HomeLife was selected through a tender process to design and build a specialist supported accommodation scheme for adults with autism and complex needs. This was in response to a lack of suitable housing provision for people with autism in the area.

Working with the local authority, those with autism and families we engaged in a consultation process to design a spacious new project to be built on a site that we bought specifically for this development.

The design comprises 12 self-contained units, staff accommodation, a communal lounge, sensory room and landscaped gardens. Assistive technology is provided throughout to allow people to live safely and independently.

The accommodation is specifically tailored around people with autism, with the aim of creating a relaxed and open environment for people. For a person with autism the room sizes, standard lighting and restrictive hallways in a non-adapted property can cause heightened anxiety so we have designed the new accommodation to be autism-friendly. This includes an open plan lounge layout which enables people to move around freely without fearing stressful contact. Wide corridors, curved organic walls and neutral decor compliment spacious apartments to help people feel more relaxed.

We understand that living in an environment designed specifically for autistic people can change lives, and now that the Council has granted planning permission, it’s all system go.