We recently attended the Housing Design Awards 2019 seminar where the theme was ‘Good Neighbours’; designs that build bridges socially and visually. Unsurprisingly, the topic of housing for an aging population was frequently referred to.

Two of the winning projects, Steepleton Phase 1 in Tetbury, Gloucestershire and Hortsley in Seaford, E.Sussex (both developed by PegasusLife), exemplify the principles of HAPPI – Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation.

What are the HAPPI principles?

Based on 10 design criteria, most of which are key requirements for well-considered designs in all instances, such as good daylight, ventilation, sufficient storage space, but they are pertinent to housing for older people, which must offer an attractive alternative to the family home and, importantly, be able to adapt over time as their needs change.

The 10 criteria are:

• Space and flexibility
• Daylight in the home and in shared spaces
• Balconies and outdoor space
• Adaptability and ‘care ready’ design
• Positive use of circulation space
• Shared facilities and ‘hubs’
• Plants, trees, and the natural environment
• Energy efficiency and sustainable design
• Storage for belongings and bicycles
• External shared surfaces and ‘home zones’

What is currently being considered?

Topically, the All-Party Parliamentary Group published a document last year titled: Rural Housing for an Ageing Population: Preserving Independence (HAPPI 4).

This examines the notion that housing and care for older people in rural areas is neglected. Further information and a link to the report can be found here

…and what is MKA doing?

While we are busy working on some exciting, new top-secret projects, we endeavour to include these core principles within all our residential work. We look forward to sharing further details with you soon!