This case study highlights a transformative project we completed for a family in an Art Deco house, where we adapted the space to meet the specific needs of their teenage child with a disability. The home, originally divided in a traditional manner, was reimagined to provide a seamless flow of space that supported both the family’s daily life and the care requirements of the teenager.

The ground floor plan was carefully redesigned to create distinct zones for family living, ensuring everyone had the privacy they needed. On one side of the house, we dedicated an area for the teenager with a disability, incorporating space for therapy and daily activities with carers and therapists. Adjacent to this, we created a separate carer’s area, complete with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, providing the carer with full independence while ensuring they did not disrupt the family’s routine.

In the central area of the home, we designed an open-plan communal space where the family could come together, share quality time, and engage in therapy sessions. This layout enabled the family to enjoy quality time together with privacy from the daily carer’s activities.

The phase one of the project, including the above, has just been completed in May 2025. Phase two will take this transformation even further, with the addition of a hydropool. Strategically located next to the teenager’s room and the carer’s area, the hydropool will provide direct access to the fully accessible bathroom/changing room. This connection ensures minimal travel between therapy, bathing, and resting areas for the teenager, creating a streamlined process for daily routines. Additionally, the hydropool will be a key feature in the teenager’s therapy and rehabilitation, with easy access for both the carer and the family.

This project highlights the powerful impact of home adaptations, illustrating how thoughtful design can enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities while also supporting their families. By creating a balanced environment that promotes independence, privacy, and comfort, the family now enjoys a harmonious living space tailored to their unique needs.

Impact:

• Enhanced Privacy & Independence: The family can now balance shared time with privacy, while the carer has independent living facilities.
• Better Therapy Access: The hydropool and layout facilitate easier and more efficient therapy for the teenager.
• Improved Family Life: The redesign strengthens the family bond by providing both communal and private spaces that are adapted to everyone’s needs.

This case study serves as a powerful example of how thoughtful home adaptations can transform the lives of individuals with disabilities, offering both independence and a better quality of life.