Room to Improve is a brand new design series about changing how we live through design and adaptation, in simple ways without spending vast amounts of money and WITHOUT moving house! Each the programme will look at the reconfiguration of an existing home to better suit the needs of the family living there.
After a crucial look at how the family live – what’s working and what’s missing in their home, presenter architect Dermot Bannon sets about making changes. Dermot Bannon is an architect who believes in simple but classic design, utilising light, views and creating space.
Episode Two
This week Dermot is in Glasnevin with Terry and Peadar Clarke and their two children Marie Bernadette and Luke. The entire downstairs of their home needs to be made accessible for Peadar who will soon end up in a wheelchair.
Peadar was brought to Lourdes in 1989, suffering with multiple sclerosis. Since his trip to Lourdes Peadar has had 5 hip replacements and unfortunately they haven’t worked. Now Peadar and his family must prepare for what’s ahead, the fact that Peadar will be in a wheelchair soon.
Neither Peadar or Terry want to do something “clinical” with the house. They explain to Dermot that they don’t want to end up with ramps everywhere. They want an accessible home, that’s still a home.