Single storey extension for accessibility in Bexleyheath

Project Story

One family member in the household is mobility disabled and the brief called for improvements and an extension to the two-storey family house that would keep the family together in the home and give the client independence in their daily life.

Through the development of the initial brief, the objective was to create a new bedroom, bathroom, lounge/office, and a common workshop in the garden.

While the upper floor was left unchanged, the ground floor had to be evaluated and adapted to accommodate full access in addition to the new extension. This included a new ramp from the parking space to the front door, with enlarged door frames and open plan living internally as well as many smaller amendments. This continued to the new extension where the elimination of corridors simplified the layout.

It was very important to think of the space in three dimensions. Corridors needed to be wide enough for wheelchair access, spaces provided for turning, and doors wide enough for easy ingress. Considering other details such as ensuring the doors did not restrict the opening when ajar and that all the thresholds and steps were removed made the final design work so well for the family.

It was also important to remember that ‘accessibility’ does not mean the design is overlooked in preference to practicality. With this project, the minimalist design solution is modern, functional, and beautiful.