Kitchens & Bathrooms News examines why considering climate is so important to the design of projects

Designers should not only consider the overall aesthetics of their kitchen and bathroom projects but also the climate, considering both the quality of light and humidity levels.

It is part of a movement towards biophilic design which incorporates nature to enhance the physical and mental well-being of dwellers.

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According to a report by roof window manufacturer Velux, two years’ ago, damp and dark homes across the UK were having a direct impact on the levels of serious health conditions.

The Healthy Homes Barometer 2017 highlighted a correlation between poor housing stock and ill-health in all countries across Europe.

UK residents living in dark homes were revealed to be 27% more likely to report poor health conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In addition, people living in unhealthy buildings in the UK with damp were 34% likely to be suffering from health conditions.

Across Europe, one in six households were living in an “unhealthy” (meaning damp or mouldy) building, increasing their chances of illness by 66%.

Europeans living in an “unhealthy” building were reportedly more than 1.5 times (66%) more likely to report poor health, and 40% more likely to suffer from asthma, as those who did not.

Meanwhile, Europeans who suffer energy poverty – meaning they are unable to keep their homes comfortably warm in winter – were twice as likely to report poor health and nearly three times more likely to report damp in the home.

Health and wealth costs

The Velux Healthy Homes Barometer examined the effects of housing on the health of people living in countries across Europe, along with the associated costs to society and ways to tackle the problem.

On the back of the findings, Velux called for buildings to become more energy efficient and for the UK’s housing stock to be brought up to par.

Product manager at Velux GBI Grant Sneddon comments: “We know instinctively that living in unhealthy surroundings is bad for our health.

“This study reveals to just what extent those in the UK and Europe are suffering on account of their homes; and also the staggering financial costs to society of not bringing our ageing housing stock up to par.”

The costs of unhealthy buildings are not just felt by individuals either.

The overall (direct and indirect) costs to European governments and societies of just two of the many diseases associated with damp living environments – asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – reached €82 billion per year.

Healthy barometer 2019

Revealing in its Healthy Homes Barometer in 2019 Velux reports 1 out of 3 European children – equal to over 26 million or more than the entire population of Scandinavia – live in unhealthy homes. And it states “unhealthy home environments can result in higher absence from school and work, putting a greater strain on both children, parents and the economy.”

So look to create positive spaces, which not only improve the look but the welfare of the inhabitants too.