The Brief
PLG was approached to transform the living environment for a 15-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Her condition affects her dexterity, mobility, grip strength, and tactile and visual perception abilities. Although she can walk unaided, the brief required a home that is fully accessible and adaptable for potential wheelchair use in the future. The project aimed to provide an accessible bedroom, bathing facilities, a garden therapy space, and a comfortable living area for her parents and three siblings.
View the VideoThe Challenge
The primary challenge was to design a future-ready home that catered to the teenager’s current needs while anticipating possible future requirements. The home needed to eliminate steep inclines and be ready for potential wheelchair accessibility.
Additionally, the design had to provide a comfortable and functional living space for the entire family, ensuring privacy and convenience for each member. Transforming the existing space to meet these requirements while balancing aesthetics and practicality was crucial.
The Solution
PLG crafted a detailed plan to address the family’s needs:
- A single-storey side extension converted the garage into a dual-purpose office space and potential carer accommodation, complete with a ground-level WC and utility room.
- A single-storey rear extension created an expansive, open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, serving as the central hub for family activities.
- A loft conversion added two additional bedrooms, giving each sibling individual space.
- An internal layout redesign focused on the daughter’s bedroom and family bathrooms, incorporating ensuite facilities for enhanced privacy and convenience.
- A full refurbishment modernised the property, aligning it with the family’s current and future needs.
- External works included a new entrance porch, driveway, security gates, and a landscaped garden with terraced patio and an easily accessed play/activity area for the whole family.
- A detached garden room was constructed, creating a dedicated therapy room, providing a serene space for therapeutic activities.
The Result
The project resulted in a significant transformation, addressing the family’s challenges:
- Enhanced Accessibility: The single-level extensions and adaptations ensured easy movement for the daughter, with future wheelchair access potential.
- Increased Space: Additional bedrooms and open-plan living areas offered ample space for all family members, promoting comfort and privacy.
- Improved Quality of Life: Tailored adaptations and modernisations supported the daughter’s needs while enriching the living experience for the entire family.
- Under Budget Success: The project was completed almost £25,000 under budget, demonstrating efficient financial management.
PLG’s collaboration with this family highlights the impact of thoughtful, inclusive design in home environments. By addressing their unique challenges and providing a future-ready solution, PLG enhanced the family’s immediate living conditions and long-term quality of life. This project sets a benchmark for future endeavours, showcasing the value of bespoke solutions in creating accessible and harmonious living spaces.
