How Housing Development Shapes Our Health and Wellbeing
“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
When Winston Churchill spoke these powerful words in 1943, he was reflecting on the profound link between our environment and our identity. Today, his insight is more relevant than ever. Given that we spend a staggering 90% of our time indoors, our homes have become a significant factor in our long-term health and wellbeing. So how does housing shape our wellbeing?
The buildings we inhabit influence everything from our respiratory health to our mood and cognitive function. A growing body of research confirms this connection, making the thoughtful design of our homes a critical priority.
An evidence-based approach to housing that shapes wellbeing
At City Sanctuary, our commitment to better living is not just a philosophy – it’s a science. We keep abreast of the latest research and employ an evidence-based approach to home creation, ensuring every decision is rooted in verifiable research from neuroscience, psychology, and the built environment.
This research forms the backbone of the unique scoring system we created to measure the health and wellbeing performance of our properties. It allows us to quantify the impact of our design choices. This ranges from air quality and natural light to layouts that encourage both connection and solitude. It’s about creating spaces that genuinely and actively boost the inhabitants’ health.
The pillars of health housing developments
Investing in healthy housing is an investment in our overall wellbeing and the future of our communities. Our research-backed approach focuses on several key factors where housing shapes our well-being.
Indoor air quality
The quality of the air we breathe indoors is a major factor in our health. Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of pollutants like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paints and furniture, as well as mould and damp. To combat this, we use healthier low-VOC materials for finishes and run post-completion air quality tests. All our homes include openable windows for natural ventilation and kitchen extractor fans to remove cooking fumes at the source
Lighting and temperature
Access to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, which are essential for sleep and energy. That’s why, where possible, City Sanctuary developments include east-facing bedroom windows to maximise energising morning light.
In the evenings, we use warm, dimmable lighting to create a relaxing environment and avoid disrupting sleep hormones. We design circuits that allow for layered, low-level lighting from bedside lamps and include blackout shades for a great night’s sleep. We are also rolling out smart lighting systems that can be programmed to mimic the natural progression of daylight.
Housing shapes wellbeing: Thermal comfort
Feeling too hot or too cold has a direct impact on our comfort, focus, and productivity. Because thermal comfort is highly individual, control is key. We install thermostats and timers in every room, which allows inhabitants to maintain their ideal temperature and comfort levels throughout the home.
Positive change in housing: One home at a time
We believe that profound change comes from small, deliberate actions. Through subtle, incremental enhancements, we can fundamentally alter how people experience their daily lives. A housing development is not just a construction, but a place of restoration, a sanctuary where you can fully unwind, recharge, and truly feel at home. When we shape buildings with intention and care, we are also shaping a healthier, happier future for the people who live within them.
If you have a property in need of restoration or conversion and share our vision for a healthier way of living, do get in touch.