| Universal Designed Smart Homes, for the 21st Century.
The book has been featured in: EP/Exceptional Parent Magazine,July 2009, New Mobility Magazine, April 2007, www.newmobility.com Ultimate Home Design Magazine, June 2006, The Wall Street Journal, Feb14 2003. PN / Paraplegia News. Magazine, Dec. 2003 & Jan. 2004, www.pvamagazine.com Abilities Magazine in Canada, March 2004. www.abilities.ca Quest magazine, March 2004, EP/ Exceptional Parent Magazine, July 2004 and July 2007. www.eparent.com Special Living Magazine, www.SpeciaLiving.com with several articles since 2004.
The 102 home plans in this book are based on Universal Design Principles, are fully accessible and designed to work for people of all ages, abilities and disabilities. Smart features of these homes include ( among others) instructions on how to receive an ENERGY STAR label. The home plans are also specified with Sustainable building products as well as clean indoor air products. Passive radon emission details are included in the plans and may be built at your option. Mr. Schwab AIA is a LEED for homes designer, per the USGBC new LEED for homes rating system.
FEMA has given us permission to include their engineered safe-room drawings if you are interested in including one. These are included free of charge and may also be ordered from FEMA directly by anyone. These drawings are NOT part of our copyrighted drawings and are supplied to you in their original copy format if interested. Each floor plan is designed with an integral, yet optional safe-room. Only the wall thicknesses will vary if you chose not to include them.
The plans range in size from 654 sq.ft. to 4850 sq.ft. Several are designed in the a variety of styles Also included in the book are double-master plans, empty nesters and duplexes.
You have the option of all foundation types. 6 inch stud wall framing is standard and per ENERGY STAR. Other exterior framing types are available upon request.
The 20 room- by -room list of features and benefits is more than a simple list it is a what and why explanation of these features. This is included in an effort to be of use to designers, homebuilders, remodeling/ home-modification contractors, students and homeowners alike.
A fully inclusive Universal Designed Home may include an increase of 1-5 percent to the typical cost of construction compared to a home of the same size without UD features. Energy efficient green features and products will also increse initial costs.
A year lived longer in your own home can offset the additional costs of the Universal Designed Smart Home, when compared to traditional long term housing options.
Your home will probably increase in resale value as 80 million baby boomers seek these features as they age. As we move into the 21st Century the demands on our homes in terms of security, safety,energy efficiency and independent living will continue to be of growing importance.
Enjoy independent and sustainable living in your Universal Designed Smart Home.
email: charlesschwab@universaldesignonline.com
|