Remodeling and Universal Design - A Different Perspective?

[ChrWright]

I came across a quote this morning that put this subject in a new light for me:

“Whether you are completely remodeling your home or using some of the readily available low-cost adaptive products--creating a safe, comfortable and accessible environment is not planning for disability - it's planning for continued independence.”

Emphasis added on my part.

The demographic of my clients has often included those of retirement age but I must confess I've done only a few projects that included what I would consider "universal" elements.

When some hear the term, visions of clunky doored tubs and baths full of grab bars come to mind (for a good long while, that was my impression anyway). But I've seen some very creative, and very beautiful, "universal" spaces. It's a subject of increasing importance as the Baby Boom generation grows into their 70s.

What are the top two things that come to mind when you think of "universal design"? How have you incorporated UD elements into your projects?

Any successes? I'm very interested in hearing from the design and remodeling community on what constitutes the top "best practices" for UD.

http://www.toiletology.com/images/AARP-bathroom.gif
AARP Adaptive Bathroom

http://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/preparing/home_repairs.html

Interesting quote from the AARP link above:
The National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that one-third of home accidents could be prevented by modification and repair.

A Canadian Site with great info on UD--although the examples are pretty damn ugly:
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/renoho/refash/refash_030.cfm

A term I hadn't heard before, "FlexHousing": http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/buho/flho/index.cfm

FlexHousing™

FlexHousing™ is a practical approach to designing and building housing that allows residents to convert space to meet their changing needs. Based on the principles of adaptability, accessibility, affordability and healthy housing, FlexHousing™ brings together the best of everything we know about building houses.

Some great resources here as well, "The Center For Universal Design":
http://www.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/cud/

I like this quote from there:
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.

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/mar_apr_05/universaldesign-01.gif


Courtesy of Lowes Creative Ideas for Home & Garden:
http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/Libraries/0206%20Project%20Images/0206%20-%20hero%20-%20universaldesign.sflb
http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/Universal_Design_0206.aspx

I'd love to see some other pics of "Universal" spaces from designers, contractors, or homeowners.




(oh, and the quote at the beginning--it was Bob Villa :grin:)

[AdaptMy2]

Chris,

Your timing is perfect (as always). After an absence from the forum for a bit, I thought I'd check in and the first thing I see is your query. I too am very interested to see if any of our colleagues here are thinking about Universal Design (UD).

I am in St Louis where the UD Summit will we starting tomorrow. (I told this forum about it last June or so). I am exhibiting for AdaptMy (http://www.AdaptMy.com), but I am also an attendee and looking forward to many informative sessions. I especially want to hear what's going on in UD around the nation.

Building with Universal Design is one thing (and a good thing at that). But the idea of remodeling using Universal Design is another. It has got to be harder, as the remodeler often must take an extra step back to see the big picture - what could be done in the particular situation that would make the the current and future residents comfortable, no matter what life throws at them. Even if the client hasn't asked for that extra step. (Why would they? Nothing is ever going to happen to them, right?)

With so much 'Peter Pan' housing out there that denies any form of disabilities, there's a ton of work to be done, and you are going to be the guys doing it.

Is there anything you want me to ask or be on the lookout for?

Oh, and in case you didn't know, we have some great Home Surveys/Assessments you can use to help you think through the possibilities: http://www.adaptmy.com/article/home-assessments/ Let me know if you think they're helpful.

[ChrWright]

I'd like someone to stand up and say, "Here are my TOP 5 for making a bath universal".

"The TOP 3 products/methods for UD in the kitchen"

Like the rest of the world, I'm overwhelmed with information coming from lots of different directions. The "green" movement is much the same in it's overwhelming mass of often conflicting messages.

As a remodeler, I love finding products and methods that can be incorporated into well designed spaces that don't jump out and say "I AM HERE TO MAKE THIS BATH ACCESSIBLE". Being able to blend good design with good function is a powerful competitive advantage and I'd like to explore this more in the realm of UD.

For example: I've recently used two different products for creating curbless showers. Curbless designs have both a form and function benefit--especially in modern/contemporary baths. I'd be curious to hear about the latest and greatest products that blend that kind of form and function UD element.

Here's a product I first saw at K/BIS this year--DELTA's Zero Threshold Shower:
http://www.deltafaucet.com/landing/universal-design.html

I really like that they've blended good design with universal function on that example bath. It looks good and functions good.
http://www.deltafaucet.com/images/landing/universal-design/feature-photo.jpg

[orson]

This is something I've become increasingly interested in as well.

