The Home for the Next 50 Years, designed and owned by John Salmen, AIA president of Universal Designers & Consultants, Inc., is a showcase for how universal design can be applied to an existing home to make it more convenient, comfortable and safe, allowing its occupants to age-in-place. “We eased the way people move around within the house, made the kitchen and bathrooms accessible and chose hardware and appliances for their efficiency, durability and ease of use.”

For a more in depth look on the design and build process of this home, please check out Universal Design Tips: Lessons Learned From Two UD Homesby clicking here.

Location: 8770 Mary Lane, Jessup, MD 20794
Date: Phase I completed in 2012
Building Type: Single family housing community

Introduction:

The Cottages at Greenwood were designed with three goals in mind: universal design, green design, and affordability. The first Phase of development completed 10 craftsman style bungalows, each one featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,300 square feet of living space on a single level. What sets this community apart from many universally designed residences is its focus on affordability and availability. The Cottages at Greenwood are available for purchase by moderate income families who earn up to 80% of the Baltimore HUD area median income. Rather than viewing Universal Design as something to consider only after a client has experienced accessibility difficulties, the Cottages at Greenwood have incorporated Universal Design features into their houses from the very beginning, following the philosophy that Universal Design really is beneficial for everyone.

Perspectives and Goals

The Cottages at Greenwood were developed out of a partnership between Howard County Maryland, Mark Thomas Architects, Louis Tenenbaum LLC, Hamel Green Construction, Stavrou Associates, Inc., Robert H. Vogel Engineering, Inc., and Poole Design. Mark Thomas Architects brought their experience in affordable housing, sustainability, and elder care facilities to the project, while Louis Tenenbaum, a Universal Design and Aging-in-Place expert, consulted on the many Universal Design elements that had to be considered. Since the houses were built without specific clients in mind, the team had to design the homes to accommodate a variety of users with a range of abilities. The homes include a degree of adaptability as well. For instance, blocking was provided in all bathrooms so that the future residents could install grab bars where they personally need them the most.

According to Tenenbaum, the design process included many meetings with the entire team to analyze the benefits and affordability of each element. The group went through numerous iterations of plans to balance design, functionality and marketability. This was a project that challenged the usual way of doing business and each team member had to consider alternatives to familiar design practices. The team engaged in a ‘corollary benefit approach’, that is, balancing the sometimes higher cost of a desirable universal or green design element with other savings either immediate or over the lifetime of the product. Tenenbaum points out that the zero step entry for example, requires careful grading but savings are realized by not having to construct and install steps, porches and railings.

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Design:

The Site

• No grade changes between floor levels of homes, carports, and patios.
• Walkways require no steps or ramps.
• Housing is grouped in clusters to foster familiarity, strong community connections, and opportunities for support.
• All travel paths are hard surfaced materials for easy negotiation.
• Material differentiation makes a pedestrian path easily detectable on a shared road.
• Raised planting beds reduce the need for stooping or bending.
• Customized landscape, color choices, and exterior details to enhance house identification.
• Warning strips provide a detectable visual and textural alert at the transition between the driveway and shared road.

 The Exterior

• House numbers are visible with high contrast and easily identifiable.
• Concrete slab on grade provides at grade access to all areas of the house, porch, patio, and driveway.
• Carport provides height clearance for a lift equipped van and provides cover from weather at the side entry for easy paced door operation.
• Entry doors feature a half-lite window to allow a view from multiple heights to identify visitors.
• Easy access to outdoor storage.
• The front door is well designated for intuitive entry.
• Low wall is provided at the front entry for seating or package shelf.
• Porch provides cover from weather at the front entry for easy door operation.
• Large windows provide accessible egress and a view at multiple heights.

 The Interior

• The kitchen includes accessible appliances such as a stove with front controls and a side-by-side refrigerator. Kitchen and cabinet layout provide sufficient clearances for wheelchair use. Accessible storage includes drawers, pull outs, and low mounted wall cabinets. Multiple work surface heights are provided for a variety of users. Accessible plugs and controls for lighting, disposal, fans, and outlets.
• Clear definition of public vs. private, intuitively identifying zones of use. Visible contrast provided at edges of floors/walls, cabinets/countertops, etc.
• Knee space is provided under the lavatory either with a built-in open space or with a vanity that can be converted to provide adequate space.
• Ample turn around and transfer space is provided in the restrooms.
• Bathtub with a built-in seat and a curbless shower, both with offset controls. Ample blocking will be provided for grab bars.
• All doors are at least 2’-10” wide within each bungalow. Excellent maneuvering in circulation spaces.
• All mechanical systems, outlets, switches, etc. are mounted at accessible heights. All closets and storage systems are height adjustable.

