DJD Architects have developed proposals for ten fully wheelchair accessible dwellings for affordable rent across three infill sites in Wolverhampton to meet local need. Proposals were prepared for Heantun Housing Association working in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council. The programme of ten accessible dwellings comprises six houses and four bungalows, and the accessible design follows the best practice guidance published by the BRE Press.
All of the dwellings are designed to the Code for Sustainable Homes level four standard and incorporate photovoltaic roof panels supply electrical energy to each new home. Each two storey house includes a lift between floors, and all dwellings are fitted with accessible and adaptable kitchens, level access showers and electric wheelchair charging points amongst the many design considerations. Special consideration was given to designing the dwellings so that they were not overtly recognisable as being different in the neighbourhood, reflecting the materials, character and appearance of existing adjacent houses at each of the tree sites.
The first two sites have now been completed by the building contractor, J. Harper and Sons (Leominster) Limited, and the third site is currently under construction by the same contractor. Working for the Contractor post-contract, DJD Architects have developed the technical design for each of the three sites.