First and foremost I would say hallway, door and stair widths are a good place to start.

If you can't get into or through your house there isn't much point in worrying about how a room functions.

I've done two walk-in bathtub installations and that is something I find very interesting as a developing niche. Walk-in tub installations are usually driven with more immediacy than looking forward when doing a remodel for clients in their 50's or 60's.

On every tub surround or shower installation I install 2x6 blocking at likely spots for future grab bars and all blocking locations are recorded and filed.

Unfortunately there is a mindset of people that don't have disabilities yet that can make aging in place considerations a tough financial sell, even though the upfront remodeling costs versus the down the road nursing home costs (versus staying in your home with in home care) are a serious no brainer.

No one likes to admit they will someday be old.

[AdaptMy2]

Top 5 for UD bath? Off the top of my head:
* An accessible bath or shower
* Accessible sink(s) with accessible faucet(s)
* Accessible toilet(s)
* Accessible storage
* Enough space in the room to manuever (with a second person or a mobility device)

The implemetation, however, is where the rubber meets the road. For example, in the Delta image you showed:

The curbless shower with built in seat is accessbile in the sense that there is no step.

Does the seat fold up so that if you can't transfer to it or you prefer to stand you don't have to use it?
Can the resident reach the handheld shower from the seated position?
Is there an easy to reach place for the toiletries, wash cloth, etc? Is there enough access for a second person (for caregiving) as needed?
There's no hand hold/grab bar to help with standing if needed.

The sinks are not accessible for a person who uses a wheelchair (not enough room underneath either sink), although the faucet is a good choice.
More storage at a variety of heights would be good.
I'll listen at the seminars and think on your request for simplicity, but I am not sure that the solutions ARE easy right now. Designers and manufacturers and builders (and remodelers) need to think differently. The current solution in the image isn't bad. It is quite lovely, but..

[Silvertree]

As someone with a CAPS certification my interest in Universal Design started long before attending those classes.

As Chris said there is a lot of info and like green some of it misleading and contradictory.

I would start out by visiting websites that deal with Universal Design, this is not a new trend and many quality studies and approaches are available.

I have done a few jobs for severe disability issues and was just approved this week for a small job ($4600) for a couple with a retarded and autistic (but apparently active) 7 year old son.

I have given seminars on Aging in Place modifications and it's just as important to approach the people with sensitivity as it is being able to carry out the work.
This is a heart and body involvement, you need to do the work and also be sensitive to how your clients feel about needing special things done.

[fez-head]

I am in St Louis where the UD Summit will we starting tomorrow. (I told this forum about it last June or so).

I wanted to come up for the UD home tour today but it isn't going to work out.

[AdaptMy2]

The UD Tour was good (and hot!). Only one section was very valuable to me and that was the successful implementation of an overall UD apartment building. Lots of good things to think about. Particularly the attention paid to lighting, both natural and otherwise. They tried to 'bring the outside in' where ever they could, even at the cost of losing some valuable rental space. And what a difference it made!

But the biggest takeaway, for me, was the admission from the architect that there were many mistakes made (some corrected and some not). Our hosts were vary gracious about both the compliments paid to them as well as the comments on what could still be improved. For example there was a height adjustable section of the kitchen island that was fabulous and some closet door hardware that should be replaced because it was difficult to grasp. It's all in the details.

This particular tour was very gratifying for me personally, because AdaptMy (http://www.AdaptMy.com) carries many of the plumbing fixtures and furnishings that I saw. Seeing the pieces in use was really nice.

The conference sessions begin today.

[SLS-Construction]

My Top 5 does not revolve around putting in special sinks, cabinets, or bathroom items - for me it is about enabling changes (http://blog.sls-construction.com/2009/universal-design-principles) later as required

While curbless showers are nice, that won't fly in many houses unless it is just in the master bath - mothers need bathtubs to wash youngsters in, etc...

Interior & exterior doorways - 36"
Lever style door knobs on all doors
Blocking installed to add grab bars later &/or use combo grab / & towel bars
Hallways, walkways, and pathways at least 4' wide - behind stoves, grills, etc... at least 5'
Outlet & Switch location - raise them outlets up to 18" and put switches at 48" - easy for kids, those in wheelchairs, etc... Bonus points as it is hard for a baby to shove something into an outlet higher up as compared to it being at crawling height

Bonus item: Toilet - only special item, ADA elongated - it is at a nice height for everyone except for very small kids & for those you simply add a stool for them to use

[AdaptMy2]

For me, Universal Design is not about "special sinks, cabinets or bathroom items" - it is about good design.

