Architects and Interior Designers frequently work with clients to design a completely new home or remodel an existing home to meet their needs. The goal usually involves maximizing function while working within a defined square footage and budget.
However, a temporary injury, aging, or diagnosis of a chronic medical condition can impact a homeowner’s ability to use and live in their home. A small flight of stairs or a narrow doorway can become a major barrier to everyday tasks. Perhaps caring for an aging parent in your own home is a consideration. As designers, we use the principles of Universal Design and Aging in Place to help clients create a home design that is functional for them throughout their lives.
Universal Design is generally defined as designing spaces to be accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities, and focuses on flexibility, inclusivity, and ease of use for all individuals.
Aging in Place is generally defined as the ability to live independently in one’s home as one ages; with or without assistance.
Many informative and in-depth articles have been published on this subject. We will focus on some basic strategies to consider when designing a new home or remodel.
Site selection is the first consideration for a new home. Hillside sites are great for capturing views but can create difficulties for accessibility. While it is relatively easy to design an attached garage at floor level, owners and designers should also consider access to site elements. A long, steep driveway or long set of stairs leading to the mailbox, house entrance, or patio can become a barrier for a resident who is mobility impaired. Flat sites more easily accommodate at-grade entrances and site elements. Obviously, flat sites aren’t always available or even desirable to owners, so careful planning and coordination will help minimize site-related barriers even for a sloped site.
Thoughtful space layout within the home can also reduce barriers. A plan with open, common spaces (living, kitchen, dining) inherently has fewer barriers and allows for flexible furniture layout and wheelchair space. For homes with multiple levels, a space can be dedicated at each level for a future vertical lift or elevator. The space can often be used as a closet or built-in storage until the time the elevator is installed. Additionally, a new home’s floor framing can easily be designed to allow for a future elevator shaft. An elevator can be added to an existing home but will require structural analysis to modify the floor framing. Minimum four-foot wide hallways and three-foot wide door openings provide easier accessibility between spaces. The toilet and shower rooms can be laid out with extra floor area to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility lifts. Clearance in front of and around bathroom fixtures should be carefully planned. A roll-in design with no curb provides easier access to the shower.
For aging and visually impaired people, lighting is important for accomplishing daily tasks. Lighting should be designed to provide plenty of light, and switches should be located in an accessible location. Dimmer switches are a cost-effective way to allow light levels to be adjusted.
Small details such as lever-style door handles and easily grasped cabinet pulls go a long way in reducing barriers.
Whether a homeowner experiences a temporary injury, a chronic condition, or simply aging, thinking about Universal Design and Aging in Place during the design process allows people to easily function long-term in their home.
Kory Kennaugh, Secretary/Treasurer