Designing dignity, safety & colour for an extraordinary family
In the quiet, coastal suburb of Currimundi on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Marigold House stands as a testament to what happens when accessibility and beauty are given equal weight in design. When Michelle and her husband Andy approached Jo Viney of Brinnie T Design, they weren’t simply renovating, they were reimagining how their blended family could live together safely, comfortably, and joyfully.
At the heart of this project was Michelle’s 18-year-old son, Alec, who lives with San Filippo Syndrome, a rare, degenerative condition that affects both mobility and cognition. Alec requires considerable care and support, with his carers assisting him for much of the day, including during showering and personal care. The family’s brief was clear: create a home that supported Alec’s complex needs and his carers’ safety while maintaining a warm, layered, and distinctly non-clinical aesthetic.
Approach
Rather than masking accessible features, Jo chose to celebrate them through thoughtful materiality and colour. Every finish, texture, and tone was selected to balance practicality with emotion, ensuring Alec could move through his home with dignity, while his carers could perform daily routines with comfort and confidence.
Solution
Safety and hygiene were non-negotiable, but warmth and personality were equally essential.Throughout the home,
Altro Wood flooring was installed to create a seamless, non-slip surface that offers both safety and softness underfoot. Its subtle timber grain brings warmth and familiarity, while its technical performance delivers stability and peace of mind for Alec and his carers.
In Alec’s accessible ensuite,
Altro Aquarius was the natural choice, engineered specifically for wet areas used by both barefoot and footwear traffic. Its consistent slip resistance ensures that carers can safely assist Alec during showering, without compromising comfort or aesthetics.
To complement this, walls were clad in
Altro Whiterock, a hygienic wall system that eliminates grout lines and resists moisture and impact. The clean, satin finish ensures durability and hygiene while maintaining a soft, residential appeal. Together, these materials form the backbone of a safe, low-maintenance, and visually welcoming environment.
Marigold House needed to feel like home, not a care facility. Brinnie T Design used a palette inspired by the Sunshine Coast landscape, soft marigold, eucalyptus green, and natural neutrals, sets a calm, sensory-friendly tone. These hues help Alec feel grounded while maintaining visual warmth for the rest of the family. Layered textures, gentle lighting, and intuitive circulation paths support both emotional comfort and functional flow.
The project’s success was built on strong collaboration and mutual respect between designer, builders, and family. Every room tells a story of thoughtfulness, where design doesn’t just accommodate, it enhances daily living.
