Ross Shenton, co-founder of Sano examines why it is crucial that healthy homes be a part of the plans to meet the UK’s housing targets
Over 20 years ago, I lived in a house plagued by mould. It was a seemingly small issue at the time, but the impact it had on my long-term health is profound and a driving force in founding Sano. Unfortunately, my story isn’t unique reflects a larger issue within our housing stock—homes that are not just inefficient but also unhealthy.
Across the UK, millions of homes still suffer from issues like mould, poor ventilation, and dampness, all of which pose significant risks to the health of their inhabitants. With the UK government’s ambitious housing targets in place, it’s time to focus on not just the quantity of homes but the quality of the living conditions they provide.
Modernity and condensation
In the past, homes were naturally ventilated. Open fires, sash windows, and crawl spaces under wooden floors allowed air to flow freely. While these homes weren’t energy-efficient by today’s standards, they didn’t trap moisture, leading to what we might now consider “healthy homes.”
However, as energy efficiency took priority, a new problem emerged—airtight homes. Double glazing, sealed windows, and the drive to retain heat created semi-airtight environments, which unintentionally led to a build-up of moisture. This moisture, coming from everyday activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing, has nowhere to go. As a result, condensation forms on cold surfaces, providing the perfect environment for mould to thrive.
The cost of poor ventilation
We don’t often think about how much moisture our daily activities produce. But when you consider that an average family can create up to 20 litres of moisture per day just from breathing, showering, and cooking, it’s easy to see why moisture management is crucial. Left unchecked, excess moisture can lead to condensation, which in turn fosters mould growth.
Mould not only damages the structure of a home but also seriously impacts the health of those living in it. Conditions like asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues can all be exacerbated by mould.
Addressing the problem: The role of ventilation
To counter the moisture and mould issues in modern homes, there are two key ventilation strategies being employed: Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
PIV is a common retrofit solution, ideal for older, semi-airtight homes. It works by drawing fresh air into the house, creating a slight positive pressure that pushes stale, moist air out. This reduces the likelihood of mould growth, but it does have drawbacks—particularly in colder weather when the incoming air can make heating the home more expensive.
For new builds, MVHR systems are the gold standard. These systems extract stale air and replace it with fresh, filtered air, recovering the heat from the outgoing air to maintain energy efficiency. MVHR is particularly suited to airtight, highly insulated homes and ensures that the indoor air remains fresh while controlling moisture levels.
The Evolution of Housing: From Ventilation to AI-Driven Homes
The UK’s housing evolution has seen a shift from naturally ventilated homes, to semi-airtight homes with poor ventilation, and now to highly insulated, airtight homes that require mechanical ventilation. But where do we go from here?
The future lies in technology. We’re already seeing homes equipped with AI-driven systems that monitor air quality, moisture levels, and energy usage in real time. These smart homes will be able to adjust conditions autonomously, ensuring a healthy living environment without the need for constant human intervention.
However, the journey to healthy homes isn’t without challenges. The majority of the UK’s housing stock remains semi-airtight, and the cost of retrofitting homes with advanced ventilation systems is a barrier for many. Additionally, as homes become more airtight and energy-efficient, there are risks associated with water ingress, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture can lead to long-term structural damage if not managed correctly.
Building homes for a healthier future
At the heart of building for health is the need for balance. We must build homes that are not only energy-efficient but also healthy. This means incorporating effective ventilation systems, using materials that resist water ingress, and designing homes that prioritise the health and well-being of their occupants.
For example, in our M-Dock solution, we have addressed bathroom moisture issues by using steel chassis in critical wet areas, such as under bathtubs and shower trays. This eliminates the risk of timber expansion and contraction, reducing the likelihood of mould growth and structural damage. This is just one of many practical innovations that can make homes healthier and more resilient.
As housing providers strive to meet the UK’s ambitious targets, they must remember that the homes they build today will have a lasting impact on future generations. We have a responsibility not only to create homes that are energy-efficient but to ensure they are environments where people can thrive.
Get in touch to discuss how we can build healthier homes or see how our innovations, like the M-Dock system, are creating better living environments for the future. Together, we can prioritise health and well-being in every home we build.
