Well built
How do healthy homes improve our wellbeing? In this new regular column, Jon Iliffe, one of the founders of Passive house design and build specialists eHaus, shares his insights on finding better ways to build.
My wife and I arrived from England in the summer of 1995 and were instantly captivated by a picturesque villa. However, our enthusiasm waned during our first winter in the house. It was a fridge! A few years later, we discovered our firstborn child suffered from asthma and embarked on a journey that led us to discover the Passive House standard.
We’ve since built a nationwide eHaus family of experts, offering Kiwis the opportunity to design and build homes based on proven international best practices.
In terms of energy efficiency and thermal performance, New Zealand lags behind other OECD countries. Many older buildings in New Zealand have poor insulation and inadequate heating systems, which can contribute to issues such as dampness, mould growth and indoor air quality problems.
It's important to note that there have been efforts to address these issues and improve the overall health of buildings in New Zealand. Building regulations have been updated, energy performance standards are gradually being implemented, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable and healthy building practices.
How do healthy homes improve our health and wellbeing?
The ongoing research conducted by Philipa Howden-Chapman and others provides valuable evidence linking housing conditions to various health outcomes.
Improved indoor air quality
Excellent ventilation minimises dust, allergens, mould and toxic chemicals to reduce the risk of allergies and health issues associated with poor indoor air quality.Thermal comfort
A continuous layer of high-performance insulation will minimise the reliance on heating to provide comfortable temperatures.Dampness and moisture prevention
By preventing excessive moisture, mould growth and allergens, healthy homes reduce the risk of respiratory infections, asthma and allergies.Noise reduction
Well-designed healthy homes incorporate sound insulation measures, which help reduce noise pollution.Safety and injury prevention
Healthy homes prioritise safety measures, such as proper lighting, non-slip flooring, secure handrails, and adequate spacing to prevent accidents and injuries.Psychological wellbeing
A healthy home environment with ample natural light, access to outdoor spaces, and aesthetically pleasing design elements can positively impact mental health and wellbeing.
While the new H1 Energy Efficiency regulations in the Building Code are a positive development, it is evident that these changes do not go far enough to comprehensively improve health and wellbeing in New Zealand homes.
At eHaus, our mission is to design and build the healthiest, highest performing homes across New Zealand, benefiting the wellbeing of their inhabitants. Through our national network, we inspire others to embrace the shift towards better housing standards.
0800 434 287 | ehaus.co.nz
