To underscore the potential impact of Be Happy as a concept, we carried out rigorous background research on current sustainability issues, policy trends, social trends and design trends focused on sustainable living and mental well-being. We then created a set of process guidelines for managing the design and development of a unique, communal and circular method of living. Each Be Happy development needed to achieve a minimum level of performance on technical sustainability and circularity objectives, like renewable energy generation on-site, water use efficiency, and design for disassembly, while prioritizing the wellbeing of its residents.