Aging in Place Expo 2005
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
Presenter: Randy McKittrick, McKittrick Homes
www.McKittrickHomes.com
Definition:Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
– Ron Mace The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities.
Quote and definition taken from the site http://www.design.ncsu.edu, The Center for Universal Design.
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
Universal Design General Guidelinesfor Residential Construction
Universal Design Community Awareness Committee
www.McKittrickHomes.com
Zone Locations
• Whole House Zone• Entry and Transition Zone• Kitchen Zone• Bathroom Zone
For the comfort, safety and convenience of your family.
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
Universal Design General Guidelinesfor Residential Construction
Universal Design Community Awareness Committee
www.McKittrickHomes.com
Whole House Zone
• Switches and thermostats less than 48” above floor
• Outlets between 15” and 24” above floor• Walk-in closets with adjustable height rods• Window height at 36”above floor, or less for sill
height. 5.7 sq ft. minimum egress in bedrooms
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
Universal Design General Guidelinesfor Residential Construction
Universal Design Community Awareness Committee
www.McKittrickHomes.com
Entry and Transition Zone
• Covered entry• Threshold less than ½”. No step and a
maximum 1:20 slope on walks• Door width to be 36” minimum with lever type
handles• Door approach to have 12” push clear and
18” push clear on lever side of door• Hallways to be 48” wide and 36” access to both
sides of bed• Wheelchair turning space to be 60” clear• Slip resistant flooring in kitchen and bath• Parallel and forward approach maneuvering space in
front of appliances and plumbing fixtures
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
Universal Design General Guidelinesfor Residential Construction
Universal Design Community Awareness Committee
www.McKittrickHomes.com
Kitchen Zone
• Stove to have front mounted controls• Vent hood to be switched at wall• Multiple level countertops and work spaces
(or adjustable)• Removable cabinet fronts at sink with
insulated pipes• Dishwasher raised 6” to reduce bending• Single lever faucet controls on plumbing
fixtures• Pull out shelves in base cabinets with additional
full length pantry shelves• Front loading washer and dryer raised for access
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
Universal Design General Guidelinesfor Residential Construction
Universal Design Community Awareness Committee
www.McKittrickHomes.com
Bathroom Zone
• Wall mounted lavatory with insulated pipes• Internal or portable tub seat• Blocking for handrails at tub and toilet• Lower mirror to backsplash• Hand held shower head and offset control
area to outside• Toilet seat at 19” above floor
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
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Additional Notes and Statistics:
• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, within the next 15 years people between the ages 50 to 69 will increase 87%.
• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, by 2030 there will be about 70 million older persons (over 65). That is more than twice their number in 2000. The life expectancy of anyone at age 65 is an additional 17.9 years.
• AARP studies have shown that medical cost of seniors living in a Universal Design home can be as much as half the cost of living in a traditional designed home.
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
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Home Site TopographyHome Site Topographyand Density of Communityand Density of Community
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No Step EntryNo Step Entry
andand
Covered PorchCovered Porch
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36” Wide Doors36” Wide Doors
and and
Lever HandleLever Handle
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48” Wide Hallways48” Wide Hallways
andand
Tile FloorsTile Floors
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Maneuverability aroundManeuverability aroundKitchen IslandKitchen Island
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Roll Under Kitchen SinkRoll Under Kitchen Sinkand Elevated Dish Washerand Elevated Dish Washer
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32” Tall Work Surface32” Tall Work Surfaceand Knee Spaceand Knee Space
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Controls on Controls on Front of RangeFront of Range
and and
Switch for Switch for Hood in Base Hood in Base
CabinetCabinet
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Pull Out Shelves inPull Out Shelves inBase CabinetBase Cabinet
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Lever HandleLever HandleKitchen FaucetKitchen Faucet
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Elevated Front LoadElevated Front LoadWasher and DryerWasher and Dryer
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Wheel in Wheel in Shower with no Shower with no
Threshold,Threshold,
Blocking for Blocking for Grab barsGrab bars
andand
Offset Control Offset Control HandleHandle
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Lever Handles Lever Handles on all on all
Bath FaucetsBath Faucets
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Pull Down Pull Down Closet RodCloset Rod
and and
Adjustable Adjustable Closet RodsCloset Rods
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Elevator for Elevator for access to access to
basement and basement and second floorsecond floor
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* * Pick of the ParadePick of the Parade * *Maintenance Provided Grand Award WinnerMaintenance Provided Grand Award Winner
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One of the first One of the first places to places to
incorporate incorporate Universal DesignUniversal Design
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
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Originally for children Originally for children and now for adultsand now for adults
Adapting to Universal Design Construction
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Who needs Who needs Universal Universal Design?Design?
Adapting to Universal Design Construction