Following on from the HAPPI Hour presentation last week on Remodelling Sheltered Housing for the 21st Century this article looks at the new build vs remodelling from a sustainability and well-being perspective.

There is no tax incentive to remodel over new build given the reduced average build cost for remodelling being eliminated once VAT is added. Given the advantages of retaining existing buildings from an embodied carbon perspective it seems at odds with green policies that the government has chosen not to incentivise the tax system for remodelling of existing buildings in the same way new build housing is incentivised.

Similarly, Homes England focuses on new home completions and their funding is structured accordingly. I think it would be justifiable that a remodelled home which is completed to modern space standards through amalgamating smaller units should count as a new home. This would take their stance on replacement homes one step further and again, would better align with green policies.

In terms of energy efficiency, it is easier to meet lower space heating demands on a new build home. For instance, if Passivhaus is used as a measure their new build standard is 40% better than their EnerPHit standard owing to the constraints of working with existing orientation and fabric, which will not be optimal.

Similarly, the lighting, thermal and acoustic comfort achieved in a new build property will be easier to achieve when given a blank canvas in comparison to working with an existing building. These elements are important when delivering healthy housing which benefits well-being, particularly important when dealing with older people.

Inevitably there will be a mix of new build and remodelled sheltered housing and both have their advantages from a sustainability perspective. However, given the majority of homes the UK will have in 2050 are already built there needs to be a level financial incentive playing field in order to ensure the delivery of enough high-quality sheltered housing moving forwards.

Written by: Mark Slater, Design Director at WWA Studios