Universal Design Small House Plans

Universal Design

Small House Plans: Accessibility and Style

Introduction

Universal Design (UD) is an approach to design that makes products, services, and environments accessible to people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. When applied to small house plans, UD features can make homes more livable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their age or abilities.

Benefits of Universal Design in Small House Plans

There are many benefits to incorporating UD features into small house plans. These benefits include: *

Increased Accessibility:

UD features can make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate and use a home, making it more independent and comfortable. *

Aging-in-Place:

As people age, they may experience physical changes that make it difficult to live in a traditional home. UD features can help people age in place by making it easier to move around and perform tasks of daily living. *

Improved Safety:

UD features can help prevent accidents by making it easier to see and navigate a home. For example, wide doorways and hallways can make it easier for people to move around with walkers or wheelchairs, and grab bars in the bathroom can help prevent falls. *

Increased Comfort and Convenience:

UD features can make a home more comfortable and convenient for everyone, regardless of their abilities. For example, lever door handles are easier to use than doorknobs, and accessible kitchens and bathrooms can make it easier for people with disabilities to prepare meals and use the toilet.

Essential Universal Design Features for Small House Plans

There are many different UD features that can be incorporated into small house plans. Some of the most essential features include: *

Wide Doorways and Hallways:

Doorways and hallways should be at least 32 inches wide to allow for easy passage of wheelchairs and walkers. *

Step-Free Entry:

The main entrance to the home should be step-free, and there should be no steps or stairs inside the home. *

Accessible Kitchen:

The kitchen should have accessible appliances and countertops, and there should be enough space for a wheelchair to maneuver. *

Accessible Bathroom:

The bathroom should have a roll-in shower or bathtub, and there should be grab bars in the shower and toilet area. *

Accessible Outlets and Switches:

Outlets and switches should be placed at a height that is accessible to people in wheelchairs. *

Non-Slip Floors:

The floors should be non-slip to help prevent falls.

Additional Universal Design Features for Small House Plans

In addition to the essential UD features listed above, there are many other UD features that can be incorporated into small house plans to make them more accessible and livable for everyone. These features include: *

Lever Door Handles:

Lever door handles are easier to use than doorknobs, especially for people with arthritis or other hand disabilities. *

Accessible Kitchen Appliances:

Accessible kitchen appliances may include side-by-side refrigerators, dishwashers with accessible controls, and ovens with raised controls. *

Accessible Bathroom Fixtures:

Accessible bathroom fixtures may include faucets with lever handles, toilets with raised seats, and grab bars in the shower and toilet area. *

Accessible Storage:

Accessible storage may include shelves and cabinets that are reachable from a seated position, and pull-out drawers that make it easy to access items. *

Universal Design Lighting:

Universal Design lighting may include dimmer switches, motion sensor lights, and lights that are placed at a height that is accessible to people in wheelchairs.

Conclusion

Universal Design is an important consideration for small house plans. By incorporating UD features into your home, you can create a more accessible, livable, and enjoyable space for everyone, regardless of their age or abilities.