When Stacey set out to build a new home on the Gold Coast, she had one clear goal in mind: to create a forever home for her 23-year-old daughter, Bella, who lives with cerebral palsy, and bring her mother into the inter-generational fold.
“We wanted to build a home that would suit all of Bella’s needs and keep her as independent as possible,” Stacey says. “But we also wanted it to look beautiful, rather than just be practical. Somewhere that we can really be proud of when we invite friends and family over.”
The Metricon team, alongside our trusted supplier partners were only too happy to help bring Stacey’s vision to life.
Before design could begin, the right block needed to be found - and accessibility beyond the home itself was just as important.
“A lot of suburbs on the Gold Coast don’t have footpaths, or only do on one side,” Stacey explains. “But I needed to find somewhere where Bella could safely get to the local shops in her wheelchair.”
The block also needed to accommodate a single-storey home with all living spaces on one level, while navigating rezoned flood overlays. Once the perfect site was secured in Miami, the focus turned to refining the design.
With support from the Metricon team, the Clara design with a Nordic façade was selected as the ideal starting point.
Ease of access was a priority from the outset.
“From the street front to the door and down the side of the house, round to the backyard, it’s all with no entrance lips, so Bella can get in and out with no problem, whether she’s in her wheelchair or not,” Stacey says. “The ramp leads directly to Bella’s lounge room.”
Inside, wider hallways and doorways allow Bella to move comfortably through the home, whether she’s walking or using her wheelchair. Supporting Bella’s independence was central to the work of Design Lead Matthew Winter and Interior Design Consultant Katie Richardson.
“Around the house, Bella is pretty independent and can mostly walk unaided unless she’s tired,” Stacey says.
One of the key design changes was transforming what would typically be a media room into Bella’s own private lounge, complete with a kitchenette and direct ramp access from outside.
“In her kitchenette, she can actually fit her wheelchair under the bench so she can help her carer with meal prep,” Stacey says. “It’s the same thing in her bathroom, so she can easily fit in under the vanity while she’s having her hair brushed.”
Bella also has her own bedroom with an ensuite and spacious walk-in wardrobe designed for easy manoeuvrability. Even the laundry was carefully considered, with plenty of space so she can manage her own washing independently. The main family living area was kept open and accessible, making it easy for Bella to spend time with her mum and gran whenever she likes.
Much of the home can be controlled at the touch of an iPad. “All the blinds in Bella’s part of the home are electronic, and the bars in her wardrobe can be lowered that way too,” Stacey says. “She can control every ceiling fan, light and door.”
The home offers space for all three women to live comfortably, while also accommodating Bella’s carer and visits from her brother.
“We can all be together, or do our own thing,” Stacey says. “With three women in the house, that was really important.”
Interior Design Consultant Katie Richardson leaned into a relaxed coastal style, using whites, soft greys and natural textures throughout the home.
“We’re so close to the beach, so we’ve got that vibe, where everything is very natural, calm and peaceful,” Stacey says. “Except for Bella’s area, which has lots of pink, because that’s her favourite colour.”
The finishing touches came together during a styling visit to Adairs. “I felt like I was on Backyard Blitz,” Stacey says.
Practical details weren’t overlooked, with the garage redesigned to include additional storage and a charging port for Bella’s electric wheelchair.
“There’s a charging port in there so we can charge her electric wheelchair, then get it straight into the van,” Stacey says.
Outdoors, the backyard has quickly become a favourite place for the family to relax and unwind. Designed for easy access and year-round enjoyment, it features a plunge pool, firepit and outdoor living space.
“We have a plunge pool out there, which is perfect for us,” Stacey says. “Bella loves swimming, so that was really important. It’s a mineral, magnesium pool, so it’s good for Bella’s muscles.”
“We don’t have to leave the house, we love it so much, especially with the beautiful Gold Coast weather,” Stacey adds. “Bella is a water baby, but she doesn’t like the ocean because it’s a bit rougher. So the backyard, with the fire pit Metricon surprised us with, is like our own little resort.”
For Stacey, the biggest reward is seeing Bella flourish in a home designed around her needs.
“It’s the first home we’ve ever had where Bella can get to everything by herself,” she says. “It gives her so much motivation, and she keeps her part of the home so clean, because it’s hers and there are no obstacles in the way. It’s made her so independent.”
Looking back on the build, Stacey and Bella are grateful for the care and support they received throughout the process.
“Bella says the house went up so quickly before our eyes, and it was such a smooth process,” Stacey says. “The team took all of the worry away from me and got it done, from the knock down process to replacing the old property on the block in no time. We were so spoiled and I just love seeing Bella happy. We don’t have enough words to thank the Metricon family.”
