A Granny Annexe With Grand Designs
Increasingly, more family properties are home to three generations accommodating different needs. As parents, our children grow up, leave home and often return in their 20s as they save to get on the housing ladder. As our parents’ age, we want to provide care and support. This brings both challenges and opportunities for our living space.
In this project, I was asked to help design accommodation for elderly parents moving to the Uk for the first time. They would be living in newly converted annexe accommodation with their daughter and his family in an ‘arts and crafts’ style property in Kent.
Garage conversion into annexe accommodation
This ‘granny annexe’ was built in what had previously been a double garage and extended into the new terrace at the rear of the property (on the right side on the floor plan below). This was to become the central accommodation for the parents, complete with a bedroom, bathroom and living space where the elderly parents could live independently. The family also wanted to have an internal collapsible wall, which could be opened up for larger family gatherings.
Incorporating familiar influences
The clients are British Indian Sikhs, so we drew on influences from the subcontinent, with rattan screens and charpoy-style benches. It was important for the older generation to feel at home and familiar having made such a momentous decision to change their lives by moving across the world to be with their children.
We turned the large wall behind the bed into a focal point by using mural wallpaper as shown in the picture below, which is lotus blossom mural from Coordonne. I chose it because of its ‘oriental’ feel, which harmonises beautifully with the rattan furniture
Practical considerations for older clientele
Both the bedroom and bathroom were explicitly designed to be accessible for wheelchair users, with light switches at a suitable height and grab rails where appropriate. The bed was adaptable with changes in level and shape like a hospital bed. We fitted a simple shelf with pegs below for pashminas to be hung so that Granny didn’t have to fuss with wardrobe doors or coat hangers.
The bathroom is designed specifically for the disabled, with a Japanese-style walk-in bath and flushing loo, plenty of grab rails and everything within reach.
We chose selected tiles from the Casablanca Hexagon Mono décor range from Mandarin Stone mixing and matching them to create a bespoke wall covering and coordinating simple floor.
Connection and privacy - the pièce de résistance
We created a collapsible wall. This allowed for privacy when needed, with the opportunity to open up to create a larger reception space for family occasions.
The plan shows the wall fully open, with each panel pivoted and with each panel closed
Whilst this collapsable door system is familiar in hotels and conference venues, this was a family home, so we drew inspiration from rattan-style doors such as those shown below which add texture and are simple to use.
We created another feature wall in the sitting room, using fabulous bespoke panels made from a huge film poster from one of the client’s favourite Bollywood movies.
Creating a balance between togetherness and personal space
Whilst this project was chiefly about creating comforting and practical accommodation, it went much deeper as we brought together young and old, celebrated the heritage and collections of each generation, their distinct personalities, and sense of style and harnessed the natural beauty of this period house.
I love creating homes that truly reflect the personality and needs of those living in them. So, if you would like a hand creating your dream home or just want a second opinion, give me a call on 07773 372 158 or send me an email via nicky@nickypercival.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Nicky