35 Tips for Universal Design Homes

for Universal Design Homes
. . . 10 Years After
35 Tips
John P.S. Salmen, AIA

www.UniversalDesign.com
Tip # 1
Think outside the box
Just look at the 5 fingers of your hand, and
remember the 5 Methods of Accommodation.
To come up with better ideas that save
time, effort, and money.
LessonValue

Five Methods of Accommodation –
A Human Approach

Architecture

Personal Assistance

Procedures

Equipment

Medical Interventions

A Spectrum of Methods

Accessible v. Universal Design
Accessible Design
(Accessibility Regulation Compliance)
Designs that comply with minimum regulations that
provide access for people with disabilities.
Universal Design
The process of imbedding choice for all people into
the things we design.

UD Definition
Universal Design:
The process of imbedding choice
for all people
into the things we design.
► process not product. UD is an ongoing process that
evolves over time with society & technology
► choice involves flexibility, and multiple alternative
means of use and/or interface
► people includes the full range of people regardless of
age, ability, sex, economic status, etc.
► things include spaces, products, information systems
and any other things that humans manipulate or create

7 Principles of UD
1. Equitable Use
2. Flexibility in Use
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
4. Perceptible Information
5. Tolerance for Error
6. Low Physical Effort
7. Size and Space for
Approach and Use
The design
does not
disadvantage
or stigmatize
any group of
users.

2012 Definition
“Universal design is a process
that enables and empowers
a diverse population by improving
human performance,
health and wellness, and
social participation.”
Steinfeld, E. and Maisel, J. (2012)
Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments.

Sustainability

Home for the Next 50 Years
A
Universally Designed
home

UD at all Scales
• Neighborhood
• Site
• Circulation
• Spaces
• Systems
• Elements & Appliances
• Hardware

Tip # 2
Don't overlook "disaster" properties.
Have a more comprehensive project that
can result in better access than can be
achieved with piecemeal solutions.
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Before/After

Tip # 3
Search for new products that may offer
superior features. Find them on
UniversalDesign.com.
Products such as Grasspave (instead of
traditional pavements) can provide good
accessibility plus rainwater
management/control that can help to
protect the environment.
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Before/After
2nd Floor1st Floor

Before/After
1st Floor 2nd Floor 3rd Floor
Footprint
of
original
house

Tip # 4
Consider your future self.
What’s going to be important as you age?
What will happen when you can no longer
drive?
To have a home that supports you as you
age.
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Location
Commercial
zones
Takoma
Park
MD
DC
Main street

Tip # 5
Historic and Green no longer limit UD.
The trick is knowing availability of products
and creative solutions.
To live with the convenience and support
found in an established urban
neighborhood.
LessonValue

Historic Neighborhood
Victorians c. 1890 - 1905
Bungalows c. 1900 - 1925

• Neighborhood
• Site
• Circulation
• Spaces
• Systems
• Elements & Appliances
• Hardware
UD at all Scales

Tip # 6
Think of egress, especially from bedrooms.
To save your life in an emergency.
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Site
• Circulation

Central Elevator
1st Floor 2nd Floor 3rd Floor

Tip # 7
Inter-level circulation is a public activity –
try to find places for accessible vertical
circulation that do not require use of private
spaces, i.e. elevator in hallway, not in
bedrooms or baths.
To allow family and guests access without
compromising privacy.
LessonValue

Vertical Circulation
Integrated v. Segregated

Tip # 8
Offset walls to provide maneuvering space
and storage.
Maximizes access and usability in small
spaces.
LessonValue

Offset Walls
Tokonoma alcove
18”
Dining Nook
Display Shelves
Door Maneuvering Space

Tip # 9
Japanese “Wabi-Sabi” aesthetic reduces
clutter, highlights important/meaningful
displays, improves circulation and access.
Reduces stress and improves ease of
circulation
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Tokonoma
Japanese spiritual center of the home
Nishie Residence, Okayama, Japan
http://www.nishie-residence.com/index_en.html

Tip # 10
Provide oversize entry areas.
They are more welcoming, especially for
multiple guests, and make it easier to
accommodate deliveries.
Safe and comfortable entry and egress.
LessonValue

Building Spaces
Maneuvering Clearances

Tip # 11
Design each space for multiple uses.
To minimize construction costs and
maximize use.
LessonValue

Laundry Room

Tip # 12
Clear floor spaces and maneuvering spaces
can overlap.
To reduce costs and maximize space.
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Maneuvering Space at Entry Door
48”

Clear Floor Space at Sink
30”
48”

Clear Floor Space at Counter

Clear Floor Space at Washer/Dryer
30”
48”

Clear Floor Space at Shower
60”
60”

Turning Space

Maneuvering Space at Sauna Door
60”
18”

Overlapping Clear Floor Spaces

Tip # 13
Consider multiple doors to ease circulation.
To increase usability in small spaces.
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Guest Bathroom

