Home designs that work for everyone
There are changes in housing design on the move all over the US of A, including the “green building movement” and “universal design elements.” It has been said that these two changes in design are flip sides of the same coin … green design focuses on environmental sustainability and universal design on social sustainability.
Today, the goal is to make homes and things in them easy to use for the greatest number of people and for the longest period of time. Most people would like to stay in their homes for their entire lifetime. This is one way to plan ahead and make that happen.
The concept of universal design elements is simple. The design accommodates a range of abilities and preferences such as using levers rather than door knobs to make doors easier to open. Design elements might also include wider doorways, step-free entrances and decorative grab bars.
The idea, though, is not meant to be just for baby-boomers or seniors but to make it an “invisible” part of the home. For example, a grab bar may resemble a towel bar or chair railing. And much of the time, these features are not being sought out by buyers who need them now, but by folks that are really thinking ahead to a day when they might need the extra assistance.
The concept of Universal Design dates back to World War II when injured veterans modified their home to adapt to their disabilities. Today that idea has been expanded to mean that the home should be accessible to everyone, says Richard Duncan, director of Universal Design Training at “The Center for Universal Design” at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C.
Universal design features fall within one of these guiding principles:
“Equitable use: The design doesn’t disadvantage any user, for example, front-mounted controls on a range allow someone in a wheelchair to reach them.
“Flexible use: The design accommodates a range of abilities and preferences, for example levers rather than knobs, make doors and drawers easier to open
“Simple, intuitive use: The design is easy to understand, for example a universally designed thermostat incorporates simple icons, numbers in a large font and contrasting colors to indicate cold or warm.
“Perceptible information: The design communicates necessary information, for example a doorbell with a light flashes to alert a homeowner with diminished hearing.
“Tolerance for error: The design minimizes hazards and adverse consequences of unintended actions, for example, a step-free entry into a house or curb-free shower stall helps owners avoid tripping. No-slip tile and low-pile carpets also prevent falls.
Some homeowners make modifications after they move into the home, but today more homes are built from the start for owners who plan for the day when they may have shaky knees, poor eyesight or need to use a walker. It’s also much less expensive.
There is a design for everyone. What dictates the type of home that is exciting is the fact that it can be built stress-free for those who wish to live there.