A Woking-based architect is helping to relieve the debilitating effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with design concepts for home extensions and new homes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes called winter depression or winter blues, affects many people and is caused by a biochemical imbalance due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in autumn and winter.
John Green of Abbey Design has used the architectural concepts in many buildings to date.
“We are all prone to SAD to some extent and, while it requires clinical treatment in some people, the majority can avoid it by being exposed to more daylight during the winter months,” explained John Green. “From my experience, people whose enjoy a lot of natural light in their living and working spaces experience greater feelings of well-being, not only in winter but right through the year.
“I design living spaces to make maximum use of natural light because it is fundamental to the quality of our lives and living environments. It can have a highly positive effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing. The home also uses less electricity, which we are all being encouraged to do for environmental reasons.“
“My most distinctive designs include an open vaulted roof. These admit 40 percent more light than horizontal windows. They also provide more consistent natural light during the day. Good natural lighting can make a dramatic difference to a living or working space: people feel better, physical and mentally, and tend to want to spend more time there.”
Abbey Design was established in 2002 by John Green to specialise in domestic architecture, using his vast experience obtained over the previous 34 years in several Surrey and London based architectural practices.
John works on home extensions and new homes. He provides a comprehensive architectural design service for householders and property developers in Surrey and neighbouring areas. In addition to producing plans for home extension, John provides guidance on seeking planning permission and Building Regulation Approval.
John’s speciality is architecture and planning applications which are considered too small to be viable for larger architectural practices.
Click here to view this article as Featured in Design, Architecture, Building & Specification Product (DABS) Magazine.