 Green Features

• Innovative staggered stud wall construction with high R-value insulation in the walls and roof provide a tight thermal envelope.
• Deep overhangs and covered porch to block summer sun.
• High SRI roofing shingles to reduce the heat island effect and summer heat loading.
• Winter sun penetrates large, double paned, low-emittance, insulated Energy Star-rated windows.
• Insulated concrete slab on grade provides thermal mass for solar gain during winter months. Low or no-VOC paint finishes throughout the home.
• Stained, polished concrete flooring providing thermal mass in common areas, and green label certified carpet in the bedrooms.
• Low flow water fixtures (sink, toilet, and shower) and high efficiency ventilation in all restrooms.
• Mechanical: Small, high efficiency system with short duct runs to minimize energy loss.
• Solar hot water heaters in all units.
• High efficiency front-loading laundry equipment, including Energy Star-rated washer and gas powered dryer.
• Energy Star-rated appliances in the kitchens, including refrigerator and dishwasher; low flow sink fixture; and high efficiency ventilation hood.
• Counter top and backsplash are made out of recycled and fast growing materials (recycled glass backsplash, eco-top counters).

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Analysis:

The homes were awarded LEED Platinum status, and are expected to reduce energy consumption by 62% when compared to a typical house of that size. This trifecta of green, universal and affordable has resonated with buyers in Howard County. All units in the first phase of the Cottages were sold well before the project was completed. The team is just beginning Phase II and is considering new features in keeping with the values and practices they demonstrated in Phase I.

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Project Credits:

Project: Cottages at Greenwood
Clients: Howard County Housing Commission
Architect: Marks, Thomas Architects
Construction: Hamel Builders Engineer: Robert H. Vogel Engineering, Inc.
Developer: Stavrou Co. and Howard County, MD
Site Development: Poole Design
Landscape Design: Poole Design, E Landscape LLC
Universal Design Consultant: Louise Tenenbaum LLC
Sustainability Consultant: Hamel Green Construction
Size: When completed there will be 35 houses (1,313 sf each) on 3.44 acres.
Cost: 17 million

Location: Newport Cove, Ill
Date: 2012
Building Type: Single Family Residence

Introduction:

LIFEhouse, a Universal Design concept house built in the award-winning planned community of Newport Cove, demonstrates that Universal Design can easily be incorporated into track housing without sacrificing aesthetics or marketability.

Perspectives and Goals

LIFEhouse came about through collaboration between two sisters; one a home builder and the other an expert in Universal Design. Susanne Tauke is the owner of New American Homes and its Newport Cove development, while her sister Beth Tauke is a professor at the SUNY Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning, where she is affiliated with the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA Center). The IDEA Center’s experts (architects, engineers and medical personnel) took one of Newport Cove’s standard house plans and adjusted it in order to make a Universal Design house that still matched the rest of the neighboring houses. Beth Tauke and her colleagues at the IDeA Center were able to work on the LIFEhouse because of a grant awarded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education.

The house incorporates multisensory perception with Universal Design principles in order to be safe and functional for children under 6, adults over 60, and everyone in between. While the house is not fully ADA accessible, it is designed so as to be easily modified for ADA compliance. LIFEhouse showcases that a Universally Designed home has something to offer everyone, and gives prospective buyers ideas for features that they may want to incorporate into their personal residences.

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Design:

Exterior

• At the community marina, an accessible waterfront gazebo provides restrooms, a shaded picnic area, and a UD friendly grill.
• The neighborhood features maintenance-free landscape design.
• A ramp and no step entrance at the front door make this home visitable, while another accessible entry is provided in the garage space for everyday use. The ramp is tucked into the front porch to blend in with the rest of the neighborhood.
• The front porch provides weather cover at the front door.
• An intercom system (with remote) provides audio communication from room to room, and at the front entrance. A video camera connected to the intercom at the front entrance accommodates those both seated and standing and allows everyone, including those with low vision, to clearly see who is at the door.
• A home security system helps to protect against intruders or household problems (such as freezing pipes).
• Sliding French doors connect the living room to an accessible deck.

Interior

• Memory niches are located at exterior doors to provide a specific spot for often misplaced items such as keys, mail, and cell phones. Similar display niches throughout the house provide well lit areas for art and objects.
• A bench at the entrance provides a place for people to sit to remove outerwear, to find keys, make a phone call, or sort through mail.
• Easy open crank windows are located at a lower height to give wonderful views to those both seated and standing.
• All large toggle light switches and electric outlets are located at accessible reach range.
• All doors have lever handles and drawers have large u-shaped pull hardware.
• Task lighting is offered in the kitchen, office, and overhead and spot lighting is in all closets.
• Durable and level hardwood flooring is featured throughout the house.
• The open floor plan for dining, living, kitchen, and den makes the home feel spacious and airy, and offers size and space for approach and use.
• An elevator, located in the foyer, offers access to the garage and basement. This makes transporting groceries, packages, and luggage much easier, especially in inclement weather.
• Alternate colored carpeting on stairs prevents people from slipping on steps due to visual blending. LED rope lighting is routed into the handrail to eliminate disorienting shadows that can cause falls.

