Beyond Barriers House

One of the key design requirements identified at the outset of the project was that the property, and any new additions, needed to be fully accessible to create an inclusive house for the client’s son who uses a wheelchair.

The term “Barrier-Free Design” was a phrase coined by the client during the early stages of the project. The aim was to maintain accessible wheelchairs routes throughout through the carefully considered placement of doorways and furniture.

A level threshold to the new extension was achieved by adding a secret door from an existing bedroom cupboard into the wardrobe avoided two flights of stairs and gave access to the lift between the ground and first floor.

Through design development, early 3D models, and discussions with the client we were able to explore and test the idea of making the master bedroom a double-height space, making the most of the new roof extension. Rooflights help to accentuate the height of the space whilst also bringing in more light in. A neutral array of greys, that vary in texture, in addition to a carefully selected material palette help to achieve a luxurious feel that the client desired. The new master en-suite is linked to the bedroom through a walk-in wardrobe. Bianco venato marble is used throughout the master ensuite, including the walls, and floor as well as the bespoke vanity unit built in Italy.

Elsewhere in the property, the house received a full internal refurbishment including a new office that repurposed an underused living space. Another smaller extension was added to the rear of the property creating a new en-suite for the family’s teenage daughter.

The existing ground floor WC was enlarged and made accessible and a new skylight was added that brought much-needed light into the entrance.

One of the key design requirements identified at the outset of the project was that the property, and any new additions, needed to be fully accessible to create an inclusive house for the client’s son who uses a wheelchair.

The term “Barrier-Free Design” was a phrase coined by the client during the early stages of the project. The aim was to maintain accessible wheelchairs routes throughout through the carefully considered placement of doorways and furniture.

The client’s son, who uses a wheelchair, added an interesting design element to this project.

A level threshold to the new extension was achieved by adding a secret door from an existing bedroom cupboard into the wardrobe avoided two flights of stairs and gave access to the lift between the ground and first floor.

Elsewhere in the property, the house received a full internal refurbishment including a new office that repurposed an underused living space. Another smaller extension was added to the rear of the property creating a new en-suite for the family’s teenage daughter.

The existing ground floor WC was enlarged and made accessible and a new skylight was added that brought much-needed light into the entrance.

Design: Amos Goldreich Architecture
Photography: Ollie Hammick