Washington-based Strasser Woodenworks has created an ingenious custom-made bath vanity for a Kansas City family with a special needs child. The wooden cabinet has two false drawers that pull out on castors to become steps, which help their young son, Tristan, easily and independently use the space safely.

The design was part of the annual Big Splash Custom Bath Giveaway, in which Strasser Woodenworks and Schloegel Design & Remodeling partnered up to create a new bathroom for Tristan, who has a form of dwarfism called Achondroplasia. At just 31-inches tall, the four-year-old struggles to perform everyday tasks like brushing his teeth or washing his hands. His mother, Leandria, told the renovation team that her son has fallen several times from having to climb to use everything. The new custom-made vanity is not only a much safer solution for the boy, but will be able to help him become more independent.
Related: Foldschool: DIY Origami-Style Cardboard Furniture for Kids
“Like any young child, Tristan wants to be independent, but the height of every element in the bathroom made that a real challenge and a safety hazard for him,” says Amy Boeshaar, AKBD, who designed the new bathroom for the family. “From the vanity, sink, and towel bars to the tub, showerhead, and toilet, everything was just too tall for him.
To custom make the vanity, the team began by using standard cabinet elements to create a Tristan-sized vanity that’s also usable for the rest of the family. Attractive Shaker doors give the design a fresh, timeless aesthetic. The vanity steps, which were customized to Tristan’s height, roll out on castors and are easily concealed when not in use.