SLS Construction says, "enabling changes later as required". I would suggest that some things can be put off, but the majority of changes that need to be made for accessibility can be done right now, when you begin the job. It's all a matter of thinking about how a family/person currently functions in an environment, and how things could change. If you are putting in a new sink now, why not think about the sink height and aligning the plumbing to the back of the sink now? Better for storage (now), better for accessibility (later). At the beginning of a project, why not think about lighting that doesn't throw off glare and bring in more natural lighting to be enjoyed now from an aesthetic perspective, a green perspective, as well as preparing for older eyes that have trouble with glare.

When designing stairs, eliminating the idea of plush carpeting and instead providing a surface that's easier to balance on, has good contrast to the wall and other steps (so you can see or feel where the steps end) and is easier to clean. Benefits now and in the future.

The UD Summit reinforced my thinking that Universal Design is not a trend or something with proscribed best practices. It is a mindset that looks at every change from the perspective of ease of use now and beyond. This applies to every aspect of the home, from the appliances to the lights, to the flooring and the toilet.

I recognize that's really hard work. You can't rely on the way you've always done things. It may be different each time. Think about the teacher who uses the same lesson plans year after year, regardless of the student's capabilities versus the teacher who reviews and updates the lesson plans with the class in mind, keeping it fresh and engaging each time. The same skills underlie both plans, but one is more relevant each time it is 'delivered'. More work, more benefit.

(I'll step off the soapbox now :rolleyes3:)

[SLS-Construction]

I think you missed my point, or I didn't make it as clearly as I could have...

First, I was answering Chris Wright's post about the top 5 items which is not all inclusive.

Second, I spec all that on everything I design, build and remodel if it can be done, along with about 100 different items.

Third, I don't consider the plumber doing the job right, bringing natural light in, etc... as a UD or green feature, that's just good design and common sense (I know - common sense isn't so common)

Fourth, while I agree that a mindset is helpful, what is more helpful is actually putting best practices out there for others to learn from & integrate into their work. Having something in your mind is all well and good for you & possibly you're customers, but doesn't do anyone else a lick of good.

As for the teacher analogy & reusing lesson plans - that I actually find hilarious. Math is math, science is science, building is building - as more items are learned, they are added BUT THE BASICS still remain the basic building blocks of learning.

[AdaptMy2]

Actually, your third point is exactly what I am talking about. Common sense always has a reason behind it. Something you know to be true from experience. The problem is that experiences vary and the ability to apply experiences vary, so the end result is different.


One of the seminars I attended at the UD Summit was all about lighting and another was about 'cognitive' issues. Both presenters were talking about how we see things. One talked about various eye problems and how that would relate to lighting, for example, on stairs to reduce falls. Ambient lighting, natural lighting, lighting at floor level, shadows, etc. The other presenter talked about visual cues that clarified where steps begin and end, where the boundaries were on the sides all to help with depth perception. Her example was one I mentioned earlier about plush carpeting. She showed an image where you could barely see where each step began and ended, then an image of wood steps with an oak color on the step, white risers and an oak handrail atop white spindles. On the wall was oak colored molding, a light colored wall and a oak colored hand rail. Handsome, lots of visual cues. Oh, and lots of lighting too.


Universal Design advocates would choose the wood steps, or some variation of that approach, over the plush carpeting, and would perhaps put outlets every third step or so for a small LED light, or maybe lighting at the edged of each step as well as making sure that there was plenty of non-glare lighting overall to reduce shadows. They would also recommend stacked closets or open space for the installation of an elevator if the future should require it, so that the homeowner could still make use of the upper level should they be unable to use the stairs. I'm not a builder, but doesn't this require more up front planning for electric, window placement, materials, etc? Wouldn't those extra outlets along the steps be beneficial for vacuuming, or for use with a potential stair lift installation?


The point that kept surfacing throughout the conference was that an environment can be disabling or enabling. The idea is to think about potential barriers and remove them or provide alternative approaches. That is what I meant by a mindset. It's not a fixed idea I have in my head, but rather seeing the environment through my client's eyes and/or anticipating how they would function in that environment. Good design, more flexible choices for the homeowner.

As Silvertree noted, there are websites and lots of books that discuss UD, with lots of ideas and pictures to consider.

