The original property was purchased in February 2024 and from the very beginning, Adaptation Design was instrumental in ensuring its adaptation was a success. Michael Clifton, ADL’s Architectural Technologist, was the family’s main point of contact and coordinated every aspect of the build whilst keeping Emily and her parents fully versed on progress. Warren, Emily’s dad, picks up the story…

“We started to look at bungalows late in 2023 to see if they were, or could be made, suitable for Emily’s needs. We would send the details to Michael and the Adaptation Design team would then assess suitability for conversion. Their accessible property finding team considered all sorts of structural possibilities in their surveys which ultimately highlighted one property as the standout solution. We went for it and Michael began his designs to maximise opportunities on the plot.”

“At that time, Emily was still living with her mum in our old family home which had been adapted to some degree but was not suitable for her needs. Emily would come to mine for tea and weekends as my ex-wife and I are both now remarried. Despite our circumstances changing, her mum and I worked together on this project as Emily needed her freedom and independence as soon as possible.”

Planning designs, construction details, statutory approvals and all other documentation was completed by the end of 2024 along with the tendering process to identify an appropriate building contractor. Building work started in January 2025 and Emily moved into her new home later that year during August. The family were absolutely delighted with the outcome – it has already proven to be ‘life-changing’ for Emily. Warren continues:

“The difference in Emily’s life is like night and day. She’s now living with interdependence and is no longer reliant on her mum. It’s a completely different way of living for her which is incredible. Everything works for her – she can use the bathroom and shower on her own, cook for herself and has gone from being cared for to being pretty much self-reliant. Her carers are only in the background just to safeguard her if needed.”

As Emily needs carers on site 24/7, the main challenge for Adaptation Design was to create a seamless dual home. The property needed to accommodate Emily’s carers in a separate annex whilst ensuring Emily had her own private space. The solution ‘just works’ as Warren explains: “It’s really smart – when you come in Emily’s front entrance, you don’t even notice the door down the hallway which leads to the annex. The family area is so private Emily can have friends and family over in a space that feels totally personal.”

“These days the carers now only observe most of the time but stand back so Emily can do things herself. She’s learning to manage a house including cooking, cleaning and doing some gardening; generally running a house on her own. For example, the kitchen is accessible with rise and fall worktops so she can cook herself dinner, whereas previously her mum would be doing it. Currently Emily doesn’t need a wheelchair, but if she does in the future, she will be able to use the hob and sink whilst seated. And then there’s her bedroom. It is directly connected to a fully adapted bathroom with a bidet toilet, rise and fall sink, walk-in shower and spa bath – all fantastic.”

“You can add the amazing new outdoor space to the list of highlights for me. This decked area is connected by level access French doors and is futureproofed with ramps so she can get round using a wheelchair if ever needed. The garden has been landscaped and one of the biggest things for Emily has been the installation of a hot tub. This is a real ‘wow’ feature to the entire build. It’s covered by a pergola so she can use it all year round; she was in it last weekend with her carers; she loves it. Emily has cerebral palsy and has had a hip replacement so she is not that steady when walking but can still get around the whole house. This accessibility will be even more essential when she has her other hip replaced at some point and may need to use a wheelchair. The ceilings have also been strengthened, and electrics have been added to future proof for a possible ceiling track hoist system. ADL have also introduced ‘smart technology’ throughout with voice activated features such as blinds and lights.”

All these incredible design features have resulted in many positive reactions for Emily, both emotionally and practically. She says that her mum being able to ‘be mum again’ and not a carer, is ‘just the best’. She can visit and they can enjoy each other’s company whilst doing domestic activities together and not care related tasks. 

As Warren begins to summarise the whole experience, he concludes by saying: “Adaptation Design and especially Michael have delivered such an amazing space. Michael guided us from the start and along the whole journey. He was such a good communicator and supported us especially when there were challenges with the build or he was not happy with a certain finish. He took charge of the contractors and resolved the issues. He protected us from awkward conversations and made sure ADL, the build contractors and us all worked well together.”

“You read about many big building projects that can go wrong, and we had no issues to deal with. I think we have been very lucky and also this is down to Adaptation Design and their incredible handling of the whole thing. With the bungalow now done, my aspiration is to help Emily into work or a volunteering role. This new home is a platform for us to build upon and focus on her vocational self-ambitions – meaning we can move onto the next exciting chapter in Emily’s life.”