The goals of this accessibility solution where:

• To design some innovative ways of making small spaces bigger without expanding outside of the existing house dimensions.
• To proactively provide solutions that not only addressed Nicola’s needs today, but also her basic accessibility needs for the future.
• To deliver high quality, customized accessibility solutions within a very specific project budget.

The existing walkway was oddly shaped with numerous bumps and had a difficult turn at its end where it connected to the driveway

Upon entering Nicola’s home and turning to the right, the original bathroom can be seen at the end of the hall. The bathroom entrance was small and mis-aligned with the flow of the main front hall. The bathroom itself was very small with insufficient space to gain access with Nicola’s wheelchair.

The original tub was small and very shallow. With no space behind the door, even storage of some basic hygiene equipment was difficult . The total open floor space was quite small as well.

Additional space for the bathroom was found by removing a closet in Nicola’s parents room. This expanded the space behind the bathroom door to make room to relocate the water closet. This in turn provided the required space to relocate the bathtub, which ultimately created the turning radius required for Nicola’s wheelchair.

Custom metal grab bars where designed and fabricated for Nicola. Nicola loves to horseback ride. The horseshoes used in the grab bars are actually an old set from the Horse that Nicola rides! The bars are powder coated in a colour that matches the bathroom tiles. The dimensions of the bars have been designed to make it easy for Nicola to use them today and in the years to come.

The new vanity and sink are accessible for Nicola’s current needs. As Nicola grows, the front doors of the vanity are removable to make the vanity fully wheelchair accessible.

The relocated tub opens up the main floor area of the bathroom as well and the new location of the water closet behind the bathroom door in what was her parents closet in their bedroom.