My husband loves Grand Designs, but honestly I just find it stressful! I feel the money issues, site problems and sleepless nights just too intensely to be able to relax. So when he suggested we watch the latest episode of the Yorkshire couple from Keighley on my Friday night, I wasn't too eager. And I was right to.... because despite the happy ending and stylish accessible home, I can't help think about the many who don't have the privilege to be able to build their own accessible home. However, I do hope that from the hundred and thousands of viewers there will be those in the Construction Industry watching it who will want to build better, for the benefit of everyone... Because there are approximately 1.2 million people in the UK who use a wheelchair; and there are 16 million disabled people, which is 1 in 4 us. And if we are lucky to grow old, we will likely acquire a disability. So building more accessibly, especially homes, is for the benefit of us all. And it's not as difficult or expensive as the presenter Kevin McCloud made accessibility out to be! Have a look at this research by the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science Housing and Communities research group commissioned by Habinteg on the Social and Economic Value of Wheelchair User Homes: https://lnkd.in/engPrUH4 #Accessibility #AccessibleHomes #AccessibleDesign #InclusiveDesign
Greg Smith
2mo
This eposide made me happy and sad:- Happy in mainstreaming the need for accessible housing Sad that has to be done by a knowledgable and skilled couple, because of the references to “registered disabled” people and the assumed accepted need to spend more on accessibility and even more spend to not look like a hospital, for homes that will be for our future selves for most of us. Channel 4 and Kevin could have had so much more impact with this broadcast, with a little more thought and specialist advice.
Stuart Wighton
2mo
Hi Kirsten, we were lucky enough to be the architects for the house and worked closely with Jonny and Kara creating a layout and design that really worked for them. As you note it's not too hard or expensive to create the fundamentals of an accessible home but the Building Regs, which have progressed in this area, are however still somewhat lagging and therefore commercial housebuilders will not go 'above and beyond' because there's no financial reason or pressure to.
Jacquel Runnalls
2mo
I was heartened that they covered this build and showed that with Kara's insight and input, space and money (already covered in the responses!) it can be done. However I was frustrated that Kevin McLeod didn't refer to Inclusive design nor acknowledge that most architects sadly don't have the expertise and that there is the possibility for people to employ access consultants and/or an inclusive design lead - particularly in light of the RIBA plan of work and Inclusive Design overlay. Or, maybe a Housing OT like myself.😊...
Neil Pepper
2mo
perhaps they will dedicate a whole series to accessible property 🤔🤔🤔🙄
Paul Raisbeck
2mo
We're in the early stages of building our own home at the moment (planning approved, build due to start soon). Neither of us are in wheelchairs but we are adopting many Part M (accessibility) building regs elements as we plan on this being our final home. Granted, it is a single storey home (again, done with old age in mind) but looking at the drawings you would be hard pressed to see any of the Part M elements we've included. They're just there as an integral part of the design.
Tim Jones
2mo
I used to be a fan of the programme, but stopped watching it as it became very repetitive and does nothing for the image of the sector (which needs positive portrayal). There are plenty of codes for accessibility and the big builders just need to incorporate them into their designs as a standard. Sadly only interested in profit and cutting corners so unless it becomes mandatory it will only happen sporadically. Maybe the government will incorporate this into their plans for reform of the planning systems & the like 🤦♂️
Dr Lucy REYNOLDS
2mo
Insightful
Laila Salamat
2mo
I haven't seen this episode will be interesting to see.
CONNECTING THE DOTS AND MUCH MORE - Disability Advocate with Lived Experience National Diversity Awards nominee 2024 All4inclusion nominee award 2024 for positive role model with a disability
2moAbsolutely love this post Kirsten I felt the same - whilst it’s great that the couple have a beautiful home - many people I know, living in inaccessible properties still after years of waiting for an accessible home, can only dream of a wet room or kitchen to cook in. I hope that architects but in particular landlords who have homes that could be made adaptable for all especially wheelchair users - see the far reaching benefits for long term tenants. The wait is about 47 years for an accessible home (figures from Habinteg ) Teresa Rumble Fara M. Rachael Marshall Amy Francis-Smith