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
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.