The Brief
PLG were asked to assess whether a property could be transformed into a safe, accessible and long-term home for our client, a young man living with paraplegia following a brain injury.
The home needed to support his care needs with level access throughout, a fully adapted bedroom and en-suite, and space for carers. It also needed to provide private living areas for his mum, who plays a central role in his support.
So the goal was to effectively create two homes in one, for our client and his mum, that could support a calm, family-focused environment and where care could be delivered without compromise on comfort.
Watch the VideoThe Challenge
While the property offered generous space and a peaceful setting, its layout and access were far from suitable. Though largely single-storey, there were stepped entrances to both the front and rear, narrow doorways throughout and no accessible bathroom.
Circulation space was limited too. The internal layout needed major reconfiguration to allow for hoisting, specialist equipment and smooth movement of a powered wheelchair.
The home also had to support our client’s mum, who required her own private living space seperate to the day-to-day care environment. It was like creating two semi-detached homes in one space.
Finally, carers required a dedicated area to provide around-the-clock support without encroaching on family life. Balancing the delivery of a clinical care environment with the warmth and comfort of a family home is never simple. The challenge here was to deliver both, without compromise.
The Solution
As accessible property specialists, we’re used to dealing with these kinds of challenges. We undertook a detailed assessment of the property and proposed a comprehensive redesign and extension. A new single-storey wing would provide a fully accessible bedroom, ensuite with hoisting, and a space for therapy, with doorways widened and level access created throughout.
Dedicated care accommodation was planned close to our client, while a separate living area for mum ensured privacy and comfort for the wider family. Externally, a new car port and level parking allowed for safe transfers, with improved garden access and a garden room offering a much-needed outdoor connection.
The design carefully balanced clinical function with the warmth of a family home — creating a space that supports our client’s care needs while achieving a sense of independence and calm.
The Result
The proposals confirmed that with thoughtful adaptation, the property could become a safe, fully accessible and future-proofed home for our client and his family.
The layout now supports his daily care needs without feeling clinical, offering space for therapy, privacy for mum and comfort for visiting relatives.
With level access, dedicated carer facilities and room for specialist equipment, our client can enjoy so much more space and independence, both inside and out, while feeling reassured that mum is close by.
The project has successfully delivered the foundation for a home where care, independence and family life exist side by side.
