With a focus on indoor comfort and quality of life, the AQUA-HQE™ certification brings together strategies ranging from biophilia to spatial organization to promote healthier projects
Submitted at Apr 28, 2026, 8:00 AM
Ximene Villar - Loft Corpo e Morada. Projeto da CASACOR Espírito Santo 2023. (Caio César/CASACOR)
In an ever-faster daily life, the way people inhabit directly impacts their stress levels and emotional balance. In this context, the AQUA-HQE™ certification, from Fundação Vanzolini, emerges as a benchmark by guiding projects focused on quality of life and mental health. Below, see the main factors that help create more balanced and healthy projects.
Fernando Costa e Morize Carvalho - Fachada CASACOR. A fachada é uma celebração da rica cultura mato-grossense. Os visitantes são recebidos por uma paleta de cores vibrantes que ecoam a energia e a vitalidade da região. O paisagismo embeleza o espaço e faz uma homenagem à biodiversidade de Mato Grosso. As pedras estrategicamente posicionadas representam a força e a estabilidade da cultura local. O contraste das cores quentes e terrosas com os tons refrescantes evoca o equilíbrio entre o clima tropical e a biodiversidade. (Gilberto Galdino/CASACOR)
Among the most critical factors of urban life is the sensory overload caused by excessive noise. According to the technical team at Fundação Vanzolini, reducing unwanted sounds is essential to prevent the nervous system from remaining in a constant state of alert. Acoustically balanced projects, therefore, are not limited to silence — they foster deep rest and concentration, acting directly to combat mental fatigue.
The certification also sets strict criteria for the use of natural light and the quality of artificial lighting. By ensuring appropriate light stimuli, projects respect human biology, contributing to hormonal balance and promoting sensations of relaxation at the necessary moments.
Fábio Pinho e Sinthia Ferrari - Varanda & Jardim. Projeto da CASACOR Espírito Santo 2021. (Camila Santos/CASACOR)
Another central point is the balance between social interaction and privacy. AQUA-HQE™ encourages developments to consider the real needs of users, providing both areas for socializing and retreat spaces. This flexibility allows the resident to adapt the use of the project to their emotional state throughout the day, without feeling limited to a single dynamic.
Aspects such as aesthetics, temperature, and even the odor of paints are also taken into account. Using soft colors and non-toxic materials can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and reinforce a sense of coziness, highlighting the direct impact of material choices on well-being.
(Evelyn Muller/CASACOR)
Natural elements, such as vertical gardens, cross-ventilation, and water features, are evaluated for their environmental performance. More than decorative resources, these components contribute to thermal comfort, air quality, and visual comfort. As a result, the certification incorporates biophilia in a practical way, promoting projects that support psychological recovery and make long-stay spaces less exhausting for the mind.
