The Genovese Project

Remodel Project Description:

This was project was designed and constructed in such a way as to allow full wheelchair accessibility by a 9 yr. old girl with trunk weakness who requires assistance by her parents for her activities of daily living. A two walled roll in shower with custom cabinetry was installed inside the bathroom and the adjacent bedroom had custom cabinetry installed as well.

Existing bathroom

The existing bathroom was approximately 11’ x 6’ with a bathtub and transfer bench.
The cabinets were set at a height of 3’ with a Formica counter top.
The sink did not have an accessible approach causing the child to have to sit sideways to reach the faucet.
Overall the bathroom was aesthetically pleasing but not very functional for the child or her parents.

Existing bedroom and access into the bathroom

The child was required to access the bathroom by exiting her bedroom and wheeling into the hallway which required tight turns and was damaging the existing walls.
The design for the new bathroom allowed for a pocket door to be installed that allowed direct access into the bathroom via her bedroom.

Adjacent bedroom before, during, and after construction

Full remodel of existing bathroom to maximize functionality

The wall between the girl’s bedroom and bathroom was removed and relocated approximately 4’ to increase the size of the bathroom to measure approximately 11’ x 10’
A two wall shower area measuring 5’ x 4’ with a collapsible water retaining strip was installed to ensure that the waste water stayed inside the shower area.
A specific shower body was used to ensure that anyone of any age or any functional ability could utilize the shower.
Future consideration was made for the possible installation of an overhead ceiling lift when installing the exhaust fans and light fixtures

Bedroom and bathroom during construction

Completed bathroom

Custom counter top and cabinetry

A custom corian counter top with an integrated sink set at height specific to the child was installed.
This was mounted on a custom piece of cabinetry that allows for full wheelchair accessibility and maximizes the young girl’s independence.
The remainder of the countertop was left at the 3’ mark for the rest of the family’s use.

Custom cabinetry and desk unit inside of the adjacent bedroom

With the expansion of the bathroom into the bedroom, furniture was required to be removed.
In order to accommodate the young girl’s need for storage, a custom wall unit was integrated into the bedroom that featured a raised toe kick so that her wheelchair’s foot rests would not damage the new unit.

Custom cabinetry inside of bedroom

Integrated desk unit

In order for the young girl to write or to work with objects in front of her, she is required to plant her elbows on the surface in front of her due to her trunk instability.
The desk that was integrated was set at a slight angle to help compensate for this action and makes it easier for her to work at the desk area.
A high hat with a dimmer control was installed at a location that she could operate independently while sitting at her desk.