 

Bathroom

• A transfer bench in the front bedroom bath makes getting in and out of the tub easier and safer.
• A full length mirror facing the master bathroom entrance can be viewed from a seated or standing position. The mirror swings open to reveal a medicine cabinet located at accessible reach range.
• A transom brings light into the recesses of the master bathroom.
• The continuous grab bar runs along the perimeter of the master bathroom and doubles as a towel rack in the toilet, vanity, and shower area.
• Multi-level vanities make grooming easier for a wider variety of people.
• Roll in showers, with built-in seating, are located in the master bathroom and basement bathroom.
• Showers include handheld and hands-free adjustable shower heads, adjustable shower spay squares, heat lamps and temperature safety features.
• Bathrooms include comfort height toilets with heated seats and bidets.

 

Kitchen

• Multi-height work surfaces provide areas for everyone.
• Kitchen storage included pullout shelving, self-closing drawers and self-opening overhead cabinets.
• All kitchen appliances are located at an accessible level and provide controls that are easy to see and use.
• Kitchen elements are offered at the point-of-use locations to minimize the need to move or carry things across the kitchen while cooking, i.e. the microwave is located at the island, the pot filler is located at the stove, and the sink incorporates a cutting board and trays that allow for food to be rinsed, peeled, chopped, and plated at the same location.
• The game room has floor to ceiling shelves for storage at all levels.

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Analysis:

LIFEhouse won the 2012 Best of 50+ Housing Award from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for creating a home that meets the physical needs and lifestyle of baby boomers. A second house, called LIFEhouse for a Hero, is now under construction and will be donated to an injured veteran when completed. The LIFEhouse for a Hero project came about after an anonymous visitor to the initial showcase home suggested the idea to Suzanne Taulke, and volunteered to partially fund the project. Other donors to the LIFEhouse for a Hero project include The Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago, Operation Finally Home, the Chicago NFL Players Association, suppliers like LP Building Products, Wausau Supply, Andersen Windows, local trades people, and the Newport Cove community.

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Project Credits:

Project: LIFEhouse
Architect/Designer: New American Homes, IDeA Center
Size: 1,1992 square feet

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Materials and Elements:

• Kohler faucets and fixtures
• KitchenAid appliances
• Silestone quartz countertops
• Pella windows
• Sea Gull lightning fixtures
• Leviton lighting switches
• MidContinent cabinets
• Carrier furnaces
• Certainteed concrete fiber siding
• M&S Tile and Stone
• Home Technology Systems
• PerfikDek decking and rails

Location: Cabo Pulmo, Mexico
Date: 2012
Building Type: Single Family Residential

Introduction:

This beautiful beach house, situated in a secluded fishing village on the Baja Peninsula, incorporates Green and Universal Design features into an overall package that reflects the surrounding natural landscape and traditional local building practices.

Perspectives and Goals

Pat Wright and Deb Zeyen wanted their house to be Green and Universally Designed. Wright, who is legally blind, is a civil rights lobbyist who worked on the initial passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Neither Wright nor Zeyen are wheelchair users, yet they wanted the house to be fully wheelchair accessible in order to support visitablity and the possibility of changing circumstances in the future. Zeyen has been quoted as saying, “Our main requirement for the design of the home was that the accessibility features needed to be integrated into the design, not an add-on.”

The couple chose Cathi House of House and House Architects to design the home, due to the firm’s commitment to sustainability. The firm’s work often incorporates natural light and ventilation, passive solar heating, grey/rain water systems, recycled materials, the development of microclimates and strong connections to the outdoors. The geometric design and color pallet for the home were chosen to mirror the stark mountains and dramatic red earth in the surrounding natural landscape.

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Design:

Universal Design

The home is organized on two levels, with the primary living and sleeping spaces on the upper floor in order to take advantage of the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, desert and beach. The lower level houses the guest suites, a small kitchen, and dining and living spaces. Wheelchair access to the second floor and upper deck areas is via a 165-foot ramp. Multiple landings along the switchback ramp provide resting places and spaces from which to enjoy the cactus garden. Lights along the ramp provide illumination at night. The ramp has proved popular with visitors and pets, proving that Universal Design can be beautiful, functional, and fun for everyone.

Separate areas are defined and divided by cabinets and furniture arrangements instead of walls. This open floor plan makes circulation and maneuvering around furniture easy for everyone, including wheelchair users. Also, all bathrooms and bedrooms in the house feature a 5’ turning radius.

Bathrooms are also equipped with roll-in showers and hand-held sprayers. The custom built soaking tub in the master bathroom has a large ledge around it that can be used as a sitting perch when entering or exiting the tub. Bathroom sinks are located at an accessible reach range, and provide adequate knee clearance.

