Status
Complete
Type
New build
Key Features
Full Wheelchair Accessible
Therapy Room
Sustainable Design
Year
2019-2021
The Brief
Courtyard Cottage is a completely reimagined single-storey home created for a family whose lives changed dramatically when their daughter Claire sustained a birth injury that resulted in lifelong mobility needs. The project set out to create a home where Claire could move freely and safely in her wheelchair, both now and in the future, while allowing the whole family to live comfortably together.
From the outset, the focus was on people rather than simply architecture. Every design decision was guided by the goal of creating a home that feels warm, welcoming, and intuitive to live in, a place that supports independence, dignity, and everyday family life.
The Challenge
The design needed to provide full wheelchair accessibility throughout the home while maintaining a comfortable and domestic character. Claire required safe and independent circulation, carefully planned rooms, and details that would make daily activities as effortless as possible.
At the same time, the family needed spaces that would allow them to live together naturally, without the house feeling clinical or dominated by care requirements. Incorporating a self-contained suite for a full-time carer was essential, but it had to be integrated in a way that preserved privacy and the rhythm of family life.
Another key challenge was ensuring the home would remain suitable as Claire’s needs evolve, requiring flexibility and long-term adaptability without compromising comfort or aesthetics.
The Solution
The completed design places accessibility at the heart of the home. Wide corridors, level thresholds, and carefully planned layouts allow Claire to move safely and independently throughout the house. Every detail, from door hardware to spatial planning, was considered to support ease of use and everyday comfort.
Open-plan living spaces encourage connection and shared family time, while a discreet, self-contained carer suite provides convenient support without interrupting family life. This balance allows care to be seamlessly integrated into daily routines.
The home has also been designed with the future in mind. Flexible layouts and thoughtful detailing ensure the spaces can adapt as Claire’s needs change, supporting her independence over the long term.
The result is a light-filled, welcoming home that balances functionality with warmth, a place where accessibility, care, and family life come together naturally.
