Universal design is a concept that seeks to make all living spaces, including houses, accessible to a variety of people regardless of their physical ability or age. Universal design may be an important consideration for individuals who are wheelchair bound, someone who wants to age in place, or those who want to make their house as accessible as possible to all. The primary focus of universal design house plans is to reduce the stress of mobility difficulties, making life easier for those who have physical challenges. Disabled accessible house plans are designed to have side-door entries, as well as no-step entries, and open floor plans that can easily accommodate those who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices. Disabled Accessible Houses Plans - Universal Design House Plans
The cost of building a wheelchair accessible house can range anywhere from the high thousands of dollars to several million. However, there are many of affordable wheelchair accessible house plans available on the market which can help you to make your dream of a fully accessible home, a reality. Whether you're looking for simple one-story, multi-story, or large-scale wheelchair accessible house plans, there are plenty of options available. You can also customize your own plans to include specific features that will best suit your needs. Consider, for example, the size of your kitchen or bathroom, accessibility to your home, and even aesthetic details. Affordable Wheelchair Accessible House Plans
Modern wheelchair accessible house plans come in a variety of styles and sizes. From the basic one-story model to the grand two-story home, all modern wheelchair accessible house plans strive to provide for maximum level of comfort and accessibility. Contemporary designs have open floor plans, large windows, and lower entry ways for enhanced ease of access. When designing your modern wheelchair accessible home plans, add several innovative features such as adjustable countertops, larger doorways, and spacious bathrooms to make the home more accessible. Don't forget to consider elevators if you plan to have multiple levels in your home.Modern Wheelchair Accessible House Plans
Universal design features can add an extra level of comfort and accessibility to your wheelchair accessible house plans. Features like ramps and wider doorways can provide individuals with disabilities with easier access to the home. Some universal design features, such as lower counters and LED lights, may even be beneficial for individuals without any disabilities. Think not just about what you need the house to do but also how features can make it something special for you and your family. Help make your house a more inclusive place for all!House Plans with Universal Design Features
Designing a home to be disabled friendly is an important consideration when constructing wheelchair accessible house plans. There are many aspects that should be taken into consideration in order to make the home fully accessible such as ensuring effective means of egress from the home in case of emergency. Wider doorways and passage ways to help facilitate movement of wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Consider installing grab bars, slip-resistant floor surfaces, handrails, and other techniques to make navigating the home easier. Furthermore, ensure that furniture will not block entryways and exits.Disabled-Friendly Home Plans
When creating wheelchair accessible house plans, follow the guidelines provided by the American with Disabilities Act. This act provides multiple guidelines to help ensure that wheelchair accessible home design meets the needs of individuals with disabilities. Some of the important guidelines to consider include having doorways and passages that are at least 32 inches wide, installing countertops at a height that is appropriate for wheelchair users, and providing proper toilet-site clearance. Additionally, the bathroom needs to have a separate shower and a shower chair or bench. Finally, consider adding ramps or lifts to help those who have physical challenges access the home.Wheelchair Accessible Home Design Guidelines
Wheelchair-adaptable house plans offer enhanced accessibility for wheelchair users. This type of house plan includes extra wide doorways and passages to allow easier movement of wheelchairs. Other features of this type of plan may include adjustable countertops, adjustable showerheads, and switches and outlets which are placed at a height accessible for wheelchair users. In addition, consider adding level-entry showers that include non-slip surfaces. These features will make your house more accessible for those who use wheelchairs.Wheelchair-Adaptable House Plans
Barrier-free designs often refer to home designs built with no steps or uneven surfaces which may prevent the movement of wheelchairs or other accessibility devices. This type of house plan can be constructed with wheelchair accessible house plans in order to provide the maximum level of accessibility. For instance, consider installing switches and outlets at appropriate heights, widening doorways for easier passage, and providing alternate routes for those who cannot use stairs. By taking steps such as these, you can make your home a more accessible environment for individuals who need it.Barrier-Free Home Design
Designing accessible floor plans is an important part of creating a wheelchair accessible house plan. Consider determining which areas of the house need to be modified such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Additionally, plan for wider doorways, lower counters, and lower placement of switches and outlets. When creating your floor plan, make sure to make it as user-friendly as possible. Additionally, if you’re constructing a multi-level house, think about installing an elevator or a lift to make navigating the home easier.Accessible Floor Plans for Disabled People
Open floor plans can provide families with the opportunity to spend time together in their home. Open floor plans also can make navigating the home easier for those who use wheelchairs. When constructing wheelchair accessible house plans with open floor plans, make sure to consider the ease of movement for wheelchair users. Widen doorways, provide alternate routes, and incorporate adjustable-height fixtures and furniture to help make the home more accessible. Additionally, consider extending the deck of your house to make outdoor living spaces easier to access. Wheelchair Accessible Home Plans with Open Floor Plans
The Winning House Design for the Disabled: Creating an Accessible, Comfortable Home
Creating a house that is accessible to those with disabilities can be a daunting task. The key is designing a space that both accommodates the needs of those with disabilities while also being functional and comfortable for all. A recent competition, the Universal Design Living Laboratory (UDLL) Student Design Competition, sought out to “identify the best house design that would allow people with disabilities to live in and enjoy a comfortable and secure home.” The winning design was created by a team of students from Canada - Jason, Jonathon, Kirsten, and Ioan - and was applauded for demonstrating many “inclusive design approaches.”
The winning house plan incorporates an open-concept that allows those with mobility devices to move freely within the space – allowing the homeowners to transition seamlessly from each room. In addition, the exterior design of the doorways provides plenty of clearance, eliminating tripping hazards and allowing for wheelchair accessibility. On the second floor, an elevator provides additional accessibility. The home also features a safe, interior courtyard for “relaxed socializing” in a secure location.
The design team also incorporated several accessible features into their plans to make the house more comfortable and secure for those living with disabilities – such as lights that can be controlled with voice and motion activated switches. The pergola in the front of the house allows for shade and natural light to flow into the home without creating glare. Both the colors and fabrics used in the home were chosen to adapt to changing light conditions and prevent any sensory overload.
A Design for Everyone
The UDLL Student Design Competition's winning house design demonstrates that with the right planning, an accessible home can also be beautiful and comfortable. The main focus of this design should be celebrated – that being a house plan that is inclusive for everyone, regardless of their abilities. With inclusive design becoming more mainstream, future architects can incorporate these same accessible features into many more projects, enabling everyone access to a comfortable and safe home.