Recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Architectural Access Board, this project was the transformation of a home into a residence for a young boy who was permanently disabled in an accident. The transformation took the form of a two-story addition onto the back of the modest three-bedroom house, which is sited on a lot with a 1:8 slope and located in a dense neighborhood. The addition contains first-floor bedroom and bath facilities for the boy and living space for a full-time nurse, as well as ramped access and a connector to the existing residence. The addition negotiates the tight space between the garage, walks and driveway, and also addresses the character of the neighborhood, which does not typically include ramp access.

A covered ramp encircles the addition and is integrated into the first floor through its resemblance to a porch. The ramp can be used year-round and could easily be converted into a porch in the event of the sale of the house. The ramp leads to a new foyer which connects the addition to the house. The foyer/ connector connects two existing pathways and allows ambulatory entry from both sides of the house as well as entry for either a special bed or a wheelchair. Inside the addition, a 4’ opening fitted with specially-designed doors allows movement of the bed from the bedroom into the combined toilet/bath area. The toilet/bath room is designed to provide for the hygienic needs of the boy and affords plenty of maneuvering space for both bed and wheelchair.

The Kurdi Residence addition was awarded Honorable Mention for Accessible Design in Private Residential Architecture by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Architectural Access Board.