Ceiling mounted lifts are provided in bedrooms and bathrooms. A lift is also attached to the outdoor plunge pool.

Other UD features include removable cabinets installed under sinks, and light switches and electrical outlets located at accessible reach ranges.

Green Design

The ramp plays double duty, providing accessibility and collecting rainwater. Two cisterns collect the rain water that flows down the ramp, and it is later purified for drinking water or used for outdoor irrigation.

Electricity is gathered by solar panels. Passive solar is also incorporated in the design, as the concrete floors radiate warmth that they have collected from the sun long after it has set; an important feature in the desert where temperatures can plummet at night.

Carefully placed palapa roofs and window shades keep out the summer sun and shade the decks and car port. The palapa reflects local building traditions, but since cooking, sleeping, or living under palapa roofs can lead to air quality issues, the roofing material has only been applied to well-ventilated outdoor areas. These shaded terraces cover wide north windows that can be opened to capture cooler breezes for natural ventilation.

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Analysis:

Most of the homes in Cabo Pulmo are simple one-story units with palapa roofs. Cathi House has been quoted as saying that, “The level of skill required to construct the concrete roofs and the very long, complex ramp stretched the abilities of everyone working on the project.” The remote location combined with a hurricane temporarily stalled construction, as the team had to wait for washed-out roads to be rebuilt. Even with these setbacks, the end result is a stunning, sustainable and Universal Designed Oceanside retreat that can welcome all guests.

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Project Credits:

Project: Casa Cabo Pulmo
Clients: Pat Wright and Deb Zeyen
Architect/Designer: House and House Architects
Structural: Dominic Chu
Contractor/Fabricator: Roberto Chamorro
Size: 2,100 square feet
Photo Credits: Steven and Cathi House

Location: Livermore, Colorado
Building Type: Single Family Residential

Introduction:

When Cynthia Liebrock, designer, consultant and Harvard instructor in the field of accessibility and Universal Design, undertook an extensive remodel of the house where she and her husband live, she was sure to incorporate elements that fostered visitability, adaptability, and healthy aging-in-place.

Perspectives and Goals

As Cynthia Leibrock explains on her website, www.agingbeautifully.org, “People are not disabled by their physical or mental differences; we all have physical and mental differences. We are only disabled when we can’t do what we want to do. Designers have the power to make this difference, the choice to empower or disable by design.” It was this design philosophy that guided Leibrock’s home remodeling project.

The Green Mountain Ranch had to be able to accommodate Leibrock and her husband, both of whom are quite tall, but also remain visitable for children, people of short stature, and wheelchair users. Additionally, the house had to be adaptable enough to become completely wheelchair accessible if needed in the future. In order to support aging-in-place, the house had to incorporate accessibility and safety features as well as actively encourage healthy lifestyle practices like healthful eating and exercising. Finally, all of these elements had to blend into a pleasant and peaceful visual environment.

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Design:

Entrances:

• Exterior entrances are well lit, covered for weather protection, and use slip resistant slate flooring.
• The house includes a step-free entrance through the garage.
• An automatic door opener can be operated by remote.
• A fold-down seat at the back entry provides a place for changing shoes without reducing access.

 

Circulation:

• An accessible route connects the kitchen, garage, patio, two bedrooms, three baths, living room, and library. Routes to other areas of the house are adaptable so that they can become wheelchair accessible in the future if needed.
• The step down into the dining room is removable so that the space can be used to accommodate a wheelchair lift when necessary.
• Narrow level floor joints are provided throughout the house.
• Since rugs can create tripping hazards, the door mats are recessed into the floor.
• Stairs include LED strips for increased safety, and handrails include extensions at the top and bottom where possible.

 

Furniture and Appliances:

• The front loading washer and dryer have been raised off the floor to reduce the need for bending. While the washer and drier are not currently in a wheelchair accessible location, if needed, a closet on a different floor can be converted in order to house the machines.
• The dining room gas fireplace is remote controlled. For safety, CO2 detectors are located wherever gas is used in the house.
• The custom dining room table is wheelchair accessible and can expand to seat up to 14 guests.
• The living room’s wood-burning fireplace has been raised for easy access.
• High visual contrast is provided between the seating, flooring, and walls. High contrast rocker switches stand out against the walls.
• The Proliphix thermostat can be operated remotely, providing accessibility and allowing users to adjust the temperature even when they aren’t home.
• An Aiphone video intercom system allows for communication throughout the house and can be coordinated with the security system to record visitors who come to the door while the residents are out.
• The den includes a murphy bed, allowing it to be used as a guestroom when needed. Additionally the space is large enough for a hospital bed, so that the room can support someone who requires a caregiver.

