RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

LIVING WITH AUTISM

PROJECT SCOPE: This 1,400 square foot single level home renovation to suit the needs of its three family members: a grandmother and her daughter, and the 5-year old grandson. The space is designed to support the unique needs of an autistic child, addressing the sensory and safety concerns of living with autism. No less important however is provision of sufficient amenities and privacy to ensure the adult caretakers find  comfort and rejuvenation in their home environment. 

This early studio project was hand-drafted and hand-rendered and sparked my enthusiasm for space-planning and generative spaces.

GENERAL DESIGN PLAN:

• Open floor plan for living/dining/kitchen 
• Contemporary clean lines
• Uncluttered yet warm and personal
• ​Natural warm wood tones
  
• Plush textiles

GRANDMOTHER'S BEDROOM WISHLIST

• incorporate heirloom furniture
• sewing area with vintage sewing machine

MOTHER'S BEDROOM WISHLIST:

• a romantic "take-me-away" space
• claw-foot bathtub
• ​reading area
• elliptical machine

AUTISM DESIGN PLAN: 

• A therapy/play-room within sight-line of the kitchen (has dual function as yoga studio for mother)
• Reduce visual sensory stimuli:
  • neutral muted color scheme, pale blues & greens
  • limited use of patterns
  • limited number of decorative objects. (Animals and natural forms such as a conch shell are preferred subjects for decorative objects as they encourage connection with the living environment)
  • closed storage
  • simple window styles and treatments to avoid complex shadow patterns
  • dimmable lighting and avoidance of fluorescents.
  • No TV or computers in common areas
• Reduce auditory sensory stimuli:
  
  • acoustic wall and floor coverings
  • geothermal heating and cooling
• Reduce chemical exposures through no VOC paint, formaldehyde free MDF, and LEED guidance.
• Provide areas of shelter through use of soffits or furniture such as the Egg chair or bunk beds

Boy's Bedroom

Common Area: Kitchen, Dining, Living

Therapy/Play Room (turtle's eye is one-way mirror to kitchen)

Grandmother Bedroom

Elevations Shared Bath

Powder Room