The following Universal Design features are included in the Baldwin residence:

Baldwin House Kitchen Universal Design Appliances - Induction Cooktop
Baldwin House Kitchen Universal Design Appliances – Induction Cooktop
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
Baldwin House Bathroom curbless shower with offset controls for caregivers.
Baldwin House Bathroom curbless shower with offset controls for caregivers.
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
Baldwin House Stepless Entry
Baldwin House Stepless Entry
Entrances & Hallways
  • 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)
Baldwin House short stair run
Baldwin House short stair run
Circulation
  • 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
  • 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
Baldwin House Dining Area
Baldwin House Dining Area