 

Kitchen:

• The kitchen flooring is a non-slip Quartzite tile.
• An induction cooktop remains cool to the touch, and a pot filler located nearby eliminates the need to carry heavy, water-filled pots.
• The refrigerator was chosen for its back lighting and shallow shelves, which make it easy to see and reach everything. Additionally, the refrigerator’s column design means that a portion of both the fridge and the freezer fall within accessible reach range.
• A steamer built in the counter makes it easy to cook healthful meals, and the planters located behind the steamer can be used to grow herbs. A hot water dispenser easily provides hot water for disinfecting dishes or making hot beverages.
• The oven has a side hinged door and the pullout shelf beneath provides a place to rest food when transferring into or out of the oven.
• The sink’s fascia-mounted drain controls allow all users to empty sinks with the push of an easy to reach button. Other controls, switches, and outlets are also located in accessible reach range.
• Kitchen storage includes a variety of pull-out solutions that bring objects out of cabinets for easy access. The interiors of drawers and cabinets are painted white to increase visibility.
• The kitchen counters are wall mounted at 42” above the floor in order to accommodate Leibrock and her husband’s tall stature. However, the counters can be modified at a later date by removing the lowest drawers and lowering the whole cabinet to a height of 32”.

 Bathrooms:

• The bathroom adjacent to the den includes a dividing wall that can swing away to provide wider access to the bathroom.
• The bathroom’s wet room construction provides two roll-in shower areas. A hand held sprayer is included near the toilet, while the multiple heads of the body shower provide water at varying heights.
• The vanity cabinet’s floor has been removed and the doors have been mounted with piano hinges that allow them to fold back within the cabinet to provide knee clearance at the sink.
• The sink’s folded “j” trap lies flush against the wall and out of the way of seated users.
• Preset temperature valves with hot water surge control provide protection in all of the bathrooms.
• Another bathroom includes a steam shower with a low threshold, built-in bench, and vertical grab bar to assist in standing.
• The comfort height toilet can be outfitted with sheltering grab bars on either side. Tiles at either side of the toilet are held in place by magnets, and can be removed in order to expose the fixtures on which to attach the grab bars.
• A ceiling lift can provide access to the tub and toilet.
• The wall hung lavatory cabinets can be lowered in the future if needed.
• All bathrooms have reinforced walls so that grab bars can be added.

 Solar:

• Four greenhouses and a glassed-in patio provide natural lighting and passive solar heat.
• Active solar panels provide preheated water for the water heater, spa and radiant in floor heating.

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Analysis:

Leibrock is currently using Green Mountain Ranch as a show home for Universal Design. She offers week-long seminars at the house that allow participants to see Universal Design in action while earning continuing education credits. Various media publications, including the New York Times, have reported on the home and its beneficial features. Leibrock has also written a book, “Design Details for Health,” that explores the many Universal Design elements that she included in the house.

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Project Credits:

Project: Green Mountain Ranch
Clients: Cynthia Leibrock
Interior Designer: Cynthia Leibrock
Photo Credits: kohler.com, docktorpaul@mac.com, Cynthia@AgingBeautifully.org

Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 2011
Building Type: Affordable Housing

INTRODUCTION:

The Richardson Apartments affordable housing complex contains 120 permanent studios for individuals who were formerly homeless. Universal Design considerations were especially important in this project, because the residents include many people with mental and physical disabilities. The mixed-use building also includes retail spaces on the ground floor, in order to create a place that adds to the diversity and value of the surrounding community.

Perspectives and Goals

The project was designed as part of the Market and Octavia Neighborhood Plan to contribute to a more “livable community” with affordable housing, street upgrades, and community-serving retail spaces. The five-story infill development was built on the site of a former parking lot that was freed up for development after the demolition of the collapsed Central Freeway (damaged during an earthquake.)

It was critical that the project be green, so it was designed and built with the guidance of the Build It Green GreenPoint Rated and Green Communities checklists.

Architectural firm David Baker + Partners was chosen due to their commitment to green, infill housing. While the firm designs both market-rate and affordable housing, about 50% of the firm’s work is on affordable housing, and they have gained a reputation for projects that are beautiful and functional rather than sterile and institutional.

 

DESIGN:

Universal Design

• The entrance includes a level threshold, automatic doors, and lever door handles.
• Wide hallways and an open floor plan are used through the building.
• The meeting room space is flexible and is able to be divided into two spaces by a movable wall or opened up to the central courtyard by the movable glass Nana Walls.
• Floor to ceiling windows are used throughout the building, at the entrance, in hallways, surrounding the courtyard and in each studio apartment. These windows bring in natural light and offer views to everyone, seated or standing. In the apartments, the lowest portion of the glass is frosted to provide privacy.
• Light switches, plugs, and phones are located at an accessible reach range.
• The two-burner cooktop used in the kitchens has front located controls.
• The kitchen sink a single level mixed tap.
• The kitchen cabinetry has large u-shaped handles.
• The pocket door into the bathroom includes large paddle-shaped hardware.
• Bathrooms include Grab bars.
• The rooftop garden includes raised beds that are easy to access.

