aging in place expo 2005

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.


http://www.mckittrickhomes.com/

Universal Design General Guidelinesfor Residential Construction

Universal Design Community Awareness Committee


Zone Locations

• Whole House Zone• Entry and Transition Zone• Kitchen Zone• Bathroom Zone

For the comfort, safety and convenience of your family.






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






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






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






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




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.




Home Site TopographyHome Site Topographyand Density of Communityand Density of Community




No Step EntryNo Step Entry

andand

Covered PorchCovered Porch




36” Wide Doors36” Wide Doors

and and

Lever HandleLever Handle




48” Wide Hallways48” Wide Hallways

andand

Tile FloorsTile Floors




Maneuverability aroundManeuverability aroundKitchen IslandKitchen Island




Roll Under Kitchen SinkRoll Under Kitchen Sinkand Elevated Dish Washerand Elevated Dish Washer




32” Tall Work Surface32” Tall Work Surfaceand Knee Spaceand Knee Space




Controls on Controls on Front of RangeFront of Range

and and

Switch for Switch for Hood in Base Hood in Base

CabinetCabinet




Pull Out Shelves inPull Out Shelves inBase CabinetBase Cabinet




Lever HandleLever HandleKitchen FaucetKitchen Faucet




Elevated Front LoadElevated Front LoadWasher and DryerWasher and Dryer




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




Lever Handles Lever Handles on all on all

Bath FaucetsBath Faucets



Pull Down Pull Down Closet RodCloset Rod

and and

Adjustable Adjustable Closet RodsCloset Rods



Elevator for Elevator for access to access to

basement and basement and second floorsecond floor



* * Pick of the ParadePick of the Parade * *Maintenance Provided Grand Award WinnerMaintenance Provided Grand Award Winner



One of the first One of the first places to places to

incorporate incorporate Universal DesignUniversal Design



Originally for children Originally for children and now for adultsand now for adults



Who needs Who needs Universal Universal Design?Design?


aging in place expo 2005

Business

intent of universal

design of products

specialized design

floor adapting

house zone entry

access adapting

house zone switches

floor outlets