FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 12 : Accessible Design - Major Design Considerations

Guidelines

• A kitchen that maximizes storage options within reach. Storage cupboards feature pull-out shelves to make it easier to reach items;
• Lower windows to provide unobstructed viewing from a seated position;
• Raised, front-loading laundry appliances;
• To reduce fatigue and conserve energy, a central environmental control system that allows to control environment from a central panel located in the living room. One can control lights, wall outlets and the thermostat, as well as the TV and the entertainment system. The system can also incorporate a video connection to the main entrance, to allow to remotely answer and unlock the door
• The stairway to the basement is configured as a straight run, with lots of headroom and space at the bottom of the stair for future installation of an inclined-platform stair lift.

An example of a two floored Accessible house is given below (Figure – 2)

Specific features that can be included are:

• Level entry at front door; 1,800 mm (71 in.) diameter wheelchair turning spaces at critical locations throughout the house;
• An accessible kitchen with:
• Lowered counters;
• Raised dishwasher;
• Countertop-mounted cook top with knee space;
• Wall-mounted oven with side-hinged door and insulated pull-out shelf below;
• Shallow sink with knee space below, accessible faucet and insulated hot-water pipes and drain line;
• Side-by-side refrigerator –freezer;
• Doors featuring 860 mm (34 in.) clear space when open, as well as lever-type
• hardware;
• An accessible main-floor laundry room with raised washer and dryer with
• front-mounted controls;
• An accessible powder room on the main floor;
• A three-stop residential elevator;
• Ceramic tile and hardwood floor finishes;
• A caregiver’s room with separate entrance and separate bathroom;
• A secondary exit from ground floor to deck at the rear of the house;
• An exit on second floor to an exterior area of refuge;
• A wired-in, interlinked smoke detector system;
• A carbon monoxide alarm system;
• Switches and controls mounted 400–1,200 mm (16–47 in.) above the floor, that are easy to operate using one hand.