| __There should be a minimum 5'-0" turning diameter space within the kitchen. Space between opposing cabinet faces and walls should be a min.of 4'-0". There should be a min.30"x48" clear space in front of all appliances and those spaces may overlap.
__There should not be more than 26'-0" measured from center to center of the 3 major appliances. Of those 3 legs in the triangle none of them should be less than 4' and no longer than 9' for max. This provides work flow efficiency. This may vary for the modest sized homes. Ideally kitchens should be designed with 2 workspaces.
__Variable height surfaces from 34" to 45"should be included in the kitchen for people of all heights A dual height kitchen bar serves as a conversational area near the kitchen for seated and standing people.
__ There should be stretches of continuous counter top heights at the same level. Contrasting beveled or curved edges with contrasting color treatment eliminates sharp corners and defines the counter edge. Color contrast around the floor edge provides the same visual definition.
__Knee space is provided under the sink and preferably to one side of the oven, and has wide open cabinets to conceal pipes. Clear knee space under the sink is 29" minimum. Optional adjustable sinks raise and lower with the touch of a button. Cabinet door hardware has "D" shaped pulls or magnetic "touch latch" hardware.
__Large roll-out drawers on casters can be located under the sink and "rolled out" when a seated user prefers to use the sink. There is an optional 6"deep by 8" high toe kick at the kitchen base cabinets. An optional pull out step (at the kick space) is available for those who can stand and reach but are of short stature.
__The sink is located between the stove and refrigerator for ease of food preparation. The disposal is located to one side of the sink which allows for knee space underneath. Sinks have a shallow depth of 6 1/2 - 7 1/2". The drain is rear mounted. Underneath the sink the pipes are temperature insulated with plastic covers. Lever type faucets may be located towards the front at one side of the sink and may include a spray type hose making it easier for a seated person to use. A slanted mirror can be placed above the sink making it easier to view sink contents.
The upper cabinets should not be placed higher than 15" above the counter, as opposed to the common 18" which can make upper cabinets unreachable. Low voltage task lighting is provided under the upper cabinets. Optional upper cabinet hardware allows shelves to pull down and pop back up. Lazy Susans and blind corner swivel storage units are specified in the cabinet corners. The pantry is full height and has full extension hardware or adjustable shelves for complete viewing of the contents.
__Appliances are selected with front or side mounted controls, That are easy to read and intuitive.Appliance dials 1 1/2" in diameter. are easier to turn. Appliances that are specified are Energy Star labeled.
__Microwaves are located under the counters with a pull-out shelf underneath or they are located under the upper cabinets. Cook tops have staggered burners. Automatic shut off stoves and over stove extinguisher systems are available in homes with forgetful people. Electric cook tops are specified with level burners, inductive types that are cool to the touch. Down draft features pull heat away from the face and users hands. A drop in range is at 34" A.F.F.
__ Wall ovens with swing out doors can be installed at any height to meet users needs. They are ideally located at a height that will allow a pull out shelf underneath that is at the same counter height of 34" above finish floor. Self cleaning ovens assist those with limited strength.
__Dishwashers are located adjacent the sink and have an option to be raised 8-9" or on a lower cabinet, so that the top rack is at the same level as the countertop for easy use. This will however interrupt the ability to slide food and preparations in between the 3 appliances in kitchens with continuous counter tops. If this is a requirement top of counter,smaller dishwashers are also available.
__Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. or bottom style freezer units with front door ice and water dispensers are specified.All with the Energy Star label.
__Matte finish flooring is glare free and non-slip. Cork or cushioned non-slip vinyl flooring minimizes leg fatigue. Bamboo flooring meets ADA non slip standards and is a sustainable material. |
