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- Martin Heath
- BBC News, Northamptonshire
An architect who built a house for his parents after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease says all homes should be built with accessibility in mind.
Duncan Greenaway faces a fight to get the property built after the local council refused planning permission.
He said the house showed that architecture could be both beautiful and convenient.
When Duncan Greenaway’s father Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2015, he knew it would reduce his mobility and ultimately take his life.
He said: “We really didn’t think we would have time to design and build a house, so we looked at what might be suitable in the area and there was nothing – which was really shocking.
“Those buildings that claim to be designed for people with disabilities look like hospitals, which is really depressing.”
The only option was to take expert advice on what Paul needed and build it on the grounds of the home’s double garage.
There was an initial setback when South Northamptonshire Council refused planning permission.
He said: “I was really surprised they said no and luckily we submitted an appeal which we won and the planning inspector found it to be a model house.”
All living spaces are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and there are no skirting boards for wheels to get stuck.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy the scenery whether you are standing, sitting or lying down.
Although Paul did not live to see the finished building, his wife Sally said he would have loved the view: “He would have thought ‘Wow’ – he would have spent many hours leaning on the bedroom window sill looking at me The sheep, looking at the dog, just look out.”
Duncan Greenaway believes all houses should be like this. He said: “As time goes by, everyone ages and their abilities decrease, so we should design all homes to be truly accessible.
“[This is] A very nice house, but it doesn’t look like an accessible home, so it doesn’t have to be a compromise. “
The winners of the RIBA Regional Awards will be announced this spring.
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