Birdingbury

The Autism ASPECTSS™ Design Index is the first set of evidence based design guidelines worldwide to address built environments for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It was developed over a decade of research and is comprised of seven criteria proposed to be facilitative for ASD design. It is used as both an assessment and design development tool. This Design Index has been used to guide the layout of the home, ensuring a supportive and thoughtful environment tailored to the needs of the clients.

Key principles such as compartmentalisation and spatial sequencing informed the arrangement of rooms—each space is clearly defined by function, with areas like the living and dining rooms more open and glazed to connect with the garden, while adjacent rooms reflect natural daily routines. Transition spaces, such as hallways and utilities, offer quieter moments between key areas, allowing for sensory recalibration. Acoustic design has also been considered, with lower ceilings in study zones and private annexes to reduce sensory input and create a more focused atmosphere. Through sensory zoning, social and high-activity spaces are visually open and bright, while quieter, low-stimulation areas are more enclosed and carefully controlled in terms of light and views. The home also includes escape spaces—small, private areas where each family member can retreat, offering varying degrees of solitude. Throughout the design, flexibility has been prioritised to allow the spaces to adapt over time as the needs of the residents evolve.