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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
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.
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.





















