As businesses around the world continue to navigate the shift from remote work to in-office environments, the need for creating healthy office spaces has never been more critical.
Gone are the days of pushing employees to adapt to spaces that don't prioritise their physical and mental well-being.
Today’s office designs must focus on health, productivity, and overall well-being to foster a thriving workforce.
At Haven Designed, we’ve always been guided by principles that place health at the centre of every indoor space, whether residential or commercial. In fact, the WELL Building Standard, one of the leading frameworks for healthy building design, strongly influenced the development of our own 7 Foundations of Healthy Spaces.
However, while we’ve been inspired by the WELL standards, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to indoor environments. Each space—whether a home, home-office, or commercial setting—has its own unique set of requirements.
For decades, office design has prioritised efficiency and aesthetics over human health. But research now shows that our work environment plays a crucial role in everything from mental clarity and energy levels to immune function and job satisfaction (1,2,3)
Let's take a closer look at how our approach to healthy spaces aligns with WELL standards, yet remains adaptable to meet the specific needs of every project.
1. Site and Location: Setting the Stage for Well-Being
Choosing the right site and location for a workspace is fundamental to the overall health of the environment, if looking for a office location, it is wise to consider the building’s context—from noise levels, flight paths, access to public transport and bike paths, as well as proximity to green spaces. A well-chosen site will promote both mental and physical health for employees.
Integration in Design: When possible we encourage office spaces are located in areas that minimise external pollutants, provide access to natural surroundings, are easily accessible by foot, bike or public transport and have easy access to green spaces and outdoor recreational areas, which dramatically improve the work-life balance for employees, promoting better well-being (4,5,6).
2. Air Filtration: Breathing Clean Air for Better Focus
Good air quality is critical to maintaining the overall health of employees. According to the WELL Building Standard, high-quality ventilation systems and the filtration of harmful pollutants are essential in creating a healthy indoor environment (7). This aligns perfectly with our Air Filtration foundation, which focuses on providing a space free from indoor air pollutants.
Integration in Design: In office spaces, we use high-efficiency HVAC systems equipped with advanced HEPA filtration technology where possible. We also incorporate natural ventilation and portable and personal HEPA filtration wherever possible, helping to improve air quality and enhance focus and productivity by reducing toxins like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
3. Water: Purification and Moisture Management
Water quality is a cornerstone of WELL’s philosophy, highlighting its importance for hydration and overall health. Our Water Purification and Moisture Management foundation places emphasis on creating a clean, moisture-controlled environment to prevent mould and mildew, while ensuring employees have access to clean and purified water.
Integration in Design: We incorporate high-quality filtration systems for drinking water and ensure that all plumbing systems are designed to avoid leaks and moisture buildup. This helps prevent waterborne contaminants and mould growth, ensuring both clean hydration and a healthy environment for employees to thrive in
4. Lighting: Harnessing the Power of Natural and Artificial Light
Our Lighting foundation focuses on optimising natural light and providing high-quality artificial lighting to regulate sleep-wake cycles, enhance mood, and improve productivity. This approach aligns with the principles of the WELL Building Standard, which also emphasises the significant impact light has on health, particularly on circadian rhythms.
Integration in Design: We design office spaces to take advantage of natural light with ample windows and skylights. In addition, if possible integration of daylight-responsive lighting systems that adjust throughout the day promote better focus and reduce eye strain, as well as specific task lighting making the workspace more energising and comfortable for employees.
5. Comfort: Thermal, Acoustic & Olfactory
Comfort in the workplace is a critical factor for employee satisfaction. At Haven, we recognise that comfort is a key element in employee satisfaction and well-being. Our Comfort foundation focuses on optimising thermal conditions, minimising noise, and improving olfactory experiences to reduce distractions, discomfort and ensure a conducive environment for work.
Integration in Design: We integrate acoustic panels and soundproofing materials to reduce noise levels, ensuring a quiet and focused workspace. Thermal comfort is achieved through climate control systems that adjust to each room’s needs, and select non-toxic materials to control odours, ensuring a healthier, more pleasant, and productive environment.
6. EMF: Minimising Electromagnetic Field Exposure
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a growing concern in modern office environments, particularly with the increased use of electronic devices. We like to introduce protocols to reduce EMF exposure by designing office spaces to minimise EMF emissions and creating environments that are healthier and safer for employees.
Integration in Design: Reduce EMF exposure in office spaces by integrating shielded cables, and hard-wired / wifi-free zones where necessary. These steps contribute to reducing stress levels and improving mental clarity, which ultimately enhances focus and productivity.
7. Non-Toxic: Building Materials, Finishes, Furniture, and Cleaning Items
The materials used in office design can have a significant impact on the health of employees, so the the importance of selecting non-toxic materials, including finishes, paints, and furniture, is paramount to a healthy indoor space.This aligns with our Non-Toxic foundation, where we ensure that every component of the office space—from furniture to finishes—is safe, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals.
Integration in Design: We select low-VOC paints, sustainable materials, and non-toxic finishes for furniture and flooring to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. We also recommend eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for both the environment and human health.
Conclusion: A Tailored Approach to Health and Well-Being
Whether we’re designing a commercial office or another specialised environment, our 7 Foundations of Healthy Spaces are adapted to meet the unique needs of each environment, ensuring that the design aligns with the specific requirements of the occupants.
We believe in the power of personalised, thoughtful design that not only meets health standards but also enhances the lives of those who use these spaces. By integrating the core ideas of WELL with our own foundations, we can create spaces that promote health, productivity, and well-being, tailored specifically to your needs.
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