Mr & Mrs Brown's Architect, CRC Design commissioned Elite to provide a design for a modern fully fitted family kitchen capable of use by all members of the family. The kitchen needed to incorporate height adjustable worktops housing the hob with an extractor over, a sink and a built in oven. All controls had to be accessible to a wheelchair user.

Working together with the CRC Design, the Case Worker and most importantly the client, Mr & Mrs Brown we were able to develop a design that ensured that the design was both practical and attractive whilst also incorporating the latest technology.

Our first objective was to present door styles and colours that would meet Mr & Mrs Brown's requirement for a bright modern look. After much deliberation Mr & Mrs Brown opted for a Pillar Box Red high gloss door with a contrasting black laminate worktop.

Having chosen the door we agreed with all parties the main practical design objectives necessary to achieve our second key objective, a kitchen which allowed all members of the family to cook and prepare meals.

We started with the cooking facilities. As a Neff partner we were able to explain in detail the functions that would address the design issues that this kitchen raised. Mr & Mrs Brown selected a single oven and an Induction Hob. The oven incorporated a hide and slide door and telescopic rails, giving maximum access to the user without compromising safety. Housing the oven in a midi unit allowed us to select the best height for the customer.

The induction hob and sink were both located in a height adjustable worktop giving maximum flexibility to the user. This was achieved by using Ropox electronic height adjustable mechanisms.

All controls for the worktop and the Extractor to the hob were located in the worktop fascia.

Access to storage is also an important factor when designing a kitchen for a client who has a disabled family member this was achieved by the use of pull out shelving and storage racks provided by Hafele, manufacturers of specialist high quality storage solutions.

The final kitchen design proposal was submitted to Mr & Mrs Brown and the Case Worker for their approval and the installation incorporated in the Main Contractors programme. The kitchen was installed in November 2012.

A final word comes from Mr & Mrs Brown daughter, Samantha, "The kitchen now gives my mum complete independence which she didn't have before"

Working together