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Poorly designed homes
By Hackit Design Team
The health impact of poor housing — and why design is a public health issue, not just an aesthetic one.
Poor housing is not just inconvenient. It is a health risk. The BRE estimate that poor housing costs the NHS £1.4bn per year in first-year treatment costs gives a clear, UK-specific figure that explains why better design is urgent.
NICE guidance on indoor air quality at home supports the case for tackling damp, mould and poor ventilation.
What does poor design actually look like in real homes?
- Damp and mould risk
- Poor ventilation
- Overheating or cold homes
- Unsafe layouts and trip hazards
- Inadequate lighting
- Noise intrusion
Evidence and links
- BRE: The cost of poor housing in England 2021 Supports the UK estimate that poor housing costs the NHS £1.4bn per year in first-year treatment costs.
- NICE Indoor air quality at home NG149 Supports evidence-led guidance on ventilation, indoor pollutants, damp and mould risk reduction at home.
- UK Parliament briefing on homes and health Supports the policy context linking housing conditions to health outcomes.
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