Project overview
Project type: Multi-Sensory Room
Location: Devon, United Kingdom
Client: Hannahs (Ivybridge)
Sector: Specialist Care & Education
Primary users: Young people and adults with complex disabilities
Introduction
Hannahs in Devon is a specialist organisation providing education, care and support for young people and adults with complex disabilities.
Creating environments that allow individuals to experience calming sensory stimulation and engage with sensory activities plays an important role in supporting wellbeing and development.
To support residents and students, a dedicated multi-sensory room was introduced, providing a space where individuals can relax, explore sensory experiences and participate in structured therapeutic activities.
The challenge
Individuals supported by Hannahs often benefit from environments that provide controlled sensory experiences.
Busy or unfamiliar environments can sometimes be overwhelming, and having access to a dedicated sensory space allows individuals to regulate sensory input in a calm and supportive environment.
The organisation wanted to create a sensory environment that would support relaxation, engagement and therapeutic activities while remaining accessible to users with a wide range of physical and sensory needs.
Client perspective
"The sensory room has had a huge impact on a range of users here in Hannahwood and helps encourage independence amongst users, allowing them to stay in their peer groups to learn. We use the room for our weekly college groups as it provides a chilled-out atmosphere which increases engagement with tasks. The fact that our sensory room is controlled by different gadgets including a dice, iPad and switches, means that we are able to build an experience based on the users’ personal goals and needs. The room has had a great effect on users' behaviours, especially in helping some users come out of agitated behaviour. The young adults who use the room feel empowered as they are able to control the settings and we’ve seen a positive reaction from those who wouldn't normally have used the room thanks to the environmental controls."
Bex Marshall, Activities and Events Manager at Discover Hannah's
Experia design approach
Experia worked closely with the team at Hannahs to design a multi-sensory environment that would support individuals with complex disabilities.
The design focused on creating a calm and welcoming environment that encourages exploration while allowing individuals to regulate sensory input.
Key considerations included:
• creating a relaxing and comfortable sensory environment
• selecting sensory equipment that encourages engagement and interaction
• ensuring the room is accessible for individuals with mobility needs
• supporting therapeutic and wellbeing-focused activities
The resulting environment provides a flexible space suitable for both individual sessions and small group activities.
Key sensory features
The sensory room includes a range of carefully selected sensory elements designed to support relaxation and engagement.
Features include:
• bubble tube lighting providing gentle visual stimulation
• fibre optic lighting encouraging interaction and exploration
• interactive sensory equipment supporting engagement
• soft seating areas creating a comfortable environment
Together these features create a multi-sensory space that supports relaxation, engagement and wellbeing.
Before and after transformation
Before the installation, the organisation did not have a dedicated sensory environment where individuals could experience structured sensory activities.
The new sensory room provides a purpose-designed space where users can relax, explore sensory experiences and participate in therapeutic sessions.
The transformation demonstrates how sensory environments can enhance care and wellbeing within specialist care organisations.
How the space is used
The sensory room is used for a variety of activities including:
• relaxation sessions
• therapeutic sensory experiences
• individual support sessions
• small group activities
Staff are able to adapt the environment depending on the needs of the individuals using the space.
The outcome
The sensory room has become an important part of the environment at Hannahs.
Residents and students benefit from a calm and engaging space where they can explore sensory experiences and regulate sensory input. Staff also benefit from having a dedicated environment that supports wellbeing and therapeutic activities.
The project highlights the role sensory environments can play in supporting individuals with complex needs.
Experia perspective
“Multi-sensory environments can make a significant difference within specialist care settings. They provide safe and engaging spaces where individuals can relax, explore sensory experiences and benefit from therapeutic activities.”
Gareth Jones, Founder and CEO, Experia
Planning a sensory environment?
Experia designs and installs sensory environments for schools, healthcare organisations and public venues around the world.
If you are planning a sensory environment and would like expert advice, our team would be happy to help.
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Learn more about sensory environments
What Is a Sensory Room
Sensory Room Design Guide
Sensory Room Equipment Guide
Sensory Room Planning Guide
Sensory Room Cost Guide
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Sector
Specialist Care
Disability Support
Therapeutic Environments