A significant collaboration between a house builder and a Thornbury charity has proved to be a great success.
Bloor Homes launched two showhomes at Thornbury Fields, Thornbury at the weekend, one of which, for the first time includes a sensory bedroom. The room was designed in collaboration with JIGSAW Thornbury, the local charity that supports families with children and young people with additional needs.
Rowena Adams, Sales Director for Bloor Homes South West explained the process behind the decision to add the sensory room. “We worked with JIGSAW Thornbury in 2017 when we led the refurbishment of its new family base in Thornbury. We were able to see first-hand the amazing work that the charity does with local families and we were inspired to use some of the ideas in a sensory bedroom at our Thornbury Fields development.”
Bloor Homes approached the charity to provide some ideas for a sensory room which could then be incorporated into the overall interior design by Artspace, the designers used by Bloor Homes at this development.
Tor Goodman, Chief Executive of JIGSAW Thornbury said, “Some of the children of our families drew pictures of what they thought should be included in the room. A sensory room or space is a safe place where children or adults can stimulate different senses, using lighting or tactile objects. For children with additional needs it can be an incredibly therapeutic environment.”
The final theme of the room was ‘underwater’, with muted colours on the walls and tactile additions fixed in place such as fabric seaweed and wooden fish puzzles. Thick fluffy rugs, a projector and a light fitting that resembles bubbles suspended from the ceiling added to the space.
Amanda Coleman of Artspace explained, “Our aim for the room was to make it interactive and visually stimulating but retain an overall sense of calm. It was a really positive challenge for us and we’re delighted that the children who visited the opening from JIGSAW Thornbury liked what we’ve done.”
Tor Goodman added, “We’re so pleased that Bloor Homes’ decided to add this room in its showhome. It’s a great example of how a few simple additions to a room or space can make the world of difference to a child or indeed an adult with additional needs.”
Rowena Adams concluded, “The positive reaction of all who came to the launch this weekend at Thornbury Fields is proof of its success. The sensory room design feature that we would certainly consider doing again.”