Lifetime Homes Design Guide (EP 100)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
On 19 October 2011, BRE published the Lifetime Homes Design Guide (EP 100) by Lifetime Homes, written by Chris Goodman from the Habinteg Housing Association, with a foreword by Wayne Hemingway.
The idea for a Lifetime Homes Standard originated in the in late 1980’s, and was first adopted in connection with a project by the Helen Hamlyn Foundation. It developed to become a standard for creating integrated and inclusive housing for a wide range of people with differing needs. It sets out the principles implicit in good contemporary housing design, that is thoughtful, forward-looking, and maximises utility, independence and quality of life.
The 72 page guide describes the design requirements for homes necessary to meet the differing and changing needs of households. It provides guidance about how to incorporate the Lifetime Homes Standard’s design criteria, including; inclusivity, accessibility, adaptability, sustainability and good value. The guide is intended to help develop design solutions that cater for the broadest range of needs, and allow simple, cost-saving adaptations in the future.
The contents of the guide are:
- Acknowledgements
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Format and use of the guide
- Technical guidance
- 3 Approaching the home
- 4 Entrances
- 5 Internal circulation within communal areas
- 6 Entrance-level facilities within the home
- 7 Circulation and accessibility within the home
- 8 Circulation between storeys within the home
- 9 Service and ventilation controls
- Appendix: Checklist of requirements
- References
- Index
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A Home to Remember.
- Accessibility in the built environment.
- Accessible London.
- Affordable housing.
- An ageing population - Challenges for the built environment.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Changing lifestyles.
- Dementia-friendly home.
- Home quality mark.
- Homes and ageing in England.
- Inclusive design.
- Lifetime homes.
- Lifetime neighbourhoods.
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.




















