The Brief
Our architectural team was commissioned to adapt a large, detached property on the outskirts of Epsom for a teenage client with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition resulting from catastrophic birth injuries due to negligence. The goal was to redesign the property to ensure it met the client’s specific needs and provided a supportive, accessible living environment for both the client and their family.
View the VideoThe Challenge
The main challenge was to extensively remodel and refurbish the property while maintaining it as a comfortable family home. We needed to create a space that supported care and therapy, ensuring all areas were accessible and functional. Additionally, the existing structure required significant modifications to accommodate the necessary adaptations, such as removing walls to create larger spaces and installing additional supports.
The family had previously lived in the Mitcham Common area before moving to a temporary rental in Richmond, which was more suitable for the client’s needs. However, the temporary setup was still inadequate, especially in terms of accessibility and space. The new property needed to address these issues by providing a suitably sized accessible bedroom, bathroom, therapy/sensory room, and carers’ accommodation, as well as storage for medical equipment and supplies.
The Solution
POur RIBA-chartered architects undertook a series of tailored adaptations to transform the property:
- Construction of a new double-height entrance foyer and staircase to enhance accessibility.
- Design of a new family kitchen and dining area to foster a functional, social space for family gatherings.
- Development of an accessible wet room and bedroom suite with integrated therapy spaces and hoists for easy transfers.
- Upgrades to first-floor facilities to increase family comfort.
- Creation of dedicated carers’ accommodation to provide adequate support space.
- Exterior modifications to ensure level access throughout the property.
Despite the project’s ambition, there were challenges: the project ran over schedule due to additional family requirements added to the first floor and exceeded the initial budget. Some external works were also completed separately by the family. Nevertheless, these adjustments ensured the home was both functional and supportive.
The Result
The completed project resulted in a bespoke home tailored to the client’s needs, offering improved accessibility and ample space. The home now supports the client’s care and therapy requirements while providing a comfortable environment for the family and carers.
Leading Architect Justine Matthews reflected on the project, stating, “It is heart-warming to know we have helped create a home where our client has access to space and light and can be cared for in an environment that encourages her development and wellbeing. By transforming this property, we have not only created a functional space but also a loving home that supports our client’s needs.”
