Boendemkomfort

Boendemkomfort, or living comfort, is the overall quality of housing conditions as perceived by residents. It describes how well a dwelling supports daily life and well-being, taking into account the physical environment, design, safety, and usability. In Swedish housing policy and research the term is used to discuss the suitability and attractiveness of homes beyond basic function.

Key dimensions include indoor climate (thermal comfort, humidity, ventilation and air quality), acoustics (noise levels from traffic and neighbors), lighting (availability of daylight and quality of artificial light), and moisture control. The physical design of the dwelling—space, layout, storage, and accessibility—also matters, as do safety and security features and the ease of operating heating, lighting, and other systems. Services and amenities, such as reliable heating and hot water, clean water, and access to shared facilities, further shape overall comfort.

Assessment and policy relevance: Boendemkomfort is evaluated through occupant surveys and, where available, objective indicators like ventilation rates, insulation, daylight factors, and noise measurements. Building regulations, energy performance standards, and certification schemes influence how comfort is planned and delivered. Good boendemkomfort is linked to health, well-being, and satisfaction, while deficiencies can contribute to stress, increased energy use, or costly adaptations.

Improvement: To enhance boendemkomfort, designers and builders focus on proper layout, moisture and ventilation management, sound insulation, daylight optimization, accessible design, and reliable heating and electrical systems, along with energy efficiency measures that support comfort without compromising it.