As we reveal the New Homes Awards winners, here’s what ‘building back better’ should mean in 2022

jasonhawkes.com

Forget London Fashion Week, Chelsea Flower Show, the Emmys and London Design Festival… true glamour-seekers were at the Dorchester for the Evening Standard New Homes Awards.

Seriously though, as much as the designers at fashion week were previewing how we’ll all be dressing next year, the people lunching in that ballroom hold the keys to how our homes, streets and skyscapes will look for years to come.

The awards recognise those builders who have created the best-in-class across a range of categories, from architecture to local impact.

Forget the government’s ‘build back better’, my hope is that the 2022 awards can build on the successes of this year’s winners, with every home in the country created with the following three criteria as standard.

In top place has to be eco friendliness, with attention paid from planning through to lasting energy efficiency.

Can buildings be renovated rather than demolished and rebuilt? Are they more resilient to events such as the current energy crisis thanks to insulation, double glazing and other simple fixes?

My second wish — in the year of the Grenfell inquiry — is for safe buildings for all, no matter the tenure, price or location.

No home should be potentially lethal, and if it is found to be, those responsible must pay up to fix the problem.

Finally I would like new homes to be built with generosity in their design. Space, storage, daylight and fresh air for all.

Bring on 2022 — there’s everything to play for.

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