Health and wellbeing top the list of priorities for today's renovators and home owners, a recent study shows. It seems that we are not only looking to improve our general living conditions, but are also focused on creating a natural safe haven, where we can escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
The study by Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, found that health issues such as natural light and fresh air have become two of the most important features for Australian renovators.
Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre, said that people are becoming more conscious about their homes delivering healthy environments and, with the move towards increased density of residential living being pushed by governments, clever and smart design has become extremely important to deliver lifestyle outcomes.
"The healthy home renovation trend is also extending into the types of materials used and eliminating those materials causing respiratory problems," Mr Caulfield said.
Archicentre also found that renovators are focused on integrating landscaped outdoor areas into their informal living areas with the inclusion of walls of folding glass doors and decks.
"Basically people want to create a quiet spot within their home environment where they can relax and unwind from a busy world away from the maddening crowd," he said.
"Period homes with little light are being transformed through atrium type extensions which provide more natural sunlight and viewing areas of gardens or water features."
