well-designed homes will excel in some, if not all, of these areas. This should not be achieved at the expense of the overall design quality of the scheme.
Good space standards contribute to the long-term flexibility and future proofing (able to accommodate changing lifestyle demands) of a home.
For various aspects of building performance, including energy efficiency, the higher levels of achievement listed in the code for sustainable homes is the relevant reference point.
Good sound insulation between homes is important, especially for schemes where there are lots of houses close together. The biggest effect on privacy is sound coming through dividing walls.
‘79 per cent of homebuyers consider space to be the most important design feature in a home’
CABE, 2005
Watch our video explanation
The 20 Criteria
Environment & community
Character
Streets, parking & pedestrianisation
Design & construction
| Does the development provide (or is it close to) community facilities, such as a school, parks, play areas, shops, pubs or cafes? |
Further reading
- Housing quality indicators
- The green guide to housing specification (Anderson and Howard, BRE, 2000)
- Ecohomes
- Perceptions of privacy and density (Design for Homes, Popular Housing Research, 2003)
- Code for sustainable homes (DCLG, 2006)
