The following Universal Design features are included in the Baldwin residence:
Kitchen
- Wider clearances in kitchen (5’ wide)
- Loop handles on all cupboards (easy to open with closed fist)
- Pull-out drawers in cupboards and pantry
- Most kitchen storage in base cabinets, in drawers and pull-out shelves
- Lower oven with racks lining up with counter top (& controls at 4’-0” A.F.F.)
- Accessible microwave, on countertop
- Induction cook top (electro-magnetic):
- Smooth surface for easy movement of pots and pans
- Surface does not get too hot (safe for children, the elderly, etc.)
- Veggie sink adjacent to cook top, with pull-out spray for filling pots with water
Bathrooms
- “Floating” vanities in all bathrooms, supported by in-wall bracket system:
- Roll-away base cabinets on locking casters allow option for extra storage
- TOTO Washlet bidet seats on toilets, with outlets near rear of all toilets
- Lights over all showers
- Curbless showers, with offset controls for caregivers
- Hand-held showers on adjustable rods
- Blocking in all bathroom walls for future grab bars
- Lowered thermostats throughout the house, with large numbers for easy viewing
Entrances & Hallways
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| Front Entrance View Larger Image |
Rear Entrance View Larger Image |
Stepless Entry View Larger Image |
- Level paths from both street and alley
- Stepless entries at all exterior doors:
- Good for wheelchairs, walkers, canes, strollers and unsteady legs
- Lever handles on all doors:
- Easy to open with closed fist, or while holding key, bags or children
- Fold-down package shelf at front door (This is handy when carrying bags)
- 3’-0” wide doors throughout (with maneuvering space beside most doors)
Circulation
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| Short Stair Runs View Larger Image |
- Open plan layout for:
- enhanced maneuverability and communication
- reduced hallway lengths
- Wide hallways (42” wide and 52” wide at the two short halls that were included.)
- Low pile carpeting, with no loose carpets (to reduce tripping hazards)
- Radiant floor heating:
- Avoids obstacles, reduces burns, good for allergies and nice even heat
- Short runs of stairs (wrapping around elevator) to reduce injuries from falls:
- This is good for everyone, especially toddlers and elderly persons
Future lifestyle needs
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- Structure sized to allow future room to infill open space above dining room:
- Allows future flexibility
- Stacking closets, for future elevator:
- Walls framed and wired per manufacturer’s recommendations
- Floor structure of closets is removable, independent from the rest of floor
- Elevator pit built into foundation
