POSTSCRIPT
FRENCHES
INTERIOR
- SIBLING ARCHITECTURE •
S
ibling Architecture has delivered
a clever take on accessible design
with Frenches Interior, a project
comprised of a series of insertions
throughout an existing terrace house.
The design of accessible environments
is often driven primarily by function,
with little consideration given to the
more qualitative aspects. Not so with this
project, which recognizes the essential
nature of accessibility while also creating anThis series of interior interventions to an
inner-city terrace house that functions as
both an office and a home demonstrates
that accessibility and good design aren’t
mutually exclusive.Words by Deborah Rowe
Photography by Christine Francisenvironment that is pleasing to everyone,
regardless of ability. “Our motivation
was to try to look at accessibility in a
way that is desirable, rather than a strict
interpretation of the code,” says project
architect Jane Caught.
Working with the typical space
constraints of an inner-city property, the
brief called for an interior overhaul that
would enable the terrace to function as both
a workplace and a home. The clients help
people who have experienced significant
physical or mental injuries to live a life with
as much “normalcy” as possible and wanted
to create an environment that reflected this
in the design. They also have several friends
who are wheelchair users, so accessibility
was critical.
Flexibility is a key feature, achieved
through maximized spaces that allow for
different uses and configurations. A large
curtain in the front room can be drawn
in part to conceal confidential files or
desk spaces, or completely closed to cover
any evidence of an office, transforming it
into a secondary living space. A structural“lattice” fixed to the living room wall allows
the clients to rotate their extensive art
collection or display any number of objects
as they see fit. This system continues in
the bedroom, but with hooks and custom
shelves for the storage of personal items.
A custom-made couch in the living room
is comprised of ten segments on wheels,
giving the clients flexibility to create
different layouts and allowing wheelchair
users to sit among other people rather
than to the side.
Just as important to the design is the
stylistic approach. When looking at this
project one can’t help being reminded of the
bold patterns and shapes of the Memphis
Group and the playfulness that comes with
them. A circle motif recurs throughout,
used as a symbol of unity, equality and
family. Bright colours are used in the living
and work spaces, with more subtle tones
in the bedroom. This project demonstrates
that a sense of dignity and good design are
entirely possible when creating accessible
environments – with the right approach.
siblingnation.net02 A custom-designed couch
is comprised of segments
on wheels, giving the clients
flexibility for different
arrangements and allowing
wheelchair users to sit
among others.01 A large curtain in the
front room can be drawn
to cover evidence of an
office, making it into a
second living space.02
01