CABE - Building for life (3rd Edition)

Building for Life is the national standard for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods. Developed by CABE (Commission for Architecture and Built Environment), part of the Design Council, Building for Life promotes design excellence and celebrates best practice in the house building industry through the Building for Life awards. Good quality housing design can improve social wellbeing and quality of life by reducing crime, improving public health, easing transport problems and increasing property values.

The 12 (BfL 12) standards are regarded as the industry standard for the design of new housing developments. The latest edition includes new design prompts for urban schemes and explains how the associated Built for Life quality mark award operates. Whilst not specifically written to address housing for an ageing population, such as the HAPPI principles or Lifetime Homes, they take a broad over view of accessibility in relation to public and private space.