If you're planning your dream home, then you have a golden opportunity to build in features that can make your life easier today and for years to come. The key is to use ideas from universal design, an approach that seeks to make life as easy and comfortable as possible, no matter what your age or level of physical ability.
Universal design is intended to benefit everyone, not just the elderly or physically challenged. Even if you're not sure you need some of these features right now, it's often easier and less costly to plan ahead for future needs than to remodel later on.
Here are some universal design strategies to consider for your next home:
- Choose a single-level house. "Try not to have stairs," says architect Jack Catlin , AIA, a principal with LCM Architects in Chicago. "Single level is the best way to go." A one-story house will be more convenient for you, your family and visitors.
- Slope the entrance to your house. Steps may be hard for you or your friends and family to handle.
- Make all doors and hallways wide. Wheelchairs require 36 inches of clearance.
- Provide plenty of adjustable lighting. Vision often declines with age.
- Opt for levers, not knobs, wherever possible. Levers are easier for most people to grasp.
- Build closets in the same spot on all floors, if you have a multi-level house . The closets could eventually be converted to an elevator shaft, if needed.
- Create smart kitchen storage. Make sure you can access the items you need and have room to open cabinet doors without knocking into a wall, cabinets or island .
- Install grab bars in your bathrooms. Or, at least prepare the walls to easily accommodate grab bars in the future.
- Consider locating the heating and air-conditioning unit on the main floor. Stairs leading to the basement might become inconvenient.
- Wire for the future. Your home's wiring should be able to accommodate flashing emergency lights, which could be installed if a hearing impairment renders sound -based smoke detectors less helpful.
Finally, make the design suit your style. Thanks to the growing awareness of universal design and a wider range of products, you won't have to give up style to get an easy-to-use home. In fact, your home should simply look great, with universal design features blending in seamlessly, rather than attracting attention. "The more integrated the design elements are, the less visible they become," Catlin says.
Resources The Center for Universal Design
A national research, information, and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops, and promotes universal design.
The Center for Universal Design
NC State University School of Design
Box 8613
Raleigh, NC 27695-8613
USA
Phone: 919-515-3082
Fax: 919-515-3023
Email:
cud@ncsu.edu
URL:
www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/index.html
UDhomes.com
A source for "people friendly" home plans and resources to build a lifetime of better living.
UDhomes.com
URL:
www.udhomes.com
Mary Jo Peterson Inc.
Design consultants specializing in universal design, kitchens and baths
Mary Jo Peterson Inc.
3 Sunset Cove Rd.
Brookfield, CT 06804
USA
Phone: 203-775-4763
Fax: 203-740-2333
Email:
MaryJo@mjpdesign.com
URL:
www.mjpdesign.com
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