Universal Design

by Joel Barkman

Most of us are back into the swing-of-things after a challenging 2010. A year that saw its share of hardships, but also one that offered some seeds of hopefulness for 2011.

While there are few that feel the economy will come racing back, I am one of the many who believe that the upcoming year holds the promise of very gradual growth. Even in the midst of the possibility of more foreclosures and rising interest rates.

No doubt we will continue where we left off last year. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) along with the Fauquier Chapter of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) will continue the debate over storm water rules and nutrient reduction.

And surely the industry will continue to fight over proposals to eliminate the deductions for mortgage interest and real estate taxes.

The arguments and rhetoric in 2011 will largely remain the same. Fortunately however, our national and local building associations are busy not only on Capitol Hill. We are working hard at we what do best - building.

The New Year brings at least one promise that we all share alike - growing older. And there is a very large segment of the population that will continue to struggle in their efforts to live comfortably and independently in their own homes.

I am a strong advocate for what NAHB calls "Aging-in-Place". Although I prefer another industry term, "Universal Design" to describe the philosophy of safety, comfort, and sustainability at home.

The principal notion is that feeling safe and comfortable in your home has little to do with your age. Admittedly, most of my clients who benefit from Universal Design features are either aging or are concerned about a parent who is aging. But the ideas behind the universal design concept cater to people of all ages - children and adults alike.

Being an expert in this area does not mean having all the answers. Perhaps being an expert in this area has more to do with asking all the questions. My clients with small children will have completely different needs than a client who has a child with special needs, but I have learned from experience that all children benefit from the same types of planning.

Features like scald protection on water fixtures, placement of controls for cooking appliances, well lit hallways and stairs, and removing trip hazards at doorways and thresholds can help keep everyone safe - not just our children.

Other aspects such as countertop heights, cabinet placement, adequate lighting, ample hallway widths and door openings, and just plain smart designing will benefit adults and children alike. Homes can be built or remodeled with considerations for today and tomorrow too.

Much of what I have already mentioned will not cost much if anything more than the typical costs of construction. And all of which can make the people living in these homes feel not only safe and comfortable, but connected to all of the activities that take place in a home.

My team and I are currently building a home that will showcase many Universal Design elements. The single-level home in Nokesville is slated for completion this summer, and it is my intent, along with the owner's, to use this home as an education tool for those in the industry and for those in the community.

The home's occupants, whether child or adult, will enjoy the attributes already mentioned, and will also highlight the bath areas which will be completely accessible to even those who benefit from nursing assistance or who use a wheelchair or walker.

Showers, being flush with the rest of the bath floor, will be free from obstructions and will include safety bars for easy gripping and thoughtful fixture locations for showering while seated or standing. All baths will be sufficiently lighted with natural light via a window and/or tubular skylight from above and will also feature paperless drywall and mold inhibiting backer board.

I'm sure the kitchen will also be a big hit. The appliances will be placed such that they are safe for all ages and easily reached by wheelchair users. Custom designed cabinets, layout, and countertop height will underscore accessibility without sacrificing looks and innovation. Stainless steel appliances, elm wood cabinets, and quartz countertops may even take a back seat to the hidden storage features like the pull-out pantry and the roll-out table for space-on-demand.

The house will be built without any steps either inside the home or from the interior to the exterior; however, existing homes that do have steps can usually be outfitted with lifts or elevators.

The garage is often an area of difficulty. Steps and confinement can make negotiating your garage a challenge for anyone let alone persons using a wheelchair. A properly sized garage with a flush entry into the home will solve much of the problem, but don't overlook the garage doors. Many vehicles, even those not outfitted with a chair-lift will have difficulty navigating through smaller openings.

Visitors to the home will hopefully receive an appreciation for all of the "little things" as well. Path lighting for safety or under counter lighting for kitchen tasks. Hinges designed for doors to swing completely open. Electrical outlets placed at that "just right" distance from the floor.

The home will also feature the latest in advanced framing, geothermal HVAC technology, spray foam insulation, and recycled floor tiles to name a few. And while these are exciting products and ideas that I believe in and promote, none are more important than a smart design. And nothing is more significant than the security of our most valued resource - those living in the home.

For more information about Universal Design or the featured home please feel free to contact me and as always e-mail your questions or comments to joel@goldenrulebuilders.com or write to "Ask a Builder" at P.O. box 294, Catlett, VA 20119.

Barkman is past president of the Fauquier Chapter of The Northern Virginia Building Industry Association.

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