One of the guiding principles at Arquifach has always been that good architecture is that which improves people’s lives. For years, this meant creating beautiful and functional spaces, adapted to the incredible surroundings of our Calpe, enhancing its Mediterranean light and views of the Rock.
However, our reality is changing, and as such, architecture evolves to respond to the new challenges we face. That is why today we ask ourselves: How can a building actively care for the health of those who inhabit it?
The international WELL certification may be the answer we’ve been waiting for.
What is WELL Certification?
You may have heard of other sustainability standards like LEED or BREEAM. They focus on the energy efficiency of buildings or their carbon footprint.
Without a doubt, these are very important certifications today, but they leave aside a fundamental aspect of architecture: the people. It is precisely on this aspect that the WELL certification exclusively focuses.
Launched in 2014 by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), this standard is based on over seven years of scientific research to measure, certify, and monitor how the features of an interior space (a home, an office) impact our physical and mental health.
If there’s one thing we are sure of at Arquifach, it’s that architecture is much more than creating a place to live; it is a space that governs our life and our health.
The Pillars of a Healthy Home
But what makes a home a healthy space? To demonstrate that a building is a healthy space, the WELL standard is organized around 10 concepts that must be analyzed one by one:
- Air: Ensure the highest indoor air quality through optimal ventilation and filtration systems.
- Water: Guarantee the best quality drinking water, free from contaminants.
- Nourishment: Encourage healthy habits (in the design of kitchens and common areas).
- Light: Design lighting (natural and artificial) to respect and enhance our circadian rhythms, improving sleep and mood.
- Movement: Integrate physical activity into daily life, with attractive staircases or spaces that invite you not to remain seated all the time.
- Thermal Comfort: Create environments with the perfect temperature and humidity for human comfort.
- Sound: Design with acoustics in mind to minimize annoying noise and guarantee privacy and concentration.
- Materials: Select construction materials and finishes that do not emit toxic substances (VOCs) and are safe for occupants.
- Mind: Incorporate biophilic design elements (connection with nature), calm spaces, and policies that support mental health.
- Community: Foster equity, accessibility, and social relationships within the built environment.
At Arquifach, we always take all these points into account, as seen in Villa Irina, where not only are the views spectacular, but the air you breathe inside is continuously filtered, natural light is maximized, and the materials on the walls and floors are free from harmful chemicals. That is a WELL home. That is the future we want to build.
The Process We Follow at Arquifach
Achieving WELL certification is much more than a mere formality. It is a rigorous and continuous process that begins with strategic design, where you need to consider the 10 concepts from the very first sketch.
It continues with material selection. This involves researching and choosing products that meet health standards without compromising on quality and durability.
Finally, it’s time for on-site verification, where an independent external agent visits the project to verify that air quality, water quality, and acoustics meet the required parameters.
Thus, if everything has gone well, we gain the assurance that our home in Calpe is not only a unique place but also actively works to take care of you.
But… Do I need the WELL certificate for my home in Calpe?
The truth is, living in a natural paradise like Calpe is already a privilege for your health, but at Arquifach we want to go a step further and design spaces that not only look out onto the Mediterranean but live and breathe like it does. Homes built with noble and healthy materials that care for our well-being. Ultimately, we want to build better for people.
For all these reasons, if you are thinking of building or renovating your home on the Costa Blanca, at Arquifach we are ready to guide you on this exciting path towards WELL certification. Contact us and let’s start designing your well-being.