Accessible Route

Tip # 14
Provide right side transfer at some toilets/
showers and left side at others.
Flexibility.
To allow easy use for a variety of users and
as age-related strength/preferences change
from one side to another.
LessonValue

Clear Floor Space at Water Closet
56”
60”

Maneuvering Space at Door 1
48”

60”
18”

48”
24”

Clear Floor Space at Tub
30”

T-Turn Space at Shower
36”
60”
36”

Overlapping Clear Floor Spaces
and Accessible Route

Tip # 15
Clear floor space for turns can partially
extend under lavatory or toilet.
To maximize maneuverability in small
spaces.
LessonValue

Turning Circle

Tip # 16
Provide no step entrances into showers.
Have 2% floor slopes and drain heights.
To eliminate stubbed toes and tripping.
To have good drainage without slip danger.
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Bathrooms
Walk-in Showers &
Side Access Toilets

Tip # 17
Select materials for longevity and
maintenance, not just “looks”.
Design for the climate, MN v. VA v. CO.
Materials and climate control, natural
lighting.
Reduce maintenance costs and efforts.
Have a comfortable home that is energy
efficient.
LessonValue

Bathrooms
Master Bath

Tip # 18
Maximize GB by making them aesthetic
statements with multiple purposes.
Have support where you need it without an
institutional look.
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Bathrooms
Multi Height Sinks

Tip # 19
The best appliance in our house.
For personal confidence and health.
LessonValue

Master Bath Washlet
Toto Washlet/Bidet

Tip # 20
Provide electrical outlets near toilets.
For inevitable appliance development and
to reduce retrofit costs.
LessonValue

Electrical Outlet Near Toilet
1st Floor
Guest Bath
2nd Floor
Powder Room
3rd Floor
Master Bath

Tip # 21
The best Mother’s Day (or Mother-in-Law’s
Day) gift ever.
Make your mother-in-law happy.
LessonValue

Washlet/Bidet
Best Mother’s Day Gift – Ever!

Tip # 22
Multi-height counters accommodate
different tasks and different users.
To allow anyone to help in the kitchen, or to
allow you to continue to be able to make
your own meals as your abilities change.
LessonValue

Kitchen
Counter
Height
Choice
s

Tip # 23
The higher initial cost of energy efficient
systems pays off in the long run.
Reduces energy use to reduce energy cost.
LessonValue

Indoor Air Quality
UV kills bacteria
Air Intake Heat/Humidity
Transfer Wheel

Tip # 24
Select control locations and heights for ease
of coordinated hand/eye use, or use
remotes (now available).
Allows easy access to climate control
regardless of your height.
LessonValue

Location of Controls
Located for easy
hand / eye
coordination

Tip # 25
Anticipate changing information and
communication technology (ICT).
To keep your house from early
obsolescence.
LessonValue

Integrated Communication
Central and interconnected

Tip # 26
Provide multiple means of control.
Stuff breaks!
To protect yourself from inconvenience or
danger when one control or system fails or
breaks down.
LessonValue

Multiple Controllers
Lighting
Sound
Security
Remote
Control

Tip # 27
Demand careful construction and strict
adherence to selected products and details.
Avoids having something you will regret the
rest of the time you live in the home.
LessonValue

Building Spaces
Wheelchair thresholds

Tip # 28
Oversize the drains.
To avoid floods.
LessonValue

Trench drains
Width of the trough affects:
• structure,
• strength,
• cleanability,
• tolerance for error

Tip # 29
Rolling carts can bring the surface or storage
to the person and
provide knee and toe clearance for seated
users
Maximize wheelchair access without losing
storage.
LessonValue

Kitchen
Flexible Cabinets &
Pull out Carts

Tip # 30
If possible, experience the space before
installing furniture.
To keep from making costly mistakes.
LessonValue

Kitchen
Accessible Tables

Tip # 31
Open shelving for things used everyday.
Easy for guests/ kids/ Alzheimer’s.
Encourages cleanliness.
Increases independence,
Makes the home more welcoming to guests
and
Helps forgetful people.
LessonValue

Kitchen
Appliances and Storage
within reach

Kitchen
Controls at the front

Tip # 32
Things don’t always turn out the way you
plan, but…
“necessity is the mother of invention”.
Allows useful life of materials and systems
even if they don’t work perfectly.
LessonValue

Kitchen
Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Tip # 33
Select hardware using the closed fist rule, or
edge of flail hand.
Allows use even if your hands are dirty or
full, and allows use even for those with
arthritis.
LessonValue

Hardware

Tip # 34
Think outside the box
Just look at the 5 fingers of your hand, and
remember the 5 Methods of Accommodation.
To come up with better ideas that save
time, effort, and money.
LessonValue

Five Methods of Accommodation

Tip # 35
Nobody knows it all.
But you can know what everyone else
knows by using UniversalDesign.com.
Make the best decisions on the latest
products, materials, details. and solutions.
LessonValue

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