Our approach

The main aim of this project was to create a fully accessible home for a young lady and her family.  As with all adaptations, the client’s unique medical and care needs must be carefully integrated into the more familiar domestic brief.

Originally a bungalow, the house was reconfigured to simplify the layout and add extra accommodation on a new first floor. A new road-facing entrance was created, allowing the driveway to be regraded for a level threshold and additional parking.  The new centrally located hallway opens up views of the garden and countryside beyond, whilst allowing convenient access to key spaces. A platform lift is subtlety integrated into the interior décor alongside the new staircase.

Glazed doors at the hallway’s end lead to the extended family space, including a lounge, dining and kitchen.  The glass theme continues with large sliding doors that fully reveal the panoramic view of the nearby valley. These doors open to provide level access to a raised patio that gently slopes to the garden level.

On the ground floor, our client’s bedroom suite includes bed space, integrated wardrobes and secret doors to a fully accessible bathroom.  The space is future-proofed for equipment changes and ceilings have already been upgraded for hoisting.  An annex attached to the bedroom is intended for live-in carers, providing separation from the main family spaces while maintaining easy access at night.  Her parents’ bedroom is also adjacent for the same reason.

The new first floor features two additional bedrooms and a bathroom.

Externally, the house underwent a full renovation with refreshed render, new windows and roof slates. The rear extension uses local sandstone, contrasting black zinc and large glass expanses to give the house a more contemporary look. The black zinc continues on the dormer extension, embedding it with the slate roof.