Green Design

• Permeable pavers in the courtyard provide both a smooth, level surface and rain water management.
• Sunshades on windows reduce solar heat gain.
• The roof includes solar panels and a green roof.

Liveable Community

• Well-lit sidewalks, landscaping, and bike racks enhance the sidewalks around the perimeter of the building.
• The retail spaces on the ground floor add value to the whole community and include trellises that provide shelter for people walking on the sidewalk.
• Instead of providing a parking lot (since it was unlikely that many of the residents would own cars), the space was used to provide a central courtyard that acts as an outdoor living room for residents. Other common use areas include the rooftop garden counseling center, residents’ lounge, community room, and medical suite reserved for resident care.
• The design also took into consideration an existing mural on the building next door, allowing it to be featured in the central courtyard, while still providing views of the mural from the street.
• Different facades were used to break up the appearance of the large structure, giving it a more human scale.

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ANALYSIS:

The building rates 143 GreenPoints and surpasses California’s strict energy standards by 15%. Businesses have moved into the retail spaces, includes a nonprofit bakery that provides job training to residents and a Vietnamese sandwich shop. The project has won numerous awards, including the AIA National Housing Award, and the AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing, and was recently featured in a New York Times Article, entitled “Design as Balm for a Community’s Soul.”

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PROJECT CREDITS:

Architect: David Baker + Partners Architects
Associate Firm: Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture; Baker Vilar Architects; Design Studios Gonzalo Castro
Clinic/Health Services: UCSF Citywide Case Management Program San Francisco Department of Public Health Toolworks
Engineer: American Hydrotech, Inc.; Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, Inc.; Sandis Civil Engineers Surveyors Planners; Structural Design Engineers; Sun Light & Power; Teletech Security; Tommy Siu & Associates
General Contractor: Cahill Contractors, Inc.
Interior Design and Furnishings: Concreteworks; David Baker + Partners, Architects; Evelyn Reyes/Creativity Explored; Fee Munson Ebert Architecture + Design; Green Waste Recycle Yard/Custom Metal Manufacturing; Market Design Furniture; OHIO Design; Pacassa Studios
Mural: “Dancing in the curve of the World” by Josef Norris
Photo Credit: © Bruce Damonte Photography, Inc.

Location: Colombus, OH
Date: 2012
Building Type: Residential Housing

INTRODUCTION:

This newly-built house in Columbus, Ohio is more than just a home to Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. and her husband Mark Leder – it also serves as their two home offices, education facility and living laboratory for the study of Universal Design. After years of planning and research, the couple assembled a team of experts to help them achieve a showplace of green design, Universal Design, and healthy living. Rossetti, a speaker , writer and consultant, included educational space for visitors, including architects, builders, designers, product manufacturers and students, so that all may better understand what makes a home work for people at all stages of life.

Perspectives and Goals

Fourteen years ago an accident caused Rossetti to be paralyzed from the waist down. At the time, the couple’s two-story home was not wheelchair accessible. Even after making numerous adaptations, there were still too many areas of the home that were inaccessible to Rosemarie. The couple set out to find a newly built home that could meet their needs, but found that builders in their area were not incorporating Universal Design into their plans. They decided to create a custom home that could serve as both a showcase of Universal Design products and a real-life laboratory to test out how Universal Design features work in a home over time. The home/laboratory includes state-of-the-art materials, fixtures, appliances, and technology, much of which was contributed by vendors interested in being part of the project.

Features of the home/lab include:

Entrances

The entrances have step-free thresholds, gradual level grades instead of ramps, and doors that are wide enough for mobility devices.
A wide porte-cochere provides weather protection from car to door.
Glass panels at the entrance let all residents easily see visitors at the door.

Circulation

The home is divided into private and public spaces, which are connected by a 42″ wide hallway. Lever handles are used on swinging doors, while pocket doors improve circulation in many areas.
Lever handles are used on swinging doors, while pocket doors improve circulation in many areas.
A residential elevator accesses the lower level which includes office and training spaces.
Hardwood and non-slip tile flooring are used throughout, with smooth transitions between flooring materials and matte finish to reduce glare.

Laundry

Raised, front-loading washer and dryer are conveniently located in the master suite near the bedroom.
The laundry room doubles as a walk-in closet, with closet rods and shelf storage at multiple levels.
An island provides a surface on which to fold clothes, a nearby sink makes it easy to pre-treat a stain, and a fold down ironing board provides plenty of knee clearance.

Kitchen

Kitchen counters are at multiple heights to accommodate seated and standing use, and feature easy to reach electrical plugs for small appliances.
Lever handled faucets are used at the sink and the filtered water dispenser, and the microwave and oven are mounted under the center island and have side-hinged doors. A pot filler faucet is located near the cook top and in-counter steamer to eliminate the need to carry heavy water-filled pots.
Open knee space is provided under all sinks and the cook top.
Side-by-side style refrigerator/freezer allows seated users to access both compartments easily.
The wall cabinets are built slightly deeper and mounted at 51″ from the floor, while pull-out storage is provided in many drawers and cabinets.
A pull-out cart provides flexibility between under cabinet storage and knee clearance at the wet bar.

