The Atwal Family
Designing accessible spaces that integrate sensory-friendly features, promoting comfort and independence across generations.
The Atwal family was facing significant challenges in their current home in Henrico, Virginia, particularly as members of the sandwich generation. Their home did not adequately meet the needs of their disabled child, nor was it suitable for their aging parents who would soon be joining them. Recognizing the complexity of their situation, our team conducted a comprehensive assessment of all family members' needs and collaborated with a local builder to design and construct a new home tailored to their unique requirements.
The new home was designed with several key considerations:
Accessibility: The home featured accessible design elements to accommodate the child with disabilities, ensuring ease of movement and independence both now and in the future.
Safety: Safety features were integrated throughout the home to protect both the child and the elderly parents.
Multigenerational Living: The home included separate living quarters for the grandparents, providing them with privacy and independence while keeping them close to the family.
Future-Proofing: The design anticipated future needs by incorporating flexible spaces that could be adapted as the family’s needs evolved.
Convenience: Modern conveniences and smart home technology were incorporated to ease the burden on caregivers and enhance the quality of life for all family members.
By focusing on these elements, the new home not only met the current needs of the Atwal family but also ensured that they could comfortably and safely transition through various life stages together. The design provided a nurturing environment where the child with disabilities could grow and thrive with the necessary support, while also accommodating the grandparents with dignity and independence.
