Home Today, Home Tomorrow Universal Design Toolkit For Home Owners For Architects and Builders

Interior and Living Areas

Open Plan Interior

An open plan design has fewer hallways to navigate, fewer doorways to constrict movement, more freedom of furniture placement and more maneuvering room. Open plan interiors create more integrated living and allow a free flow of family members and guests including those who may use a walker, wheelchair or other medical equipment. An open plan design also makes an interior space feel larger.

 

Cost
$$$$
Difficulty
High

Hire a contractor.

How-to tip

A renovation may require the removal of structural walls and the installation of load-carrying beams. New flooring may also be needed. These two elements require licensed, qualified professionals to do correctly.

Principles Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Size and Space for Approach and Use Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

Analytics Replicability Totally unique solutions, that can’t be applied on other lots or home styles aren’t terribly useful. Features with and “R” designation are particularly applicable to other home renovation situations in a variety of settings.

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