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London’s Elephant Park home to Europe’s first WELL Residence

ý is proud to have been part of the design team for the new high-end residential development at Elephant Park in London, which has become the first in Europe to earn WELL Residence certification. 

This certification was awarded to all 123 apartments in the Parkside building, signifying adherence to specific strategies that enhance residents’ wellbeing and foster healthy living environments. The wider development has created almost 3,000 new homes on the site of the former Heygate estate, along with a new public realm offering open, green space for residents and visitors. 

Buildings in Elephant Park with green roofs
Buildings in Elephant Park with green roofs. Image: Lendlease

The WELL for residential program was developed over two years, incorporating feedback from industry professionals, market insights, and expert advice from IWBI’s WELL for residential Advisory. This advisory group consists of over 100 globally recognised experts, including builders, developers, architects, engineers, public health and building scientists, government officials, academics, and other real estate professionals. The certification, granted by the International WELL Building Institute, requires proof that the homes are designed, constructed, and maintained to promote human health and well-being. 

Denas Karnauskas, Senior Sustainability and Physics Engineer, said: “It’s a privilege to support Lendlease as one of the first participants of the WELL for Residential program. As WELL advisors, we’ve supported the team in integrating health and well-being principles into every aspect of the project. This collaboration with Lendlease reflects our shared commitment to designing for both people and planet. 

“ý’s sustainability team played a key role in guiding the project to certification, providing expert advice during design stages, monitoring implementation, and managing the certification process from beginning to end in close collaboration with designers, builders, and the International WELL Building Institute.” 

Parkside building apartment interior. Image: Lendlease

The assessment of Parkside was conducted by ý, and key features that contributed to the WELL Residence certification include: 

  • All-electric equipment within apartments
  • A smoke-free environment
  • Pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood design, on-site cycle storage, and a gym
  • Comfortable thermal conditions and controls

The WELL for Residential certification program is a verified framework to create healthier, more resilient living environments.