My Houzz: Universal Design Helps an 8-Year-Old Feel at Home
An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thoughtful design moves make this Canadian home work for the whole family
Becki Peckham
May 30, 2013
Home tour contributor for Houzz, freelance photography and graphic design based out of St. John's, NL.
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Home tour contributor for Houzz, freelance photography and graphic design based out... More
Building a new home in a kid-friendly neighborhood wasn't the only priority for Julie Brocklehurst and Andrew Boland. In fact, their entire house had to be custom kid friendly. With their 8-year-old son, Brennen, in a wheelchair, they needed to design a functional, comfortable space that would work well for him for years to come.
Working with Carter Home Designs and an occupational therapist from Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre, the couple created a smart open-concept home tailored to the family, from a playroom basement that is accessible from the outside to wider hallways and other amenities.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Julie Brocklehurst, Andrew Boland, son Brennen and greyhound Rumble
Location: East End of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Size: main level: 1,400 square feet, lower level: 800 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Working with Carter Home Designs and an occupational therapist from Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre, the couple created a smart open-concept home tailored to the family, from a playroom basement that is accessible from the outside to wider hallways and other amenities.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Julie Brocklehurst, Andrew Boland, son Brennen and greyhound Rumble
Location: East End of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Size: main level: 1,400 square feet, lower level: 800 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Brennen, shown here with his parents, has a diagnosis of spastic tetraparetic cerebral palsy, among other developmental disorders, and needs assistance in all aspects of his life. "Despite his many challenges, Brennen is a happy little boy," Brocklehurst says. "He is very active in Easter Seals programs, swimming, music therapy and therapeutic horseback riding. He has graduated kindergarten and is now enjoying grade one!"
A wheelchair-accesible walk-out basement is Brennen's playroom. Brocklehurst and Boland picked out a gray laminate floor for this space and paired it with crisp white walls and a cheerful accent wall (Sunflower Fields, Benjamin Moore). All the doors on this basement level are 36 inches wide.
A therapeutic Snoezelen room off the playroom is a multisensory environment designed to provide both relaxation and stimulation for kids with developmental challenges. It is filled with sights, sounds and movement for Brennan to experience. The Hanging Crow's Nest by Joki is a great place for him to relax in.
Bubble tube, fiber-optic lights, projectors: TFH Special Needs Toys
Bubble tube, fiber-optic lights, projectors: TFH Special Needs Toys
Brocklehurst stores loose items and small toys in clear tubs. Built-in shelves hold toys and craft supplies.
An open living space was a top priority. "I need to be able to see Brennen at all times, from wherever I am," Brocklehurst says. "We find this space to be functional and open but still comfortable."
Vaulted white ceilings and subdued grays create a soothing, neutral backdrop. The couple chose warm gray flooring throughout the main level to match the stone fireplace.
The two black and white canvas prints flanking the fireplace were taken by local photographer Greg Locke for an exhibit called PhotoSensitive: Kids Who Can.
Wall paint: Freezing Rain, Sico
Vaulted white ceilings and subdued grays create a soothing, neutral backdrop. The couple chose warm gray flooring throughout the main level to match the stone fireplace.
The two black and white canvas prints flanking the fireplace were taken by local photographer Greg Locke for an exhibit called PhotoSensitive: Kids Who Can.
Wall paint: Freezing Rain, Sico
This green sofa is the highlight of the living room, along with Brocklehurst's DIY art project above, a collage of photographs she took of signs the family has passed on trips around the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Sofa: Portico Sofa in Basil, Sunpan Imports
Sofa: Portico Sofa in Basil, Sunpan Imports
Floor: hard maple in Eclipse, Mercier
The living room and dining area lead directly into the kitchen; the couple went with a light gray tile to complement the wood floors. The kitchen features an eat-in bar and granite countertops paired with black Shaker-style cabinets. The gray tones are repeated through the backsplash. Stainless steel and stone tile reflect light from the undercabinet lights.
The patio off the kitchen is used often for barbecues in the summer and gives access to the backyard. The patio door is 6 feet across to accommodate a 3-foot opening accessible by wheelchair.
More ideas for designing an accessible kitchen
More ideas for designing an accessible kitchen
The dog portrait at the end of the 4-foot-wide hallway is a digital print of the family dog done by Brocklehurst. Every door is 36 inches wide; a typical door is 30 inches wide.
See 3 more features that boost accessibility
See 3 more features that boost accessibility
Brocklehurst and Boland merged style and functionality in Brennen's bathroom. A modern tub surrounded by custom tilework was raised to accommodate a lift later. The bathroom is approximately 100 square feet.
Wall paint: Grey Drizzle, Sico
Wall paint: Grey Drizzle, Sico
For the exterior the couple chose colors inspired by the local weather — grays mixed with a cheerful yellow.
More: Universal Design Strategies for 4 Key Home Areas
More: Universal Design Strategies for 4 Key Home Areas
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Love how organized Julie is in the playroom, and in the planning involved in this home!