Universal Design: Creating Livable Spaces for Everyone
We frequently discuss Universal Design when Refined Homes partners with homeowners on new home construction or kitchen, bath, or living space remodels. It's an integral part of our design process from the very beginning. Each family has a unique situation, and our goal is to help you understand all the options for incorporating universal design into your newly refined space.
For example, if you plan to install a shower seat, we'll strategically place grab bars, handheld showers, and shampoo niches within easy reach. This is a key difference between Universal Design (UD) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. While ADA compliance focuses on specific requirements to accommodate individuals with disabilities, Universal Design takes a broader approach, creating comfortable and easy-to-use spaces for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Think of universal design as proactive, anticipating needs, while ADA compliance is reactive, addressing specific regulations.
seven principles to create functional and appealing spaces for spaces everyone:
Universal design uses seven principles to create functional and appealing spaces for spaces everyone:
- Equitable Use: The design is usable by people with diverse abilities and is aesthetically pleasing.
- Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities, such as right- or left-handed users.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: The design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level.
- Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the consequences of accidental actions.
- Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with minimal fatigue.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate space should be provided for approaching, reaching, manipulating, and using features regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.
- Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively through visual cues, sounds, or touch, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities (shown below).
Perceptible Information: Easy access control panels like the examples above should be placed near entryways beside the porch entry below.
Perceptible Information is more than technology. Simple labeling goes a long way (shown below).
Low Physical Effort is a decision that each homeowner makes for themselves. Turning on a shower or faucet with a touch of a button or faucet can be ideal.
What does this mean for your home?
Refined Homes designs spaces that are more usable for everyone in the home, including visitors. When we meet a new family or prospective client, we enjoy learning about each person living in the home and considering their wants and needs for daily life. This collaborative design process allows us to consider every family member's needs. Here are some real-life examples of how we incorporate universal design:
- The primary cook in the household is left-handed, so the dishwasher is placed on the left side for easier access (shown below).
- A family member with ALS benefited greatly by having grab bars in the shower when he visited.
- Our customers have young children, so a locking range is important for safety.
Personalized location for the primary user. The dishwasher is accessible for a left-handed chef!
Universal Design: Beyond Aging in Place
While aging in place is a common concern, we take a broader approach. Refined Homes considers a holistic view of everyone who lives in the home, their friends, family, pets—anyone who might use the space. Then, we work with homeowners to select the most meaningful universal design solutions that fit the project's budget.
Here are some examples of how we've incorporated these principles in projects throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas:
- Equitable Entry: A ramp leading into the house allows everyone, whether living there, on crutches, or visiting, to enter easily.
- Perceptible Information: Incorporating technology like automatic lighting or voice-controlled systems can make your home more intuitive.
- Low Physical Effort: Based on homeowner preferences, low-effort options like touchless faucets or automatic door openers can be incorporated. Slide-bar showerheads offer future adaptability for in-home care.
Universal design can significantly impact even small rooms. The bathroom remodel below incorporated 11 universal design considerations, including:
- A comfort-height sink that reduces the need to bend over.
- A single-lever faucet for easy use.
- A grab bar disguised as a toilet paper holder for added support.
- A toilet at a comfortable height that is similar to a chair.
We also incorporate creative solutions for aging in place. For example, a bookshelf in a bathroom remodel can be later renovated into a doorway, creating an en suite on the main level. Additionally, installing tile behind the vanity and flooring underneath allows for easier replacement of the vanity with a wheelchair-accessible one in the future.
We frequently discuss bidets (washlets) as an option for people of all ages, offering increased comfort and hygiene. We can also install outlets behind toilets for future washlet installation.
Hiding in plain sight: This built-in grab bar (below) is disguised as a shelf for added safety and aesthetics in another bathroom.
why choose refined homes?
Refined Homes is committed to creating spaces that are not just beautiful but also functional and accessible for everyone. Our dedication to universal design means your home is an investment in your future comfort and independence. By incorporating thoughtful design elements into every project, we ensure your home can adapt to your changing needs over time.
Ready to transform your space into a haven of comfort and accessibility? Contact Tricia today to schedule a consultation. Let's create a home that truly reflects your lifestyle and priorities.
