Universal Design

Universal Design is a term used to describe architectural design that takes into account the varied abilities of all (young/old, able bodied/those with physical challenges, etc.) and strives to create an environment where all can be comfortable.

It is different from ADA requirements (Americans with Disability Act), which is a law requiring public buildings to be accessible. Sometimes meeting ADA requirements makes spaces very institutional feeling - and one definitely does not want that feeling in their home! We want our homes to be friendly and warm, but also safe and accessible. And more and more, Americans want to be able to age in place for as long as they can.

The New House Next Door was designed for my MIL and FIL, who are both in their late 70s. I incorporated some universal design features and best practices for aging in place so that they can be comfortable in the house for as long as possible. (Plus it's right next door to their son - and that's probably the best feature for aging in place!)

A Landing part way up the stairs offers a resting place

Codes require handrails at stairs, but shortish risers are also a good idea. Another simple idea is that the stair has a landing mid way. This gives a stopping point for a rest, if needed. We also consulted with a stair lift company to be sure that this L-shaped stair layout could accommodate a motorized, seated lift, if needed someday.


The kitchen will have a wall oven, which is raised and easier to use than the low oven found in a range. The washer and dryer should be on plinths, so they are raised to a more comfortable height as well. (but I don't think P & D decided to purchase the plinths at this time) The door handles are lever style, which doesn't require the same hand movement and strength that a knob does.

Shower Controls shifted toward the room for easier reach

 A custom change is that the shower is curb-less, with a seat, and the controls are installed close to the room, so one doesn't have to stretch and reach far into the shower to turn on the water. We've all heard how most accidents happen in the home getting into and out of the tub or shower. Both bathing places will have grab bars that are anchored to solid blocking set into the wall framing.

The house is two stories (see previous post about why this house has stairs), plus an attic for storage, and they plan to climb stairs and use all the spaces. If needed, though, there is a first floor room that can become a bedroom and a first floor bathroom with a tub. If stairs become too difficult,  a ramp can be built outside to reach the door - but that isn't something we did now.

All of this accessibility makes this house able to support many generations, which is what sustainability is all about. This house can last and adapt. Remember, this isn't just about being 77 years young. These type of design decisions can be better for the earth, for children, for someone rehabilitating after surgery or an injury, for anyone in the universe!

Tape & Mud: Smoothing it Out

Inside the New House Next Door, the temporary heating system is set to 50, and "the Tapers" have set to work. They have the task of making smooth (invisible) connections between all the sheet goods that were screwed to the framing. They spread "mud" and tape on all corners and seams, scrape joint compound over all the screw holes, and apply stiff corner angles to exterior corners with tape and mud. When they are done applying, sanding, and smoothing, you won't be able to see where one board ends and the next starts, or where any screws are located - it will all be smooth.

But cooler than what they are doing, (finishing the interior face of all the walls- home stretch!) and nicer than the fact that they get to work inside in heated space, (the carpenters are still working outside and it's still really cold most days) is the fun fact that they wear stilts at work! Really, what non-clown job can someone do where they get to walk around in stilts?!

Better than a ladder: stilts move with you to finish the ceiling and top half of wall.

I remember years ago, when we were doing a renovation and addition at our previous house, the taper left his tools (including his stilts) in our home since he was coming back the next day to continue. (It is a 3 layer process) Well - the temptation was just too great, and my dear husband had to try them on and walk around for the amusement of the kids. The kids loved it, because again, we see stilts (and since we are not tapers), we think of the circus, the parade, clowns! It's FUN! We were all smiles as he walked around the house... Until, startling us, the door bell rang! All four of us felt "caught". (It was not the taper at the door, making sure we weren't playing with his stilts... but my then 5 year old thought for sure it was going to be!)

The Heating System

This is the heating system for The New House Next Door. Isn't it a wonder? So compact and attractive. (Yes, I do think a boiler can be attractive - I really am an "archi-geek"!) It is a Viessmann super-high efficiency condensing boiler with a separate on-demand domestic hot water heater. (That's the little box on the bottom. I must say - It's Amazing that this tiny machine will be responsible for making all the hot water used in the house, at the time it is needed. ie. There is no storage tank!) It is wall hung in a sleek white metal box with touch screen controls and is mounted to a plywood sheathed wall in the mechanical room. It uses propane fuel to heat water that will circulate through the baseboard radiators, heating the rooms of the house.

Here it's opened up so you can see it's "guts"

Outside and Inside

Work continues outside (brrrr!) and inside at the New House Next Door.

With temps still below freezing, the carpenters have been winding around the outside of the house applying the horizontal siding, or "clapboards". First they applied from the skirt board up to the top of the first floor windows, all the way around. Now they are working off higher ladders and the low roof, wrapping around the upper level of the house. They are skipping areas that require short pieces, to come back to later, to have the least waste of the HardiPlank Lap siding.

North Side Siding - see also Electrical Meter & Weather Head Installed

South Side Siding

West Side Siding - Don't let John's lack of hat and coat fool you! It's COLD

The inside crew has been installing gypsum wall board on the ceilings and walls of the first floor. They are lucky to be out of the wind, and sometimes even run a heater inside.  I know the GC really wants to get the true electricity and heating systems hooked up and running soon, and then they can say good bye to the fumes from that kerosene heater! (and they need better temperature control to mud/tape the joints on the wall board, but I get ahead of myself...)

Having a surface (rather than being able to look between wall studs from room to room) really does help shape up the space. You can see size of each room accurately, as well as the windows providing views to outside, and the light bouncing off the white walls and ceilings in each individual room. (that light bounce will be even better with the final smooth finishes and paint) The "blue board" you see is moisture resistant wall board, to be used in the bathrooms. (You can see the tub is in place)

View from Dining toward Kitchen

View from Back Entry into Living Room

View from Front Entry into Office

 
Now that rooms are being enclosed, my lack of a wide-angle lens is apparent. It would be nice for you to be able to see the 3rd window in the office and living room shots. Feel free to refer the the floor plans to recall the room names and locations (click to go to "plans") All in all, The New House Next Door is shaping up inside and out and starting to look more and more finished both inside and out.