Overview
In this weeks case study, we explore our Sensory Room installation for Acorn Lodge Children’s Home.
Acorn Lodge Children’s Home, based in Leeds, are committed to providing children with an environment that nurtures children with complex needs.
Project Brief
As part of a long-term plan to improve facilities, the staff at Acorn Lodge and Leeds Council were keen to introduce a sensory offering for the residents to help regulate their senses.
Our consultants visited Acorn Lodge to gain an understanding of the requirements for service users and advise what sensory resources would provide benefits to the home.
The Design Process With Acorn Lodge
The room was a unique shape with a curved wall and several services that we needed to accommodate in the design. Due to the nature of the setting, the equipment needed to be robust but still inviting for the users.
The client requested a variety of standard and bespoke equipment to be incorporated into the design which included; Interactive Mood Lighting, Fanlight Panel, Six-Way Sound Panel, Tactile Panel, Resonance Bluetooth Sound System, Resonance Plinth, Wall Padding and Partial Floor Padding.
A small, lockable control cabinet was incorporated into the design to ensure that the controls were kept safe and out of sight to avoid the controls distracting the children during their sensory sessions.
The padding colours selected in this room were chosen by the client to create a vibrant, positive space for the children.
Installation and Training
Before producing the equipment, our design engineer visited the space and took our 3D scanner which made light work of measuring the room (and its curved wall).
In little over two days on site, the engineers transformed the empty space into a wonderful sensory environment, ensuring minimal disruption to the day-to-day activities of the Children’s Home.
Once installation and testing were complete, our engineers demonstrated the newly installed system to staff members at the Children’s Home.
Completion and Aftercare
Following the successful installation, Acorn Lodge now has a fantastic sensory resource for its residents who can use the space to relax, unwind and regulate their senses. The equipment included in the space offers both calming and interactive elements, helping to cater for a wide range of current and future users.
Thank you to Acorn Lodge for bringing us on board for this fantastic project for the children. We hope the space is enjoyed for many years to come.
