Accessible Architecture: Transforming a 1970s Home for Progressive Disability

Adapting a residence for a progressive condition like multiple sclerosis (MS) requires balancing long-term accessibility needs with complex structural constraints. When a property is located on non-constructible land, architects must innovate through renovation rather than demolition to ensure compliance with building regulations while creating a home that supports independence for residents with mobility challenges.

Navigating Legal and Structural Constraints

In the southern region of the Namur province, a residential renovation project faced two primary hurdles: the progressive nature of the owner’s multiple sclerosis and the legal status of the original 1970s structure. According to architect Michaël d’Udekem of Sinergy-International (SI), the home was built on land currently classified as “non-constructible.”

Under local planning regulations, the complete demolition of the existing structure would have triggered a loss of building rights. Consequently, the project required a comprehensive transformation of the interior and exterior without dismantling the original footprint. The architectural team, led by d’Udekem and Sébastien Cruyt, worked to modernize the structure while retaining core elements like the sloped ceilings in the living areas, which provided necessary spatial volume.

Design Strategies for Accessibility

To accommodate the long-term needs of a resident with MS, the design team collaborated with an occupational therapist to ensure the home met rigorous accessibility standards. The resulting modifications prioritize a seamless, step-free environment.

Key accessibility features integrated into the home include:

• Universal Access: Every level of the house, including exterior terraces, was redesigned to be entirely on one level.
• Vertical Mobility: A dedicated elevator was installed adjacent to the existing staircase to ensure access between floors.
• Adaptive Kitchens: The kitchen features multi-level work surfaces, allowing for food preparation from both standing and seated positions.
• Spatial Fluidity: The layout transitions from the angular aesthetics of the 1970s original to more organic, curved interior walls that facilitate maneuvering with mobility aids.

Technical Infrastructure and Sustainability

The project incorporated significant mechanical and environmental upgrades to ensure the home’s long-term viability. Because the house is situated on a limestone rock formation, the architects had to reinforce the existing retaining wall with a concrete structure to manage loads without compromising the building’s stability.

According to the owners, the house now functions as a largely self-sufficient unit. The technical suite includes:

• Energy Independence: 48 photovoltaic panels installed on the roof.
• Water Management: A private well provides access to the water table at a depth of 30 meters, supplemented by rainwater collection systems connected to the home’s 400 square meters of roofing.
• Climate Control: A mechanical ventilation system (VMC) and a specialized technical space manage air quality and climate, including the requirements for an indoor pool.

Future-Proofing the Residential Space

The renovation extends beyond immediate accessibility to address future care requirements. The lower level (level -2) includes a studio space designed to house potential caregivers or support staff, ensuring that the owners can remain in their home as their health needs evolve. Additionally, the property maintains dedicated space for the storage of professional archives and collections, balancing personal residence with the requirements of the owner’s career as a documentary editor.

While the project received support from the Aviq (Agence pour une vie de qualité) for specific accessibility adaptations at the building entrance, the owners opted to self-fund the majority of the specialized interior work, noting that their resources allowed them to prioritize state assistance for others in greater need. Despite pandemic-related delays and complex site management, the project demonstrates how structural preservation can coexist with the rigorous demands of modern, inclusive architecture.