When you’re building a space where people will live, comfort and functionality need to go hand in hand. And when that space is a special care home, every detail matters.
That was the challenge behind one of Bellebay Construction’s latest projects: a new, nine-bedroom special care home for Opal Incorporated in Sussex, New Brunswick.
The project required more than a new building. It called for a thoughtfully designed space that could meet the complex needs of its residents, support staff in providing around-the-clock care, and, most importantly, feel like home.
A New Space Built Around the People Who Use It
Opal Incorporated is an adult residential facility providing 24/7 care for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.
As the organization’s needs evolved, its existing building could no longer provide the space and accessibility required to best serve its residents.
“This new, barrier-free home is incredibly significant for our business and operations, as our previous space no longer met the evolving needs of our residents,” said Holly Sawler, Executive Director of Opal Incorporated.
For Holly and her team, the vision was clear. Having worked in their previous facility, they understood exactly what they needed from the new space, what could be improved, and which features were essential.
Bellebay’s role was to help bring that vision to life.
Balancing Accessibility, Safety and Comfort
Building a special care home comes with a unique set of requirements.
The new nine-bedroom facility needed to incorporate accessible design throughout, including lifts in bedrooms and bathrooms, barrier-free spaces, and a sprinkler system to support resident safety.
Each element had to work together to create a practical environment for staff while allowing residents to move through their home as comfortably and safely as possible.
But meeting the technical requirements was only part of the job.
The building also needed to feel welcoming and residential, rather than institutional.
Working alongside Opal’s leadership and the project design team, Bellebay Construction helped deliver a space that balances these priorities, with the needs of residents and staff guiding decisions throughout the build.
A Collaborative Approach From Start to Finish
For any construction project, choosing the right contractor is an important decision. For a specialized facility with specific operational requirements, experience and communication become even more critical.
Opal Incorporated came to Bellebay Construction through recommendations from colleagues who were familiar with the company’s work.
“We chose to work with Bellebay Construction because they came highly recommended by our colleagues, who spoke highly of their specific expertise and experience in the field,” Holly explained.
Throughout construction, the Bellebay team worked closely with Opal to address questions, navigate challenges, and ensure the finished building reflected the organization’s needs.
“Throughout the process, we found that the team at Bellebay was consistently attentive to our needs. They were always willing to address our questions or concerns, which made the experience very collaborative,” Holly said.
She also highlighted the support of project manager Aaron Carr and site supervisor Sean Whelpley.
“Aaron Carr and Sean Whelpley were exceptionally helpful whenever we needed guidance.”
As with any construction project, flexibility was essential. The ability to respond to changing needs and keep communication open helped move the project forward.
“We appreciated their professionalism and their willingness to pivot whenever necessary to ensure the project stayed on track,” Holly added.
A Finished Project That Makes a Difference
With construction complete, Opal Incorporated now has a purpose-built home designed to better serve its residents and the people who care for them.
For Bellebay Construction, the project reflects the value of understanding a client’s needs from the outset and working collaboratively to deliver a building that functions as intended.
For Opal, the impact is much more personal.
“It is a wonderful feeling to have this project complete. This new home means so much to our residents, their families, and our staff,” Holly said.
“It provides the space, comfort, and safety that our residents truly deserve, significantly improving their daily quality of life.”
It’s a reminder that successful construction isn’t simply about delivering a finished building. It’s about creating a space that works for the people who depend on it.
Let’s Build Something That Works for You
From specialized care facilities to commercial construction projects, Bellebay Construction brings experience, collaboration, and attention to detail to every build.
Whether your project involves unique accessibility requirements, specialized building systems, or a space designed around your organization’s day-to-day operations, our team is ready to help.
Planning your next construction project? Connect with Bellebay Construction to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.