Apex provides specialty housing
Moving into a new family home is an exciting time for any young adult.
But when you know that home has been specially designed to meet the mobility challenges you’ve coped with for years that bit easier, everyday life becomes more comfortable, more independent, better!
Five months after moving into Ard Na Smoll on the outskirts of Dungiven, with his parents and seven siblings, 22-year-old Ryan O’Connor is enjoying a level of privacy and convenience unimaginable anywhere he’d lived previously. The five-bedroom house meets Ryan’s complex needs without compromising the feel of a family home for all of their kids, the youngest of whom is a lively three-year-old.
The transformation in the O’Connor’s’ lives began with Apex laying the groundwork in thorough consultation – that, and the architectural agility to adapt plans as different needs arose. Mum Donna revealed how their five-bedroom house meets Ryan’s complex needs without compromising the feel of a family home for all of their kids, the youngest of whom is a lively three-year-old.
Ryan’s needs have always been a priority
“Ryan’s needs have always been a priority. And they simply couldn’t be met in the private rented sector where we’d been living. We needed a home that was accessible for a wheelchair and with all the features that go with it – but still felt like a home for all of our children. Tiernan is five, our youngest, Iona, is almost three and we have five more kids all with different needs and expectations.”
“Right from the start Apex consulted with us on about every aspect of the design. Ryan has his own bedroom downstairs with access to a bathroom and room for him to manoeuvre the wheelchair, this means he can shower with privacy and we also have access from the hallway in an emergency. Wide frame doors have been fitted throughout the downstairs and we really notice the difference that makes.
The kitchen and dining area is also much more spacious than we were used to and Ryan is able to come and go as he pleases.
It’s as if he’s got his independence back.”
With no steps at entrances to the property, Ryan has smooth access to an enclosed garden at the back with breathtaking views of Benbradagh peak.
The O’Connor’s have also noticed the financial benefits of a more energy efficient home.
“It’s clear from the electricity meter that we are using much less power – even though the youngsters spend hours watching TV or playing their electronic games!
