In September 2024, a minor cycling accident left me with a fractured hip. After surgery and a short hospital stay, I was sent home. This is when the real challenge began. My older two-story house suddenly became a nightmare to navigate on crutches. The experience sparked a deeper reflection on the importance of accessibility and universal design. If you’re planning an extension or new build, check out my article Livable housing does not seem important until it really matters.

Image ‘Man on crutches‘ by Édouard Manet 1878