Bathrooms

Spacious bathrooms include, decorative grab bars and comfort height toilets.
The curbless roll-in shower includes a trench drain, seat and handheld shower head.
Large mirrors over bathroom vanities accommodate both seated and standing users.
The glass block mosaic installed above the tub provides light and privacy, while the large ledge around the tub facilitates transferring in and out.

Green/Energy Features

Recycled and /or renewable resources were used in roofing, countertops, flooring and insulation.
Energy efficient windows, appliances, lighting, heating and cooling systems were used throughout.
The recycled aluminum shingle roof features solar panels as well as six foot overhangs that surround the home to provide shade and reduce solar heat gain in summer.
Rain water runs of the roof into a water harvesting system that that is used for landscape irrigation.
Low VOC emitting products including matte finish wall paint.

Lighting and Acoustics

Large windows, skylights and glass block are used to provide natural light.
LED lights will be installed in nearly 98% of the fixtures. LED light strips were installed over and under the kitchen cabinetry and are positioned to provide glare-free task lighting to both seated and standing cooks.
Dimmer switches and motion detectors make it easy to move through the home after dark.
Electrical outlets raised 25″ above the floor throughout the house.
Upholstered furniture, a floor to ceiling padded headboard and acoustical gypsum drywall minimize sound in the master bedroom.

Landscape

The patio and grounds feature raised garden beds with native plants that require less water and maintenance than exotic plants.
Wheelchair-accessible pathways curve throughout the garden and even pass over the garden’s water feature.

ANALYSIS:

The home is working towards certification as a NAHB Green Building and LEED residence. Students from several schools have been involved with the project, including students from Ohio State University, Hocking College and the Delaware Area Career Center, so that even before its completion, the house had already begun providing a hands-on learning experience for the next generation of design professionals.

PROJECT CREDITS:

Project: Universal Design Living Laboratory
General Contractors and Homeowners: Rosemarie Rossetti, Mark Leder
Architect: Patrick Manley of Manley Architecture Group
Construction Consultants: Chris Vandenoever and Bob White
Interior Designers: Anna Lyon, Mary Jo Peterson
Feng Shui Consultant: Cathy Van Volkenburg
Lighting Designers: Ardra Zinkon, Patricia Rizzo
Landscape Architects: Tracy Disabato-Aust, Bill Gerhardt, Tom Lehner
Photo Credits: Mark Leder
Follow this link for a full list of corporate contributors

Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Date: 2010
Building Type: Residential

INTRODUCTION:

This Universal Design house provides accessibility throughout and seamlessly connects to accessible exterior areas, allowing residents to fully enjoy their whole property.

Perspectives and Goals

The residents, a couple in their mid-fifties, wanted a home that would allow them to age in place. The husband had suffered a work related injury and is a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair. They also have 3 adult children who visit occasionally. They wanted a fully Universal Designed house that would work for the whole family and support their needs as they got older. The accessible relationship between the interior and the exterior spaces was extremely important to the family.

Initially, the couple bought a plan from Charles Schwab, AIA, of Life Span Home Designs LLC, from his plan book entitled UD Smart Homes for the 21st Century. They then worked with Schwab and local builder Brad Alexander from Majestic Homes, Myrtle Beach to customize the plans and create a unique home. Schwab specializes in accessibility and Universal Design, describing his firm’s mission as “providing home plan designs that are Universal Designed and built with sustainable products and for clean air and energy efficiency. Our vision is that by the year 2020 all new homes in America will be built with Universal Design features for Life Span Living and include sustainable building products and energy efficient construction.”

The home also demonstrates the need for design professionals to work closely with clients to come up with solutions that truly match the client’s desires. Even though this house was Universal Designed, the clients did not want grab bars adjacent to the toilet as the owner transfers from both sides and actually preferred 36″ high counters in the kitchen. The original plan was designed with varying height kitchen cabinet countertops.

