 little of it; many leaky old homes actually had humidifiers to raise the level. Now, as homes are more tightly sealed, we have the opposite problem. We also keep building with materials that actually promote mould growth, and even our building codes get it wrong when it comes to dealing with moisture in our walls. Noise As we live more closely together, noise isolation becomes more important. And again, we are just beginning to really learn about how much of an effect it has on us. Unwanted noise in homes can be at best a nuisance, but at worst can cause longer term health issues. In the short term, unwanted noise can cause activity disturbance, speech interference and disturb rest, relaxation and sleep. In the longer term there is evidence of more insidious health effects, because the presence of noise can cause increased levels of stress hormones, increasing the risk of cardiovascular effects (heart disease and hypertension). This is an issue that can be addressed relatively easily in new construction, but that so often is a problem because of quality issues; the architect can specify a wall with a terrific STC rating but just a little gap, a little bit of missing caulk can ruin it. Design This is such a hard one. People need a kitchen that promotes healthy eating and family interaction: According to research, eating together as a family on a regular basis has some surprising effects. When sharing a meal together family bonds become stronger, children are better adjusted, family members eat more nutritional meals, they are less likely to be overweight, and they are less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs. Eating together can be encouraged by making the dining area pleasant (e.g. with views out and good daylight) and more accessible from the kitchen (compared to the living area) in order to nudge people to sit around the table rather than in front of the TV. Space should be designed for accessibility as residents age; bedrooms should be quiet and promote healthy sleep; they should be big enough to avoid overcrowding. Children need space to play, develop, and do their homework. They also need privacy. Adults need space too, to foster healthy relationships with their partners and enable them to care for their families. Striking the Perfect Balance Much has changed since Neutra in terms of what we call a healthy home. Today we need different approaches: Careful placement of high quality windows that maximize view and light without risking overheating; High levels of insulation to keep warm or cool with a minimum of mechanical intervention; Mechanical heat exchange and ventilation system that provides controlled, filtered fresh air; Healthy materials that are easy to clean and do not emit VOCs; Resilient designs that can survive the increasingly common disruptions and changes in climate; Simple systems that occupants can actually understand and operate themselves: Where occupants have been presented with complicated heating, lighting or ventilation controls they may struggle to maintain internal temperatures, fresh air rates and appropriate light levels – all of which can have health impacts. The consequences of residents not feeling in control of their systems can lead to homes becoming too hot or too cold, reduced energy efficiency, and in some cases it can then lead to exacerbated levels of fuel poverty While this document has been written in the UK, most of its content is universal. One message that certainly travels well: A home is more than just a box to be bought and sold; it, and the community that it is part of, seriously affect our health, happiness and wellbeing.