How To Design a House that Lasts a Lifetime

Using Universal Design to Build a Home to Last a Lifetime

In the past few years, the concept of “Universal Design” has gained popularity when designing a new home or renovating an existing one.  Universal Design has its roots in the legislation of the disabilities-rights movement, as a series of guidelines and principles to follow in order to allow people with disabilities to live in their homes with as little struggle as possible.  As the Baby Boomer generation, born from 1946 to 1964, has advanced in age, Universal Design has found a new audience. 

With the advancing age of the Baby Boomers, Universal Design’s relevance and share of the marketplace will continue to grow.  When many Boomers relocate to their dream place, they will be designing a new home from the ground up.  The number of people aged 65 and up will increase by more than 50 percent in the next two decades.  Most of these people have the desire to stay in their homes for as long as possible, living as comfortably and as independently as possible.  However, according to the Census Bureau, more than half of all seniors will have some limitation concerning their daily activities, restricting their ability to live in the home they have grown to love.  If proper Universal Design principles were followed from the beginning, it would be more feasible to allow people to age in their homes as they wish, and with a higher quality of life.

            The Center for Universal Design, based out of North Carolina State University, has outlined seven principles that govern Universal Design:  creating a space which is usable by people of all abilities; creating a space that is able to be used for a variety of purposes; using appliances and features that are simple and intuitive to use; designing features that communicate necessary information to the user regardless of lighting conditions or the user’s sensory condition; having a tolerance for error, such as temperature limits on shower handles, which would minimize consequences of misuse or mistaken use; creating a design that can be used with a minimum of physical effort and fatigue; and allowing enough size and space around objects for their use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

            By following these principles, builders and architects can create living spaces suitable for use by a wide variety of people of all ages, skill levels, abilities and disabilities.

            These principles manifest themselves in a number of ways throughout the home.  One of the most crucial design traits, which serve both the elderly and those with disabilities or in wheelchairs, is designing the home to be livable on one level, with no steps from the outside to the entrance, as well as from the garage to the home.  Having a master bedroom on the ground floor, as well as a master bath on the ground floor is also crucial.  The master bedroom should be large enough to fit two twin beds, so in the case of couples, it facilitates ease of entry and exit from the bed to the bathroom.

            The bathroom is the room that needs the most attention.  Details include having a walk-in shower which is large enough for a wheelchair to maneuver in, also equipped with a seat and safety bars.  Also in the shower, the water controls should be levers rather than knobs, as many older people have trouble with gripping things, and a temperature safety control can help prevent scalding accidents.  The sink should be free of a vanity, so a person can slide under it and easily access the faucets.

            The kitchen is another area which requires attention.  Having counters at multiple height levels ensures maximum accessibility, as does raising the level of the dishwasher.  Having the kitchen located near the garage helps with the unloading of groceries from the car.  In cabinets, the inclusion of a “Lazy Susan” would help if people were unable to reach deep into the spaces.  Having roll-out shelves in the kitchen also serves a similar purpose in accessing heavier pots and pans.  Some kitchens come with a water spout over the stove to facilitate the filling of pots, without worrying about transporting them from the sink.  Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom, adjustable shelving, tubular handles that run the length of the door, and foot pedal or electric assisted door openings, make accessing it easier for all people.

            Throughout the rest of the home there are many simple ways to ensure ease of use for a long time to come…  having hallways and doorways three feet wide or more allows wheelchair access; using luminous light switches and a built in night light system; having adjustable closet shelves; using pull handles rather than knobs; having eye-level thermostats located in convenient places; having plenty of outlets and placing them at least 18 inches above the floor; having an emergency call system; and designing a home with plenty of natural light sources. 

            By using the above principals and design features, homeowners and builders can design spaces to live in, that allow people to live on in them.

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