Towards more resilient development

The extremes of weather we have been experiencing in the UK over the last couple of years make it more important than ever to consider future-proofing our investments in buildings and spaces. Be they small scale residential extensions, conversions, intensifications of use or new dwellings.

It makes sense that future occupants are protected from extremes of heat and cold, to achieve greater thermal comfort. This means homes designed to perform well environmentally, will need none or the minimum of bolt-on interventions after the the fact, such as air conditioning units. They will continue to perform, last longer and suffer fewer poorly considered alterations that often make matters worse. 

Consequently buildings/ conversions should last longer and be more pleasant to live in. If rented, to enable tenants to continue to prioritise paying rent rather than having to choose between, heat, eat or pay rent. Often damage to property from damp can be mitigated by computer modelling enabling understanding of how natural ventilation may be designed to work more effectively. 

This is not all 'motherhood and apple pie'. There are more people, living in greater densities than ever on this small island. Covid-19 has brought home, literally, the importance of the liveability of our home environment. Building Regulations go only so far. The private building industry, from the bottom up, must begin to meet the challenge that will be thrust on us all of more 'carbon neutral' development. We have all the tools and the materials already at our fingertips. 

It is up to us as investors, designers, planners and builders to be more thoughtful and creative so that our developments meet the current and future environmental, economic and social challenges.