skip to main |
skip to sidebar
I try not to slam other people working in this space, but sometimes I see things that are held up as proper when they are not. Now, the home in the article has some good things--pocket doors, for example. But look at this "Universal Design" bathroom as it was called in the article in the Glenn Falls NY Poststar. What's wrong? Well, in my mind three things:
- The shower has a threshold. Even if it is not to be used by someone in a wheelchair, it is an unnecessary tripping hazard. An integral shower pan, or even a no-threshold fiberglassunit like those from Best Bath, would have been a much better choice.
- The seat--small, irregular and slippery, and at the opposite end from the shower controls. Those little built in seats are best used by young women propping up a leg to shave, not to sit on.
- Looks to me like the toilet is going to go right in front of the shower--further restricting access and potentially making the toilet slippery if it gets wet.
We can learn from the mistakes of others as well as our own, so I'm posting the negative review of this work. I hope there are not negative consequences for the homeowners here.
I came across this post today from Universal Design Partners in Virginia. Watch the videos--I was really moved by the spirit exhibited by the rehabilitatioin patients.
To me, that is one of the goals of our business-helping to maintain spirit. We hope that our clients who have impairments find them much less troublesome and that their environment is supportive. Constant struggle erodes the spirit, so we hope that minimizing the struggle helps maintain it.
And really, I applaud the patients at the Shepard Center (and the staff) for being willing to have some fun and put themselves out in the world. Inspirational. Every remodeler and builder who works to create environments better suited to their client's abilities could stand to watch these and be reminded of the human spirit they are charged with protecting.
http://universaldesign.org/the-rehabilitation-experience-and-why-universal-design-increases-independence-and-changes-lives
We in the industry like to say that there is a lot of denial out there when it comes to home modifications and planning for aging in place. But maybe denial is the wrong term, the wrong behavioral sin. What if we aren't in denial, and instead we just care less? What if apathy is a natural part of aging?
I came across this interesting blog post today which makes that case.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-c-senelick-md/aging-apathy_b_2218452.html
Perfect. We have another reason to bang the drum about acting earlier rather than later. And another reason for family to pay attention.
Apathy certainly resonates with some of my own behavior these days. But I'll probably deny that.
I came across this article today that gives a nice overview of a kitchen remodel incorporating a number of universal design principles and features. I really like the pull-out shelf with the power plug in the back--great functionality.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4517355/list/Houzz-Tour--Universal-Design-Makes-a-Midcentury-Home-Accessible
I do have one bone to pick--the two tiered counter, all in the same black surface. I like designs with different work heights, but that transition is going to get missed by a lot of folks, especially those with low vision. I prefer them to be distinct areas/counters or there should be some sort of visual cuing. In my home, the lower surface adjacent to the island is actually a table with a wood top that nicely contrasts with the dark green stone (which also has a matte sheen to minimize reflections.)
The white-on-white bathroom shown has a similar flaw in its lack of visual cuing. But those issues aside, there is a lot to like in this design--we've incorporated a lot of these same features in our remodels (and you can bet that pull-out will be seen in the future.)