[AdaptMy2]

If you want to see some Universally Designed living spaces, I have posted images from our tour of 6 North:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adaptmy/sets/72157625067631015/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/adaptmy/sets/72157625067631015/)

Flickr gave me a place to enter comments, so be sure to view the images with the comments visible. I have kept the text brief, but indicated why I took some images and added some comments about things to look for or things that the tour group said could be improved.

Let me know what you think.

[SLS-Construction]

First thanks for the pics
The Bad
#2 made me start feeling dizzy looking down the hallway
#3 waste of energy, especially the recessed light above the door shining on the top of the jamb? It's not making it easier for anyone to see the keys & any lower it would prevent the person inside from seeing through the peep hole - speaking of that, I guess no one in a wheelchair needs to see out? - no buzzer for even a light alert for those hard of hearing
#4 - proves my case for #3 & if they wanted better lighting the walls would be a lighter color --- as for the shelf, again, for someone in a wheelchair, worthless - looks to narrow to hold anything & appears to be about the right height to give someone in a wheelchair a nasty headache --- most people prefer a sitting bench to rest in long hallways, nice place to put items, or a way to get off them poor feet while they dig through their purse
#5 & 6 - nice idea - terrible execution & based on the photos a knee knocker
#7 - only 1 shelf & down low, you can see by the wheelchair right there in the photo that it is basically at a worthless height - nice to see the raised toe kick
Oven - agreed - how close was it to that island though?
Sink - nothing wrong? It has a disposal unit that is at knee height, exposed cord that can around their foot? Drain pipe to far forward & not protected. Agree on the range hood - they make those
Stove top – to close to cabinet? As a shelf knobs are in front (good) but in the middle instead of on the side
The good
countertop height, upper cabs, rockers switches, faucet, sink, dishwasher, nice points made on some slides on different handles, switch height, outlet height, etc…
Bathroom sink – right height & protected
Love the adjustable shower - where’s the faucet?
Second kitchen looks a lot better designed
I am personally not sold on sliding doors myself, but good use in this case

[GBruzze1]

a couple with a retarded and autistic (but apparently active) 7 year old son.

it's just as important to approach the people with sensitivity as it is being able to carry out the work.


Not sure the words "retarded" and "sensitivity" can be used in the same sentence without the phrase "lack of" LOL



Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

[AdaptMy2]

Thanks SLS - you took a lot of time to review the images and provide some great comments! It would be great if all builders/remodelers would review their plans like you just picked apart the images, keeping a wider range of abilities in mind.

Clearly my photography and the angles leave something to be desired so let me respond to a few of your comments.


The Bad
#2 made me start feeling dizzy looking down the hallway
It's actually not bad. Aparently several of the vision impaired residents really appreciate the varied patterns.


#3 waste of energy, especially the recessed light above the door shining on the top of the jamb? It's not making it easier for anyone to see the keys & any lower it would prevent the person inside from seeing through the peep hole - speaking of that, I guess no one in a wheelchair needs to see out? - no buzzer for even a light alert for those hard of hearing

Points well taken. Our group made some of the same comments regarding the door alerts. Universal Design doesn't handle all contingencies. I am willing to bet, however, that the wiring can easily be accessed for the addition of alerts.


#4 - proves my case for #3 & if they wanted better lighting the walls would be a lighter color --- as for the shelf, again, for someone in a wheelchair, worthless - looks to narrow to hold anything & appears to be about the right height to give someone in a wheelchair a nasty headache --- most people prefer a sitting bench to rest in long hallways, nice place to put items, or a way to get off them poor feet while they dig through their purse

Despite my images, the walls are a bright, sunny light yellow with a darker yellow around the doorways. The extra lighting over the door, they explained, was all about lots of light without glare. Ambient lighting, I think they called it.

(skipping a little)


Oven - agreed - how close was it to that island though?

Plenty of room to go under the oven door from the side when open, or to walk in front of it. It seemed like a smaller oven to me.(no 22 lb Thanksgiving turkey for that oven!)


Sink - nothing wrong? It has a disposal unit that is at knee height, exposed cord that can around their foot? Drain pipe to far forward & not protected.

The disposal and piping are much further back than they look. There's no way a seated person would reach back that far.

There's always lots of details when building/remodeling. UD justs asks that you consider how usable the environment will be over the lifespan of the building. Sustainability for a home.

[Silvertree]

Not sure the words "retarded" and "sensitivity" can be used in the same sentence without the phrase "lack of" LOL



Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

Retarded, as was told to me by the parents, I could have said a more politically correct term I know. I just went with what my customers said.

