An investigation of the 'soft' features of sustainable and healthy housing design : exploring stakeholder preferences and their provision in new housing developments

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Despite the widely recognised importance of the impact that built environment has on health and well-being, the concept of sustainable housing is still regarded largely in terms of environmental sustainability. However, given the urgent need to increase the quantity and sustainability of new homes in the UK, it is essential that the design and delivery of sustainable housing does not neglect health and well-being aspects that are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the development of sustainable communities. This study focuses on the ‘soft’ features of sustainable housing, that is, the non-technological components of housing and neighbourhood design that can affect occupants’ health and well-being as well as their satisfaction with their homes. The research aims to conceptualise and identify these ‘soft’ features of housing design and establish whether the opinions of housing users regarding their importance are aligned with those of the housing providers. Using a case study approach, the study also assesses the extent to which such features are being provided by new housing developments. The research begins with a review of literature of the sustainable housing and healthy housing concepts, which lead to the development of a framework for sustainable housing design with an emphasis on health and well-being. Building on this foundation, three phases of the methodology were developed to address the aims of the research: Firstly, a content analysis of sustainable housing standards is carried out, followed by a survey to ascertain the relative importance that housing stakeholders attach to these ‘soft’ features, and lastly, six housing developments are evaluated with regards to their provision of these features. The findings reveal that housing user preferences are not always aligned with those of housing providers, and indeed, a number of notable differences in opinion are also found between the private sector and social housing providers. Lastly, assessment of the six case studies indicates a low level of provision of such features new housing developments. These findings indicate that a more comprehensive approach is necessary for addressing and providing for the softer features of housing and neighbourhood design.