In the world of custom home building, there’s a growing trend that’s all about inclusivity and accessibility: universal design. You may be thinking, what exactly is universal design? Well, sit tight because we’re diving deep into the concept and how it can be integrated into your custom home.
Universal design refers to the creation of spaces that can be used and accessed by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or other factors. It’s a way of designing not just for the ‘average’ person, but for everyone. It’s all about creating a home that’s flexible, adaptable, and can meet the changing needs of its inhabitants over time.
So, whether you’re building a home for a multi-generational family, planning for your future needs as you age, or simply want to create a more inclusive space, universal design is worth considering. We’re here to guide you through the principles of universal design and how they can be applied to your custom home. From door widths and ramp inclines to kitchen layouts and bathroom fixtures, we’ll cover it all.
Key Principles of Universal Design for Optimal Accessibility
As you plan your custom-built Riding Homes property, consider adhering to these fundamental principles of universal design to create a nurturing environment for every family member, regardless of age or ability:
1. Equitable Use: Strive to design spaces and features that can be utilized by everyone, without any need for adaptation or specialized solutions for specific individuals.
2. Flexibility in Use: Incorporate versatile design elements that cater to a wide range of preferences and abilities, ensuring that your home remains adaptable to varying needs over time.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Opt for straightforward and easy-to-understand design solutions, minimizing any potential confusion or frustration for users with varying cognitive or sensory abilities.
4. Perceptible Information: Design your home to communicate essential information effectively, utilizing various modes of communication that accommodate all users, regardless of sensory abilities.
Practical Universal Design Features for Your Custom Home
By integrating these practical universal design features into your Riding Homes property, you can create a comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable living environment for everyone:
1. No-Step Entry: Minimize the need for steps or stairs by installing at least one no-step entrance into your home, ensuring easy entry and exit for mobility-impaired individuals, strollers, or deliveries.
2. Wide Doorways and Hallways: Design doorways and hallways to be at least 36 inches wide, allowing for smooth transitions and navigation throughout the home for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
3. Multi-Level Kitchen Counters: Install varying-height countertops in your kitchen – at standard and wheelchair-accessible heights – to provide functional workspace options for all family members.
4. Lever Handles and Rocker Switches: Install lever-style door handles and rocker-style light switches, which are easier to operate for individuals with limited dexterity or strength.
Creating Accessible Bathrooms for All Users
An accessible bathroom not only enhances safety but also provides a comfortable and accommodating space for everyone. Consider these universal design features for your custom-built Riding Homes bathrooms:
1. Curbless Showers: Design your shower with a curbless, level entry, facilitating easy access and reducing the risk of tripping.
2. Grab Bars and Supports: Incorporate grab bars and supports by the toilet and in the shower to provide stability and assistance for users with mobility challenges.
3. Adjustable Shower Heads and Handheld Options: Utilize adjustable-height and handheld showerheads, offering flexible options and increased accessibility for all users.
4. Comfort-Height Toilets and Sinks: Install comfort-height toilets and accessible sinks, ensuring ergonomics, and ease of use for all family members.
Incorporating Accessible Outdoor Spaces in Your Custom Home
An inclusive custom home extends its accessibility beyond interior spaces to the outdoors, creating inviting and comfortable environments for all. Keep these outdoor design aspects in mind for your Riding Homes property:
1. Seamless Transitions: Ensure seamless connections between indoor and outdoor living spaces by minimizing thresholds or steps and using flush or slightly sloped surfaces.
2. Wide and Even Walkways: Design wide and even walkways throughout your outdoor spaces to accommodate wheelchair users, walkers, and strollers, providing safe and comfortable navigation.
3. Accessible Outdoor Seating and Tables: Arrange for outdoor seating and tables with ample space and accessible heights to accommodate individuals with mobility devices, ensuring everyone can enjoy your outdoor environment.
Build a Home for Everyone with Universal Design and Riding Homes
As we build and customize our homes, it’s crucial to keep universal design principles in mind. This way, we are not just building for the present, but also ensuring our homes remain functional, safe, and comfortable for years to come.
Trust the professionals at Riding Homes to skillfully guide you through the process of designing and building an inclusive Southern Utah Valley custom home with features that accommodate diverse needs, fostering an environment of equality, and harmony. Don’t wait to bring this transformative vision to life—contact our dedicated team today!