Universal DesignedSmart and Healthy Homes for the 21stCentury and UD Kitchens, to your good health in your own home!
This open plan has in floor radiant heat and bright natural light throughout.
The serving bar is open to the informal dining area for efficient service and dining. Notice the clear space for mobility device use.
Best Universal designed kitchens provide usability for all and life-time living.
The actual blueprints for construction, both custom and from the plan book by Mr. Schwab include construction details, interior elevations, and product specifications. These details andspecifications are proprietary and are included as a unique feature of the construction documents. Most stock plans (in fact all that i have ever seen) do not include real detail and this is why most is often left up the chance that results in homes being designed based on 1950's ergonomics and obsolete detailing.
All of these fixtures and appliances are designed to be used from a seated position. Notice also how the upper cabinets are lowered so seated people can even use them. Notice the undercounter microwave and oven.
This kitchen is usable by everyone for a life span but does it really look any different or stigmatizing? You'd love it when your 90...and you will be!
Universal Design Kitchen Numbered Checklist with Features (what) and Benefits (Why)
As mentioned the plan book features a list of Universal Design (UD) home items with usable dimensions ( both in feet/inches and SI/metric units) that are included and have been found to be of immense help with kitchen remodels and home additions. My clients have confirmed this! Remember this is an abreviated list.
Every Kitchen has a minimum 60-inch circular turning and double use diameter space within.
Space between opposing counters and walls is a minimum of 48 inches (1220 mm)
There is a min. 30 x 48 inch (762 x 1220 mm) clear use space in front of all appliances and use areas for seated use if preferred.
There are no more than 26 feet (7.93 Meters) measured from center to center of all 3 major appliances. This is known as the kitchen work triangle. No leg in the kitchen triangle is less than 48 inches (1220 mm) or longer than 9 feet (2743 mm) for maximum efficiency.
Some kitchens are designed with two work zones for multiple users.
Varying Counter heights range from 30-34 inches (762-864 mm) for sitting, to 36-42 inches (914-1067) at a serving bar. Most product lines offer a UD product line that sets the counter at 34 inches (864 mm) when finished. This was not available not to long ago, showing growing popularity of Universal Design that allows living in place, some time called Aging in Place.
Serving bars can have dual heights for standing and seated users.This is a fun option so kids and grandparents can sit and prepare meals together.
Counter edges can be beveled and have with contrasting color for visual edge definition.This makes them both safer and easier to tell where the edge is.
Color contrast around the perimeter of the kitchen space defines “rooms” in open spaces and provides a visual edge for space definition at the floor.
29 inches (737 mm) of clear space under the counter provides knee space underneath the sink. That, along with a shallow sink provides space when one wants to sit down.
Cabinet doors are either removable or feature pocket hardware that slides back underneath or hardware that swings open 170 degrees.
Optionally adjustable sinks can be selected that raise and lower at the touch of a button.
Upper cabinets are also available with optional automatic or manual up/down operation.
Typical upper cabinets are located 15 inches (380 mm) above the counter rather than 18 inches (457 mm) so they are more easily reached from a seated position.
Cabinet door hardware has "D" shaped pulls and /or magnetic "touch latch" hardware.
Sample thumbnail plan of a UD Kitchen and a few features. Read below for a list.
The open leg space under the sink and casual computer work area allow seated people to use the kitchen.
This serving bar has multiple heights for all users. Behind is a full wall salt water fishtank that was not yet completed.
This plan section shows a laundry utility rm with adjacent kitchen access.
All of our kitchen designs feature full extension accessible hardware.
At least 50% of all storage is accessible.The way our kitchens really look in day to day use. Notice lower height Micro wave and easily obtainable cabinet storage.
These illustrations denote a few of the standard features and are typical of all plans.
This serving bar is in the 4 season game/card room. The elder gentleman uses mobility devices and is the owner and bartender!
This is the owners sunny game room where they are avid entertainers and card players. Notice the smooth floor surfaces without any bumps or transitions.
Notice the lower upper cabinets so people who are seated can use them.
Notice the multiple height serving counters adjacent the dining table.
Some UD smart and healthy home plans include storm or panic Safe-Rooms.
click on image above to enlarge.
Many of the second bathrooms are designed to double up as storm safe-rooms. They are actually undettectible.
This bathroom and closet doubles up as a safe-room.
Craftsman style duplex in the plan book. Shown are slightly inclined pathways not stairs.
