Woodley Residence

Holtham+Newman Architects were asked to assist a Client with adapting their property to meet long term accommodation needs as a result of sustaining catastrophic injuries in a road traffic accident. The house had been in the family for 45 years and it was the primary intention to retain residence and to move back in; subject to planning consent for the extension & alteration required to meet the applicants long-term needs.

The design brief was based on the advice and recommendations outlined by an independently appointed accommodation expert:- The property should be fully inclusive and meet the mandatory requirements of Part M: Category: Wheelchair User Dwellings M4 (3) of the Building Regulations. It should also factor in multiple adaption costs to future prove the residence and to allow long term provision for an Electric wheelchair.

The development comprised an end of terrace two-storey private dwelling, flanked by a communal vehicle parking court. The design proposal utilised these garages, incorporating them into the design which consisted of a two-storey side extension. The internal layout was dramatically altered with only the roof, party wall and external walls remaining intact.

The living arrangement changed to offer an open plan design with the staircase and Kitchen accessed off a large living room. Entrance halls and corridors were avoided. The principle bedroom and wet room were discreetly positioned to the rear of the property utilising the adjoining garage block. This room was given immediate access to the garden and vertical access via a home lift to the first-floor level. The lift terminated within a double height bonus room designed as a home gym with access to the remaining rooms.

The end result has demonstrated how an ordinary domestic property can be transformed into a dwelling that offers all inclusive access without the visual impact of assisting aids and without compromising on circulation requirements that can prove most challenging.