The Brief
Jake is a young man who suffered injuries at birth resulting in cerebral palsy. A suitable property was required that would provide a fully accessible home, allowing Jake to have a degree of independence as well as ensuring his needs could be met in the future.
Jake’s parents discovered a suitable property on the outskirts of Kidderminster, Worcestershire, with the potential to become Jake’s dream home.
While spacious, the property required significant adaptations to meet Jake’s needs, particularly the addition of a hydrotherapy pool to facilitate home-based therapeutic activities.
Watch the VideoThe Challenge
Whilst a desirable property, the main challenge was to transform the bungalow, which was located on a steeply sloping and restricted site, to provide step-free access and safe circulation around the whole of the property.
Our brief was to provide accessible and flexible accommodation, including the installation of therapy space and a specialist hydrotherapy pool, as well as future accommodation for carers and support staff.
This required thoughtful design to ensure Jake could enjoy increased independence while still being close to his family. The adaptations needed to seamlessly integrate functionality with comfort for Jake, his family, support staff, and visiting relatives.
The Solution
The PLG architectural team implemented several bespoke adaptations to meet Jake’s requirements:
- Extended the property and installed a hydrotherapy pool, allowing Jake to enjoy therapeutic benefits at home.
- Modified the existing dwelling to ensure Jake could access all areas, including as much of the garden as possible.
- Refurbished the entire property to provide appropriate suitable accommodation for Jake, his family, support staff, and visiting relatives.
- Installed specialist equipment that facilitated day-to-day care and provided Jake with greater independence, whilst allowing his parents to remain on hand for support.
The Impact
The project’s completion was a rewarding moment for all involved, as the home perfectly aligned with Jake’s needs. Jake now enjoys full access to his home and relishes time spent in his hydrotherapy pool, which has greatly enhanced his quality of life. Reflecting on the journey, Jake’s parents expressed their joy: “Now it’s finally here, it’s amazing.”
Managing Director Phill Gill remarked, “To be able to hand over a project like this, at the very end of a journey, is something really special.”
Recognition and Awards
The project’s success was further recognised with the LABC Grand Finals award for Best Residential Conversion/Alteration to an Existing Home, celebrating the exceptional transformation achieved for Jake and his family.
