Hans’ Wonderland with Joy Collaborative
Terra Construction partnered with Joy Collaborative and MSR design on this thoughtful renovation of a private residence to create a highly specialized care environment for a child named Hans. Hans has life-limiting conditions, including severe brain injury, quadrapalegic cerebral palsy, multiple severe disabilities caused by lack of oxygen at birth, and severe self-injurious behaviors.
Hans was often alone in his bed with a caregiver. He needed a space that would bring people together (siblings, friends, grandparents) and also provide safe and comfortable ways for him to play and receive care. The goal was to make Hans' room feel like a boy's room first, while still functioning as a hospital to meet his needs. Working with Joy Collaborative, Terra helped deliver a "Joy Room" where everyone in Hans' life (nurses, friends, brother, sister, cousins, mom, dad, grandparents) could rest, eat, and play together.
Terra was involved from the beginning of the design, and the project was soon named Hans' Wonderland.
The majority of the materials and labor for this project were donated by local suppliers, subcontractors, designers, and Terra Construction.
Working within an occupied home environment, our team collaborated closely with the family and design team to transform existing spaces into a safe, efficient, and welcoming care hub. The renovation incorporated accommodations for medical equipment, nursing workstations, administrative functions, and caregiver support, while maintaining a comfortable, age-appropriate environment for the children. Special attention was given to balancing clinical functionality with residential comfort, ensuring the space could support daily medical needs without feeling institutional.
The completed project successfully integrated accessibility, safety, and operational efficiency into a warm and inviting setting that supports both Hans' complex care requirements and the family's everyday life. The renovated space now serves as a multifunctional environment that enhances quality of life, encourages social interaction, and provides a comfortable workplace for caregivers, family members, and medical staff alike.
**SHORTER VERSION**
Terra Construction partnered with Joy Collaborative and MSR Design to renovate a private residence into a specialized care environment for Hans, a child with severe brain injury, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, and complex medical needs. The project, known as Hans' Wonderland, was designed to create a space where Hans could safely receive care while remaining connected to family and friends. The goal was to make his room feel like a child's bedroom first, while incorporating the functionality needed to support hospital-level care. Working within an occupied home, Terra collaborated closely with the family and design team to transform existing spaces into a welcoming care hub. The renovation included accommodations for medical equipment, nursing support, caregiver workspaces, and accessible family gathering areas, all while maintaining a warm, residential atmosphere.
Hans was often alone in his bed with a caregiver. He needed a space that would bring people together (siblings, friends, grandparents) and also provide safe and comfortable ways for him to play and receive care. The goal was to make Hans' room feel like a boy's room first, while still functioning as a hospital to meet his needs. Working with Joy Collaborative, Terra helped deliver a "Joy Room" where everyone in Hans' life (nurses, friends, brother, sister, cousins, mom, dad, grandparents) could rest, eat, and play together.
Terra was involved from the beginning of the design, and the project was soon named Hans' Wonderland.
The majority of the materials and labor for this project were donated by local suppliers, subcontractors, designers, and Terra Construction.
Working within an occupied home environment, our team collaborated closely with the family and design team to transform existing spaces into a safe, efficient, and welcoming care hub. The renovation incorporated accommodations for medical equipment, nursing workstations, administrative functions, and caregiver support, while maintaining a comfortable, age-appropriate environment for the children. Special attention was given to balancing clinical functionality with residential comfort, ensuring the space could support daily medical needs without feeling institutional.
The completed project successfully integrated accessibility, safety, and operational efficiency into a warm and inviting setting that supports both Hans' complex care requirements and the family's everyday life. The renovated space now serves as a multifunctional environment that enhances quality of life, encourages social interaction, and provides a comfortable workplace for caregivers, family members, and medical staff alike.
**SHORTER VERSION**
Terra Construction partnered with Joy Collaborative and MSR Design to renovate a private residence into a specialized care environment for Hans, a child with severe brain injury, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, and complex medical needs. The project, known as Hans' Wonderland, was designed to create a space where Hans could safely receive care while remaining connected to family and friends. The goal was to make his room feel like a child's bedroom first, while incorporating the functionality needed to support hospital-level care. Working within an occupied home, Terra collaborated closely with the family and design team to transform existing spaces into a welcoming care hub. The renovation included accommodations for medical equipment, nursing support, caregiver workspaces, and accessible family gathering areas, all while maintaining a warm, residential atmosphere.
City/State
St. Peter, MN
Project Owner
Joy Collaborative
Architect
MSR Design
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