Design
The home has no step thresholds at all of the entries, including the French doors in the master bedroom. Those flush entries are covered and slightly slope away from the house for protection from the elements at storm time.
The open floor plan is critical in this home and is a major universal design feature. The main family living areas flow together for easy access and a visual connection from one “room” area to the other. These open rooms are defined by varying ceiling treatments and varying yet flush floor finishes.
Interior design elements and colors were selected by the owners. These colors also help define the open spaces.
All of the passage doors are 36″ wide and with the proper lever side of door clearance for wheelchair use. Many are pocket doors for easy access and space saving design.
Floors are designed flush throughout for easy access.
There is a curbless shower and open knee space at all sinks for seated and wheelchair use.
Lever handles are used throughout, as are raised outlets and accessible switches.
All of the windows are lower for easy viewing by a seated user.
The landscape is designed for easy access and wheelchair use, and the exterior spaces were designed as extensions of the house. A gently sloped pathway leads down to a bass fishing pond. Even the fishing deck is designed for access, with a curb rail to prevent a wheelchair from rolling off the edge.
A salt water aquarium is featured between the kitchen serving bar and entertainment bar. The aquarium supports the connection between the interior and exterior spaces by hinting to the outdoor fishing pond.
The power panels in the garage are located at an accessible location.
The workshop and music room is also Universal Designed and all fully accessible.
The large accessible bathroom also doubles up as a storm safe room, an important safety feature in this hurricane-prone part of the country. People often think of taking shelter in basements during storms but this is an obvious hindrance for a wheelchair user. The concrete reinforced UD bathroom doubles up nicely as a hurricane safe-room as it is larger for wheelchair use. This main level safe room provides an accessible alternative.
The kitchen and bath hardware provides for fully extended drawers and storage making it all fully accessible and efficient.
The kitchen serving bar and the entertainment bar has varying heights for lower level seating and bar level seating that functions well for all members of the family.
The home is also designed for energy efficiency with 2×6 insulated wall construction and other energy saving products.

ANALYSIS:

The clients enjoyed working with Schwab so much that they invited him to visit the home for five days to experience the finished product, which he happily did. He’s been invited to revisit again at anytime. Now that’s a happy customer!

PROJECT CREDITS:

Project: Vasey Residence
Clients: John and Donna Vasey
Architect/Designer: Charles Schwab AIA, CAPS and CGP of Life Span Home Designs LLC
Builder: Brad Alexander of Majesic Homes, Myrtle Beach
Cost: $720,000
Size: 3860 square feet (not counting the garage or workshop)

SPECIFIED PRODUCTS:

Cabinets: Custom Brazillian Cherry
Faucets and Fixtures: Moen and Kohler
Cooktop: Frigidaire Gallery Series
Countertops: Custom Granite
Dishwasher: Maytag Quiet Series 400
Doors: Old South Millwork de Vinci Amhurst Collection
Exterior Siding: River Valley Stone Stucco
Flooring: Martha Stuart and Pergo
Garage Doors: Amarr
Garage Door Opener: Harman Silent Drive Garage Door Opener
Garbage Disposal: InSinkErrator
Hardware: Amerock
Ice Maker: Marvel Ice Maker
Insulation: Owens Corning

Priory Church in Wales Primary School

Location: Brecon, Wales
Building Type: Primary School

INTRODUCTION:

This school, located in the historic town of Brecon within Brecon Beacons National Park, demonstrates how a space can be designed to simultaneously support accessibility, sustainability, a flexible learning environment, and a warm aesthetic.

Perspectives and Goals

The Governors required that their new school provide, “children of the next generation and of the locality, with a school which encapsulates all that is expected to ensure a fitting environment for education in the 21st Century.” The school brief included a requirement for a nursery, an assembly hall, learning resource, food technology and creative arts facilities together with areas where teachers can deliver activities related to the ‘learning through play’ initiative.

Petersen Williams Architects was chosen to undertake the project, since this Cardiff based architectural practice has extensive experience in Education and Ecclesiastic projects.

DESIGN:

Universal Design

The design team consulted with local community and access groups and potential users to gain insight into their needs and their hopes for the new school. The design of the building strives to foster a sense of community within the school, while still providing classrooms and separate areas that can be used for smaller group activities. Larger assembly spaces are located towards the center of the school and are surrounded by smaller classrooms.

The classrooms are arranged numerically from the entrance and are accessed from the wide curved circulation route that runs throughout the building. This makes navigation and wayfinding easy, even for young children. The wide circulation route to the nursery and infant classes can also be used as an overflow learning area. The circulation route extends outside and wraps around the external courtyard, which is also used as a learning, play or assembly area. The single level design and placement of facilities ensures that all areas are available to everyone, eliminating the risk of stigma or separation for certain user groups.

Green Design

Sustainable design elements incorporated in the scheme include a biomass fuelled boiler, grey water harvesting and photovoltaic units.

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ANALYSIS:

Client feedback indicates that their brief requirements have been met, and the Priory School has become a popular venue for community events. The school was the 2012 winner of the Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design, which recognized the school stating, “The Priory Church in Wales Primary School is an exemplar of how thoughtful and innovative design, together with a clear understanding of user needs, can combine to produce an environment that is inclusive and accessible to all those who use it.”

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PROJECT CREDITS:

Architect: Petersen Williams
Developer: Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Landscape Designer: Petersen Williams
Services Engineer: McCann and Partners
Structural Engineer: Opus International
Contractor: John Weaver
Inclusive Design Consultant: Petersen Williams
Interior Designer: Petersen Williams
Photographer: Beacons Images