Happy by design

Architect and mindfulness teacher Ben Channon looks at ways we can all make our homes a happier place in a new book

Whether you’re looking to self-build, renovate or extend, there are dozens of ways to make your home a joyful and uplifting place to live, says Ben Channon, the author of Happy by Design, published this September.

The book, published by RIBA Publishing (ribabookshops. com) and priced at £20, outlines Channon’s seven principles for a happy home, which we summarise here:

1. Light

This is one of the most important of all design considerations, states Ben. His suggestions include: making sure that the house is orientated sensitively in relation to the sun (orientate within 1500 of true south to maximise solar gain and avoid north-facing windows); consider shadows that may be cast by other buildings and trees and consider the size of windows carefully. He also suggests avoiding deep floorplans as these can create dark spaces at the centre of the building — to get round the problem, make rooms either shallower or taller, he says. Other ideas include using high level windows to combine privacy and light, and using rooflights where there is limited opportunity for normal windows (but focus on normal windows as they provide psychologically important views of the outdoors). Artificial light is important, too. Bright, harsh light can negatively affect our moods, while a low colour temperature triggers the release of melatonin, which helps us relax.

2. Comfort

Using tactile materials; considering comfort as well as aesthetics when choosing furniture; making sure the home is comfortably cool in summer and warm in winter; ensuring a good supply of fresh air (ideally with the smells of flowers, grass or rain); and reducing noise are all recommended.

3. Control

Find ways to adjust spaces in your home, using simple approaches, says Ben. Apps and home hubs can help here although no-tech options should also be included (stairs could double up as seating; window shutters that can be physically adjusted can be satisfying). Quiet spaces are also important for the third to half of people who are introverts.

4. nature

“It is almost impossible to overstate how good nature is for our minds,” states Ben. Finding ways to bring nature into your home is therefore essential for mental wellbeing. He suggests integrating an existing tree into a new building, creating an internal green wall, and making the most of any views of nature, whether that’s green space, water or a tree. Other suggestions include creating roof gardens and

improving ecology and biodiversity (insect hotels, green walls or concealed bat boxes, anyone?).

If you can integrate or give views of water, all the better, says Ben. Landscape designers have perhaps the best opportunities to bring water features into the outside space — internally, the choices are either low-maintenance water features or orientating windows to give views of water.

5. AESTHETICS

Visually attractive objects and places undeniably make us happier, says Ben. He suggests using colour wisely and sparingly (yellow, as in this project by Snook Architects, above, releases the feel-good hormone serotonin; blues and greens bring a sense of tranquillity); creating ‘moments of joy’ through special features or interesting materials; and avoiding visual monotony, while also making homes easy to understand and navigate.

6. ACTIVITY

Find ways to encourage activity around the home, for example, by making activity playful for adults and children. Rope ladders or climbing walls could be fun ways for children and adults to reach mezzanines or bunk beds, while rooflights above stairs help to reward activity. Or consider a mini gym space with a pull-up bar and small cardio area with a few mats and a Swiss ball, he suggests.

Don’t forget a space for quiet thinking or reflection. A retreat space (not the bedroom) can be included with soft and inviting furniture, dimly lit and well insulated.

7. PSYCHOLOGY

Don’t overlook the importance of storage, he says. “People with messier homes have been shown to have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” Aim for intelligent, integrated and generous storage, he advises. Don’t forget storage built into a staircase or below a bed.

High ceilings bring with them a greater sense of psychological freedom and improve happiness, he points out; vaulted ceilings or double-height areas in a house can achieve this.

Celebrate the entrance — a good entrance can be welcoming, and helps to creates a good first impression.

Open plan spaces help to encourage frequent contact with family and friends (a way of substantially improving many common mental health problems, he points out). Don’t forget that we all need a space for retreat and privacy, though.

Avoid spaces that are too large, as they can leave us feeling dwarfed or isolated; smaller spaces (as long as they are not unpleasantly small) on the other hand can help us avoid hoarding and give us more free time.

Where possible, site bedrooms on the upper storey, as this meets our need to feel safe at night time.

Create a comfortable, pleasant and homely atmosphere through a whole mix of lighting, colour, texture, furniture and design.