The golden rules of house design

Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams

- NATASHA BRINSMEAD

Everyone has something different in mind when it comes to building a house, with their own wishlist and needs based on their stage of life, budget and individual must-haves. "Considering how the home will be used is so important in creating a successful design that is tailored to the owners," says architect Ian Phillips of VESP Architects. "Every person is different in their daily habits, their priorities and their lifestyle. Will they regularly host parties or family gatherings, and so need flexible accommodation that can 'expand or contract' depending on whether they've a full house or not? Or are they outdoor types who need lots of back-of-house storage and wash-down areas when they return home from their activities?"

However, there are certain design rules that can be applied to all homes. Rules that will help create a flexible home that can perform for its inhabitants, that will withstand the test of time and make the building a pleasure to spend time in, no matter what time of day or season it is.

We asked a selection of architects for their views on which house design rules everyone should be aware of and have put them all together to get you started on the path to creating your own perfect home.

1 DESIGN WITH YOUR PROPERTY'S PLOT IN MIND

To begin with, there is absolutely no point in setting out to design a house that fails to relate to the actual site that it stands on-it just won't work on any level. Something that was agreed upon by all of the architects we spoke to was the crucial importance of taking the surroundings of the house into account when making every design choice.