Grand Designs

Holistic therapist Kara and electrician Jonny are building a striking stone and zinc four-bedroom family home in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, for themselves and their two young children. The need to build has been motivated by Kara's recent paralysis, caused by a rare autoimmune condition. Their ambition for the house is enormous, as Kara wants to create a home that is not only beautiful but will help her regain some independence. With money tight, Jonny needs to take on a lot of the work himself. As the build progresses, and despite the challenges coming thick and fast, compromise is not an option with both form and function so essential. Building their single storey pushes both Kara and Jonny to the edge of their emotional and physical reserves, but if they can pull it off, it might just redefine what accessible design means