|
In the early stages of designing a new house or renovation considering what type of use that interior may be put to is desirable. The following questions may be considered
- Is it likely that the house will be extended in the future?
- How might the use of space change over time?
- Is it desirable for the house to be visitable by elderly or disabled friends and relatives?
Design the house so that the size of each area allows for multiple usages. Room sizes are critical to the success of an adaptable house. They can vary considerably, depending on the size and layout of furniture, as well as the specific needs of the present owners and those of the people who may buy the house in the future.
Design should allow for families with children for future circulation spaces. A typical circulation space is that required for a wheelchair is adjacent to doors. This can vary depending on the direction from which the wheelchair approaches and the swing of the door. Local building bye laws and standards should be consulted for circulation spaces prior to the commencement of any residential design or construction work.
Wheelchair users should be able to freely access all the essential areas of the house without assistance. If the house is more than one level, it must incorporate all the areas required by a person in a wheelchair at the main entry level, or provide access to the other levels that have these facilities via ramps or lifts.
Access areas of the house should have a minimum clear corridor width of 1m (1.2m is recommended) and clear doorway openings of 820mm, measured between the face of the open door and the opposite door frame. Door handles are not considered an obstruction in this width. Consider increasing the clear doorway opening above this minimum size. It is also desirable to keep corridor lengths to a minimum.
Provide a minimum unobstructed area (without furniture) of 2.25m diameter in living areas, 2.07m x 1.55m in at least one bedroom and a distance of 1.55m between opposing base cupboards in the laundry and kitchen.
The functions of a house don't change; we eat, sleep and spend our private lives in them. What does change over time is our lifestyle and needs. Some of us may wish to run a business from home; others, as we grow older, want to look after grandchildren, or may need assistance either from mechanical aids or carers.
In any case, living in an adaptable home gives the assurance that we will not be forced to move to another more accommodating residence as our circumstances change.
|
Participants