In this project we transformed the home of an extended family whose living space needed to be adapted to accommodate the progression of the father’s mobility problems and dementia and provide refuge and space for three generations. We were also presented with the challenge of enabling access to the garden; previously inaccessible due to changes in level between the house and garden.

We introduced additional daylight into the living space in an unconventional way and used colour, materials and light which are proven to have a beneficial impact on people living with dementia. In the kitchen, we fitted a new rooflight to allow the daylight to bounce off a new birch ply wall and to create a feeling of connection between the inside and outside.

We ensured the kitchen blended seamlessly with the bedroom by installing a sliding wall between the two rooms; both with views to the garden. When the wall is open, this creates a view like putting a wide angled lens on the back of house; making it feel bigger as you can see the whole width of it.

We created a cosy hideaway for the younger generations of the family to have their own space. We clad the door to blend with the plywood wall and although we had no scope to change the size of the room, we gave the room an expansive focus by creating a feature wall with the use of forest-themed wallpaper.

To enable access to the garden straight from the house and make it feel closer, we built a deck up to kitchen level.

To improve the overall appearance of the outside of the pebbledash building and to give a refreshed identity, we clad the newly refurbished ground floor with beautiful Shou-Sugi-Ban charred timber.

Project Leader: Clare Holton