Now more than ever, the layout of our home is of great importance to our moral and physical health. We have entered a new era where we now spend the majority of our time at home. It is for this reason that our well-being is no longer just a question of comfort but a necessity.
NEW TRENDS: MATERIALS, ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN
If we look at the latest trends in home construction, for the past 20 years, several projects have applied changes to become LEED certified. This implies that the architects, designers and engineers of a project must comply with strict rules in order to reduce, reuse and recycle the materials used which can harm the environment and limit the negative effects on the exploitation of the buildings. This certification covers the making of the project itself and the materials used.
Over the past 7 years, another trend native from New York City has emerged to finally promote the well-being and health of individuals in their environment. Named the WELL certification, it was created by the International Well Building Institute. This certification recommends several factors and elements that make environments conducive to health such as the quality of water, air and light. In addition, the WELL movement promotes accessible and local amenities for physical activity, comfort and socialization.
In Canada, we can find completed and certified WELL projects in Vancouver and Toronto. The trend has grown eastward to inspire our Quebec architects and designers for several projects that are in the process of obtaining their WELL certifications.
In Montreal itself, one project got our attention: the Humaniti project. This new modern concept brings together five different types of space in one building. Depending on the plans, you can find condos, a hotel, a restaurant, offices and retail storesrd . However, only rental units are WELL certified. As for other spaces, the complex holds LEED certification.
The designer of the Humaniti project, Mr. Lafrance, was one of the first members of the Well faculty in Canada. Its primary goal is to provide access to a better quality of life by adopting various strategies to improve the sleep, mood, comfort and physical health of its tenants.
Source : Humaniti
Several criteria must be met for a new construction to be WELL certified. The performance standards are precise and strict in all their categories. Renewable certification is valid for three years to ensure WELL certified owners remains up to date with the criteria.
WATER
For every WELL-certified project, water is one of the resources that must be at its highest level. Daily analysis using filtration systems is essential. The Humaniti project ensures optimum quality for all resident occupants.
AIR
Did you know that statistics show that we spend 90% of our time indoors? It is said that many physical and mental health problems stem from pollution in the air, that indoor pollution is much higher than outdoor pollution. This is why the indications to be observed for air quality are clear. The materials used in the design of the buildings of the Humaniti project are carefully chosen. Flooring, cabinets, paint, insulation and adhesive products must meet the standards for reducing VOC (Volatile Organic Components) emissions. As for air conditioning and heating systems, each residence has its own device to control the temperature to their liking.
Source : Humaniti
LIGHT
It is proven that natural light is one of the most important characteristics that affects the quality of sleep and an individual’s mood. The amount and consistency of light exposure decreases mobility and vitality problems. In all the housing units in the Humaniti project, Mr. Lafrance made sure that several windows were installed in each of the rooms, not just in the bedrooms.
Source : Humaniti
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Humaniti also supports a lively and energetic environment. Facilities promoting physical activity have been set up within the complex. A two-story fitness center with all the necessary equipment is available to tenants and owners. Two outdoor swimming pools located on the different roofs of the building are accessible to occupants. One for hotel guests located on the roof of the office tower and one for residents located on the 20th floor. Located in downtown Montreal at the intersection of Bleury Street and Viger Avenue, the project is in an ideal location to promote physical activity. The proximity of access to cycle paths, pedestrian streets and metro stations allow the resident occupants to contribute to their well-being.
Source : Humaniti
COMFORT
When we talk about comfort, we mean the acoustic comfort of the building. This means that the condos are soundproofed to cut out ambient noise from the outside and from neighboring condos. Noise is a major source of discomfort, which is why during the construction of Humaniti, attention was paid to noise suppression.
ELEMENTS OF NATURE
By having components of nature integrated into the environment, stress is reduced and emotional health increases. Good practices WELL insists on placing elements of nature indoors. We will therefore find in the decorations components such as linen, rattan and, vividly, plants. In addition, the condos of the Humaniti project are in direct contact with nature without even the residents noticing. The different landscapes give residents the chance to have different views of the trees, works of art and, for occupants living in the penthouses, a spectacular view of the river.
Source : Humaniti
