How A Sculptural Colorado Retreat Leans On Wellness Principles

Great design can make you feel better and ultimately help you live better, say architects Kevin Toukoumidis and Tom Hagerty. The two point out that just stepping inside an aesthetically pleasing space can evoke a sense of calm or pleasure, triggering physical responses like a lowered heart rate or a dopamine rush. And that’s just a hint of the broader concept of neuroarchitecture, an emerging discipline that the architects are dedicated to exploring through their work. The field looks at how a built environment can affect a person’s emotions, behavior and even physiology, the overall goal being to create spaces that optimize their occupants’ health. So, as they considered the style of their clients’ Beaver Creek home—a retreat the homeowners imagined as a gateway for outdoor adventures as well as a family sanctuary for rest and relaxation—Toukoumidis and Hagerty, alongside project manager Connor Brindza and architectural designer Allison Loth, took a holistic approach in order to factor in wellness features. “After many years in practice, we know how to make a home look beautiful,” explains Toukoumidis. “But what can it do to improve your well-being?”