CASE STUDY

A Trailer of Tranquility

Providing a corner of calm at community events

Start My Sensory Space
Interior of a mobile sensory trailer with colorful lighting, corner ball pit, and interactive sensory features

The Background

As parents of a neurodivergent child, Mr. and Mrs. James Erby saw firsthand how the crowds and unfamiliar sights and sounds at local gatherings can be stressful for a child with special needs and their family. They were determined to come up with a practical solution that could serve as a calming oasis for children with special needs and their families while attending community events.

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The Vision

To create a calming Sensory Space mobile trailer where kids can unwind and destress while participating at community events and parties.

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The Challenge

Could the limited space of a narrow trailer be transformed into a sensory rich retreat without a feeling of overcrowding?

Interior of a mobile sensory trailer with colorful lighting, corner ball pit, and interactive sensory features
Empty trailer interior before conversion into a mobile sensory space
BeforeAfter
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BeforeAfter
Sensory trailer interior with pink ambient lighting, soft seating, and interactive wall pannels and other sensory features
Exterior view of a sensory trailer with colorful branding parked outdoors
Back of Sensory Trailer Branding Detail
Sensory trailer corner with ball pit, led light cube and soft seating designed for a calming experience
custom corner with LED fiber optic lights and waterless LED color
The Process

Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools

Our talented design team employed creativity and skill to use each area to the utmost without compromising on the feeling of comfort and calm in the room.

Custom Corner Area with waterless led column and Fiber optic light strands glowing in a sensory trailer, creating a calming visual effect

Soothing Lights & Textures

Our team created a calming sensory nook featuring a Custom Corner with Waterless LED Color Columnto help children relax and recharge. Designed with a soft, cushioned seating platform, the space includes LED fiber optic lights with mirrored walls and ceiling that amplify the soothing visual experience, creating a peaceful and comforting environment.

Calming Lights & Textures

Custom Corner Area with waterless led column and Fiber optic light strands glowing in a sensory trailer, creating a calming visual effect

In one cozy nook of the trailer, the team placed a calming sensory Custom Corner complete with its platform, the Waterless LED Color Column, a soothing, luminous colorful tube loved by kids (and parents too!). 

SensaSoft Vibroaccoustic Ball Pit with blue lighting, and  Fiber Optic Light Strands

Calming Tactile Input

In another corner, we created a sensory-rich space with the SensaSoft Vibroaccoustic Ball Pit offering satisfying tactile input and calming vibrations. Above it, the Fiber Optic Light Strands on a Swing Arm adds comforting visual stimulation to the experience.

Deep Pressure & Comfort

SensaSoft Vibroaccoustic Ball Pit with blue lighting, and  Fiber Optic Light Strands

In another corner, we created a sensory-rich space with the SensaSoft Vibroaccoustic Ball Pit offering satisfying tactile input and calming vibrations. Above it, the Fiber Optic Light Strands on a Swing Arm was added. This mesmerizing curtain of lights adds comforting visual stimulation to the experience.

Close-up of a sensory wall with colorful shapes and tactile elements for interactive play

Engage & Explore

To maximize space in the trailer, we mounted wall panels that deliver rich sensory input without using any floor space. Kids can be busy for hours with the fluorescent chimes, knobs, gears, fidgets and other tactile features on our wall mounted Tactile UV Sensory Panel. The eight elements of visual and sound effects on the Round UV Musical Tactile Wall Panel never fail to delight kids of all ages- and adults too! 

Focus & Stress Relief

Close-up of a sensory wall with colorful shapes and tactile elements for interactive play

To maximize space in the trailer, we mounted wall panels that deliver rich sensory input without using any floor space. Kids can be busy for hours with the fluorescent chimes, knobs, gears, fidgets and other tactile features on our wall mounted Tactile UV Sensory Panel. The eight elements of visual and sound effects on the Round UV Musical Tactile Wall Panel never fail to delight kids of all ages- and adults too! Children are drawn into a playful world of colors with colorful Honeycomb Mirrors that promote exploration, visual processing and body awareness.

 SensaSoft Squeezie Seat for deep pressure input, placed next to a Gumdrop Bean Bag with its soft, cushiony feel to support relaxation and regulation

Relax & Regulate

When kids sit in the SensaSoft Squeezie Seat it provides deep pressure to help them regulate. Our visitors adore sinking into the Gumdrop Bean Bag with its soft, cushiony feel for comfortable, grounding sensory support.

Calm & Engagement

 SensaSoft Squeezie Seat for deep pressure input, placed next to a Gumdrop Bean Bag with its soft, cushiony feel to support relaxation and regulation

To support relaxation and regulation, we added seating options that cater to different sensory needs and preferences. Kids can sit on the SensaSoft Squeezie Seat by straddling the sides, providing deep pressure input through their trunk or they can turn it sideways for a sturdy seat on the ground. Our visitors adore sinking into the Gumdrop Bean Bag with its soft, cushiony feel for comfortable, grounding sensory support.

These sensory tools create a nurturing environment where kids can relax, explore and unwind in the way that works best for them.

Step 2: The Design Process

The design team focused on making the most of the space by using neat wall-mounted accessories and placing large items in the corners. Muted fluorescent lights were used to create a quiet, soothing atmosphere, ideal for reducing stress and calming.

3D rendering of a mobile sensory trailer layout with seating, lighting, and sensory features
Top view 3D layout of a sensory trailer showing the arrangement of sensory equipment and seatingSide view 3D layout of a sensory trailer showing the arrangement of sensory equipment and seating

The End Result

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Everyone loves the room when they get to see it!

- Sensory trailer visitor

Despite the space challenges in setting up this original sensory trailer, the end result was a breathtaking sensory space.

Sensory trailer interior with ambient lighting, tactile wall panels, and soft seating creating an immersive environment
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