These are my second couple with special needs, both have sons that are downs syndrome or mentally retarded, or a few other terms, last being Mongoloid which was the term when I was a kid. I think if the parents describe it thus I can freely use it in my conversations with them. I'll try and be more sensitive here with the contractors.:surrender:

[AdaptMy2]

I just came across this link from Ireland's Centre for Excellence in Universal Design: http://www.universaldesign.ie/exploreampdiscover/10thingstoknowaboutud

Perhaps you will find their explanations helpful. I particularly liked this section:


6: Universal Design benefits more people than older people and people with disabilitiesA common misconception regarding Universal Design is that it benefits only a few members of the population, such as older and disabled people. On the contrary, Universal Design aspires to benefit every member of the population by promoting accessible and usable products, services and environments.

No person operates with full capability for every activity for the duration of his or her lifetime. Accessibility or usability can be affected by, for example, a medical injury or condition (temporary, long-term or permanent), an unfamiliarity with a product or environment, a lack of understanding (e.g. in a foreign country), a physical attribute (e.g. height, size), and so on.

A Universal Design approach aims to provide a design that takes into account these physical, behavioural, and other, factors. It appreciates that at some point, during some activity, every person experiences some form of limitation in ability. However, it should be added that a hypothetical person who does not experience a disability (in the widest definition of the word) during his or her lifetime will also benefit, at the very least from the positive user experience of simple and intuitive design.

[-TQC-]

Thanks for the pictorial Adapt... Lots of good ideas there for sure.

I've done a few projects for mobility (and otherwise) impaired clients... very rewarding work:2thumbsup:


Before the downturn, our state programs always seemed to have more money than clients. It 'was' a good market for my company.

Will definitely see growth in this type of work as the boomers age

I try to approach all projects with a long term view...

At the least I try to incorporate, 3-0 doors, lever handles and controls, raised outlets, 'comfort height' toilets, smooth threshold transitions, and bars (or blocking for future).


I love the two dishwasher idea!! I may do that for myself:laugh3::laugh3:

[AdaptMy2]

I just stumbled across this: www.nari.org/pdf/UDCRManualandApplication.pdf (http://www.nari.org/pdf/UDCRManualandApplication.pdf)

I don't know anthing about NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) or whether the program has value, but the questions at the end lead me to think positively about the potential.

Have any of you participated in the program/organization?

[RCP]

I just sent a link to this thread to a GC getting ready to build a NC ADA home. Any new input guys?

[SLS-Construction]

I just sent a link to this thread to a GC getting ready to build a NC ADA home. Any new input guys?

That is the best time to do it - adding in appropriate blocking, etc... it is not only easier to do it now, but costs alot less. Hopefully if he has some questions he will pop in & ask

[AdaptMy2]

I agree with SLS, now's the time.

What's that expression... "measure twice, cut once"? Think twice, build once. Wider hallways, more light, more accessible storage. These all count for something that's not in the ADA. Particularly for residences. There's a thought provoking Home Assessment (http://www.adaptmy.com/article/home-assessments/)survey on our site. Can be used to help think through the features or start a discussion with a new home buyer too.

[RCP]

Thanks Adapt! That Home Assessment Survey is very well put together, nice web page as well! I sent them a link to your site. I hope they pop in here, they are pretty good guys!

[AdaptMy2]

You're welcome. Now maybe someone can help out with this request? Please answer Stephanie directly if you have suggestions (Stephanie.Chappell@thehartford.com)

Our team of gerontologists at The Hartford (The Hartford Advance 50 Team) will be launching a public awareness campaign, Home for a Lifetime, starting in June; it will include research results from our recent joint project with MIT AgeLab on Boomers and housing decisions, two new guidebooks (Modern Ideas, Modern Living: Taking the Next Step in Home Design and Planning for the Lifetsyle You Want and Simple Solutions: Practical Ideas and Products to Enhance Independent Living), and a website that integrates our new universal design content with our safe driving content (www.thehartford.com/lifetime (http://www.thehartford.com/lifetime)).


As part of the media launch we'd like to showcase and tour a house that has incorporated universal design (i.e. a kitchen, a bathroom, or an entire house) in L.A., Chicago, and New York City. If you are aware of, or have association with a UD house in any of these cities in which you think the owner would be willing to consider this type of activity, please let me know!


We'll be sure to share all of the information and resources with the task force in June.


Thanks,


Jodi Olshevski,
The Hartford Advance 50 Team