Beyond Barriers: A Wheelchair-Accessible Renovation in Hendon, London

The Beyond Barriers house in Hendon is a thoughtful renovation that reimagines a 1950s family home for modern living and improved accessibility. Designed by Amos Goldreich Architecture, the project creates a private, luxurious first-floor wing for a busy couple while ensuring seamless wheelchair access for their son. The redesign combines practical accessibility solutions with contemporary finishes, breathing new life into a classic London property.

Fabulous dark blue living area with comfortable dark gray sofas and a small fireplace

The primary focus of the overhaul was the first-floor private level, which was transformed into a quiet retreat that includes a master bedroom, an en-suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a lounge area for relaxation. The homeowners requested a secluded master suite with generous storage and a calm palette. Dark gray tones paired with crisp whites define the bedroom, while Bianco Venato marble brings a refined, luxurious touch to the bathrooms and the bespoke walk-in wardrobe.

Double-height master bedroom in gray and white with sloped ceiling and skylights

A distinctive and practical feature of the master suite is a hidden door within the wardrobe that opens to reveal a lift. This discreet access point connects the private upper level with the rest of the house, providing straightforward wheelchair access without compromising the suite’s privacy or aesthetic. The lift and the concealed access solution allow mobility to be integrated elegantly into the daily life of the family.

Chandelier adds a sense of dramatic elegance to this spacious master bedroom in gray

Secret doors in the bedroom cupboards lead way to the lift connecting different levels of the house

Beyond the master suite, the renovation included a full internal refurbishment of the house. An underused living space was repurposed as a modern home office, optimized for natural light and efficient storage. A smaller rear extension created an additional en-suite for the family’s teenage daughter, while the ground floor WC was enlarged and adapted for accessibility. A new skylight was introduced to the entrance area, bringing much-needed daylight into the home’s central circulation spaces.

Dark bookshelf and cabinets in wood flank the corridor leading to the bathroom

The scheme balances accessibility with a contemporary aesthetic. Clean lines, considered material choices, and careful detailing create spaces that feel both warm and refined. Bianco Venato marble in the bathrooms contrasts with softer finishes and textured surfaces used elsewhere, reinforcing a sense of luxury where it matters most. Throughout the design, practical considerations—such as circulation widths, step-free thresholds, and discreet mechanical solutions—were integrated without diminishing the home’s character.

Bianco venato marble brings an air of luxury to the all-white bathroom

Corridor and staircase leading to the private upper level master suite of the revamped home in London

Elsewhere in the property, the house received a full internal refurbishment including a new office that repurposed an underused living space. Another smaller extension was added to the rear of the property creating a new en-suite for the family’s teenage daughter. The existing ground floor WC was enlarged and made accessible and a new skylight was added that brought much-needed light into the entrance.

Storage and built-in elements were tailored to the family’s routines. The custom wardrobe in the master suite not only offers generous organization but also conceals the access to the lift, preserving the suite’s uncluttered lines. Throughout, a restrained palette of gray and white is punctuated by rich timber and carefully chosen fixtures, creating a cohesive, contemporary home that responds to both lifestyle and accessibility needs.

Curated and well-lit modern white home office with smart bookshelf and a wooden desk

Decorating the modern bookshelf in white with books and more!

By placing accessibility at the heart of the project, the architects created a home that accommodates the family’s needs while offering a calm, elegant environment. The design demonstrates how practical modifications—such as a discreet lift and reconfigured circulation—can be combined with high-quality materials and considered spatial planning to deliver both function and beauty. Photography: Ollie Hammick.