Universal Design: Functionality For All!

Universal Design

First off, what is Universal Design?  (or another term you may have heard as well, "Barrier Free")  When it comes to architecture, it means that the home is designed in such a way that it is accessible for all walks of life; the home is practical for someone regardless of their size, age, if there's a disability or not.

The idea for universal design in housing grew out of the recognition that, because most of the features needed by people with disabilities were also useful to others, there were plenty of reasons to make their inclusion common practice. An example of a universal feature that makes common activities easier for all would be raising electrical outlets to 15 +". above the floor. This eliminates the need to bend over as far, in turn, making them easier for everyone to use.  Moving is also much easier in houses with step-less entrances and wider doors and hallways.  Other design features create experiences many people have not had before. For instance, bathrooms with extra floor space (so designed to accommodate users of mobility aids) are perceived as up-scale and people bask in their new-found ability to have furniture and decor options in the bathroom.  (Oh the luxury of having room for a changing table, or a vanity table and chair, perhaps an etagere, not to mention it would certainly set your home apart !)  And it can easily be removed if the space is ever needed to accommodate a family member or friend.

Universal design in housing isn't a new science or style by any means and really only requires an awareness of need and market as well as a practical approach. The goal is to produce an environment that can be usable by everyone to the greatest extent possible.  Typically it requires only slight changes in small things to get a good start, like the shape of something, its placement or size, its operation, or the way in which the user must interact with the item.

Now some people may have pre-conceived ideas that crop up when this universal design concept is explained.  But just because a home is built for functionality for all, doesn't mean it can't also be aesthetically pleasing. And when a home is constructed with both concepts in mind (beauty and universal design) you can have a masterpiece that is as pleasing to the eye as it is practical. For a real world example, I give you 12035 Hobby St SE in Yelm.
http://www.matrix.nwmls.com/DE.asp?k=3107918X2KG0&p=DE-67164891-758

To take a virtual tour, click on the following link: http://www.tourfactory.com/1567748

This Wiens Log Home was custom built in every aspect according to universal design and as you can see, it's quite the show-stopper.

If you're looking for a way to set your house apart from the usual selection, maybe try doing some alterations and see what happens!