America Street is located in the London Borough of Southwark, south of the River Thames. It offers great views onto the Shard, St Paul’s and the London Eye. For this project, S&Y designed the complete fit-out of a modern 6th floor penthouse for wheelchair-user Claire, a then 21-year old with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination.

The design of the interiors was driven by the importance of facilitating Claire’s everyday life and allowing her to feel as independent as possible, whilst simultaneously delivering a beautiful space for her to be proud of. Mobility technology, in particular, was a driving force for the design, allowing Claire to feel in control of her own home. Design features include the use of a ceiling track for a hoist that gives her the freedom of going from the master bedroom to the bathroom with little assistance. In the living room, an adjustable desk can move up and down depending on her or her carer’s needs. All of these features are seamlessly designed into a scheme that looks good while facilitating her everyday needs.