|
|
|
|
|
Universal Design
Guidelines for architects, builders, and developers
|
Universal Design:
The design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the
greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design. |
Today’s successful architects, builders
and developers include these easy living features in their homes. You
should consider Universal Design for seniors and people with
disabilities when designing, building, marketing or buying a home.
The City of Oxford encourages Universal Design in all new construction
and renovation projects.
Principles:
A Universal house begins with three
essential components: a step-less entry, wider doors and halls, and a
usable bathroom. Without them, no dwelling can be considered Universal.
In addition to the basic three, a Universal home includes a variety of
other features that provide convenience, safety, and ease of use. The
combination produces a Universal home.
Benefits:
• Makes buildings unique, houses stand out from the competition
• Appeals to a larger number of prospective buyers
• Attracts referrals from health care professionals, elder care experts,
social workers and real estate agents.
Cost Considerations:
• Many Universal Design features are not more costly, especially if
installed during construction rather than retrofitted.
• It costs less than one percent to make new construction accessible for
people with physical limitations.
• Many appliances, fixtures and cabinets that accommodate Universal
Design are standard products.
Feature Checklist:
|
General Features: |
Kitchen
Features: |
|
Wider halls
(3' 6” vs. 3'0) |
Large
luminous ceiling with increased light level |
|
Single-level
home with no stairs |
Single lever
handle sink faucets |
|
Kitchen,
bath and master bedroom on one floor with wider doors |
Under
counter lighting |
|
One outside
entrance without stairs (36 inch door width) |
Cook top
with front controls |
|
Lever-handle
door pulls, instead of knobs |
Wall oven at
lower height |
|
Graded
entrance way |
Side-by-side
refrigerator |
|
Lower
windowsills |
Raised
dishwasher |
|
Lower light
switches |
Cabinets
with pull out Lazy-Susan shelves |
|
Raised
electric outlets |
Wheelchair
accessible U-shaped kitchen |
|
Wired for
security and computers |
Bathroom:
|
|
Smaller,
low-maintenance yard |
Walk-in
oversized shower w/ seat |
|
Manageable
terrain, not too steep |
Wider
doorway (36-inch) |
|
Emphasize
safety and maximize accessibility |
Grab bars in
tub, shower and by toilet (or reinforce walls for future
installation) |
| |
Single-handled faucets |
|
Raised
vanities (32” vs. 30”) |
Universal Design Links:
For additional information,
specification, and assistance, contact:
LIFE Independent Living Center
1914 University Ave.
Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-7010
800-748-7471
zdlifenor@bellsouth.net
Oxford-Lafayette-Economic-Foundations' Retiree Attraction Program
P.O. Box 108
Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-4651
800-880-6967
retire@oxfordms.net
City of Oxford
107 Courthouse Square
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 236-1310
Fax: (662) 232-2337
webmaster@oxfordms.net
© Copyright 1999-2009, The City of Oxford, Mississippi.
Website Information
|
