Leading holiday caravan manufacturer Willerby has launched its latest accessible holiday home, the Rio Access.
Expanding its product range to make the static caravan lifestyle available to even more people, the new Willerby Rio Access has been carefully designed to combine functionality with style, prioritising accessibility.
As well as collaborating with specialists in accessible design and undertaking extensive research, Willerby’s product designers used the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide, written by accessible social housing specialist Habinteg Housing Association, to make sure the Rio Access offers a great solution for wheelchair users.
The Willerby Rio Access features two bedrooms, a living room, a separate kitchen and dining area, and a fully accessible shower room. Key features include a low-threshold entry, wide sliding doors, spacious turning circles, a pod shower room with accessibility in mind, and a low-level kitchen designed for ease of use.
In keeping with Willerby’s commitment to sustainability, the Rio Access is built to the Willerby GreEN Standard, focusing on energy efficiency and reduced running costs.
An important aspect of the Willerby Rio Access’ design is the focus on the look and feel. While the static caravan is fully accessible, it’s been designed so the practical elements are seamlessly incorporated, giving it a more homely feel.
Willerby Product Executive Emillie Ayre said: “Accessible facilities have a tendency to look quite clinical, something we were keen to avoid in the design of the Willerby Rio Access. This model combines functionality with Willerby’s signature style to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for all. We believe it offers the best solution on the market.
“The Rio Access underlines our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy our holiday homes.”
The Willerby Rio Access is available to view, with fully accessible ramp, at its Hull Showground, and has already received positive feedback from wheelchair users.
One recent visitor said: “The Rio Access is truly fully accessible. There are wheelchair-wide, level access entry doors, sliding internal doors, lowered kitchen surfaces, and a fully functioning wet room with space and grab rails. The central corridor was humongous, and I could move around easily in my electric wheelchair. I didn’t feel as though I was being compromised in any way.”
Willerby worked closely with specialists in accessible showering, bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms, including using products from AKW, the UK’s leading manufacturer of accessible bathroom, kitchen and mobility support solutions, to make sure the Rio Access meets the highest standards of functionality and design.
Thomas Davies, Sales Director – Retirement and Care, at AKW, said: “The Rio Access embodies everything AKW is passionate about when it comes to designing for accessible bathing. The bathroom maximises modern aesthetics with zero compromise on functionality or safety. It was a privilege to collaborate with Willerby’s design team on their project needs and work together to provide an inclusively designed solution, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility needs, can enjoy the Willerby holiday home experience.”
The new model is part of Willerby’s Rio series, which combines ample storage and a contemporary interior to offer a spacious, stylish retreat.
The series includes three options tailored to different needs – the standard 12ft Rio, the 10ft Rio Compact, and the 12ft Rio Access, designed specifically for wheelchair users.
The Willerby Rio Access has a RRP from £48,750 excluding VAT (ex works)*.
For more information on the Rio Access, go to willerby.com/rio-access
* Extra charges will be made by park operators and/or distributors for transport and siting and annual maintenance. Please check the price carefully before you commit to buy as prices vary considerably dependant amongst other factors, on the geographical location of your chosen park
