"Universal Design for Barrier-Free Living," a term that I coined and copyrighted several years ago, refers to design that is usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Why universal design?
The "average" person in the U.S. is six feet tall, 165 pounds, male, with normal physical ability and dexterity. That profile fits a very small minority of people. Yet, that's who the "average" house is designed for. Most people don't fit into that category and may require special features that make usability for them more practical.
"Barrier-Free Living" refers to the ability of people with physical dis- abilities to live as normally as possible without the interference of architectural barriers. These barriers impede a user's ability to move about freely or use a particular item without assistance. Combining universal design with barrier-free living allows people of normal ability and those who have any number of disabilities to be able to live as normal a life as possible by incorporating sensible design and features that make living easier than if the design did not include these features.
These features might include traffic areas and rooms that have no steps, wider hallways and doors, ramps, easily operable windows, reachable appliances, electrical outlets and switches, movable shelves, automatic devices and sensors and more.
If you or a family member has a special need or would simply like more information on "Universal Design for Barrier-Free Living," please call our office. Universal design consultation is always free.
Some Model Plans to Consider
Below are some plans for you to consider when deciding on what you need and where you intend to build. These plans were created as a basis for a custom design and can be modified for your family's needs. However, they can be built as they are designed. All we need is a survey of your property if you already own land suitable for building. If you do not yet own land, we can assist you in selecting property that will be appropriate for your situation.
The first plan, "The Bridgewater" is designed for a narrow urban lot. The second one, "The Laventine Classic" is designed for a double lot or a larger suburban lot. The third plan, "The Chatsworth" is designed for a large family or one where a live-in caregiver is required.
"The Bridgewater" is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath universally designed home. Everything on the first storey is barrier-free, including the master suite, kitchen and laundry center. The garage is designed with an eight-foot high overhead door and is wider than a typical one-car garage to accommodate a wheelchair van.
There are two bedrooms and a full bath on the second storey. The home is 38 feet wide and will fit on a 50-foot wide urban lot in most cities and is design primarily for urban living.
We can modify this design to meet your specific needs.
The "Laventine Classic" is designed for a double urban or suburban lot. It is a single storey home with features that are flexible for many families who have a variety of needs.
It has three large bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a garage that can support a wheelchair van through its 8-ft. high double door as well as another standard automobile.
Everything is on one level with no steps or impediments to travel. The open floor plan makes for comfortable living in a well-balanced manner.
We can modify this design to meet your specific needs.
"The Chatsworth" is a large, four bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home with plenty of room for a growing family, including a private upstairs suite (not shown) for a live-in caretaker, in-laws or guests. All of the exterior corners are rounded for easy wheelchair travel and unencumbered access.
The master bath is designed for therapy, rehabilitation and comfort. The garage is designed for a wheelchair van and an additional standard vehicle.
We can modify this design to meet your specific needs.
