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Disabled – Accessible Home Design
"Accessibility" in regard to building design, is a term that most of us are familiar with something. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the "ADA") requires most public buildings are designed to facilitate use by people with many types of disabilities. We have all seen accessible parking spaces, ramps and restrooms in stores retail, airports and office buildings.
Homes also must incorporate the design features and products that are easier to use by people of all ages and abilities. It is a concept called "universal design." For most people however, the image of an accessible home is one of fluorescent lights, Wheelchair ramps and white porcelain plumbing fixtures – such as a clinic rather than a house.
But an accessible home need not be so at all. In fact, many design features and accessories that work well for accessibility are also very suitable for almost anyone. Accessible design is often just a good design – a well integrated accessible house design can and should extend the usability of a home through more than one phase of family life.
Start in the kitchen
Make more affordable housing is not particularly difficult or costly. It could even be some design principles universal at work in the kitchen now.
"Side-by-side refrigerators are easier to use by a person in a wheelchair – unlike a unit with the freezer mounted on top. Inside the refrigerator, sliding shelves eliminate the need to go all the way to the back to recover what you want.
A very common disabling condition associated with aging is reduced physical strength, which can make cooking in a large pot difficult if you have to be lifted in and out of the pool is filled with water. Instead of a standard kitchen faucet, install a "goose neck" spout that allows the boat filled without lifting it in the sink. And place the plate close, so the boat can be easily slipped over the counter for the burner – does not require lifting.
The latest design is the dishwasher "Drawer" as the type Fisher & Paykel and KitchenAid. dishwasher drawer, do not require as much bending load and unloading, and because there is no door on the way, is easier to use from a seated position.
Stay at home
As the U.S. population ages and housing prices rise, many homeowners are trying to stay in their homes longer. Too often, however, single-family homes are primarily designed for young families and they quickly become obsolete when they can not offer the comfort and security needed by older citizens. It is an unfortunate result of a house "disposable" mentality – but that's a topic for a future article!
A few simple design changes can make almost any home in a better position to promote changing lifestyles, such as ease of use and security become major issues. One of the easiest is blocking the installation of grab bars in appropriate places in the bathroom when the house is built. These structural supports simple and inexpensive used for future installation of grab bars, which provide greater security in the showers, bathtubs, and toilets.
Another change is easy to use "lever type door hardware – popular for its appearance and ease of use, but also a requirement for people with a force reduced or limited mobility. The extension of the gates of a few inches can also extend the life of the house. Standard thirty-inch doors are not enough broad to wheelchairs and can be difficult for anyone with walking difficulties. Thirty-six inches wide door solves both problems, and makes movements domestic furniture much easier, too.
Ups and Downs
The stairs are the biggest obstacle for any accessible home. Normally, a fully accessible home should be all on one level – no stairs, step-downs, or even the threshold of the door. But a house of a level is more expensive to build than a two-story and may require a larger property.
A better solution is a residential elevator. Sound expensive? Compared with the cost of a one-level home in a larger field, a lift is a very reasonable cost. Just add some sixty square meters at the plant, and allows easy to the first floor, second floor, and basement. Better yet, only the elevator shaft to install now – no real lift equipment must be in place until necessary, perhaps many years down the road.
Easier than you think
In most cases, design accessible or universal is not much more than a good design sense and a desire to make housing usable by everyone – not that a worthy goal for any home, regardless of the current occupants? Our houses are sometimes a little too disposable – we can easily make them less making them more functional for a wide range of owners of households with and without disabilities. All will benefit from the design that helps people stay in their homes longer.
About the Author
I have over 20 years’ experience in the field of architecture and have designed homes and buildings across the country.
I see my work as much more than just designing homes – I see residential architecture as an expression of a social art; an art with a strong responsibility to culture and environment, expressed in its enrichment of family life and by its contribution to community.
I truly love my work, and look forward to sharing the excitement of the custom design process with you.
Richard Taylor, AIA
President
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
Residential Architects
EuroCave SoWine Home Wine Bar