The Bedford Project in Toronto, represents a unique intersection of accessibility and urban planning. The mission was to build a laneway suite for a non-verbal young adult with autism. While the family wanted to grant their son the dignity of his own space, the reality of the location presented a challenge. Laneway homes are naturally close to both the primary residence and neighboring properties. Because the tenant frequently yells at various hours of the day and night, the potential for noise complaints was high. The family needed a solution that would allow their son to express himself freely without affecting the quality of life for those living nearby. IKEA, the young adult’s employer, provided donations to enhance the home’s accessibility, the builder, Andrew Fishman of Laneway Home Builders, focused on creating a high-density shell to contain sound.
