My Home, My Life:

1
My Home, My Life Easy Living for Everyone Jane
Bringolf FICCDAT June 2007
Independent Living Centre NSW
2
This presentation is about concepts of universal
design in housing Nine key design features,
and argues for innovation not regulation
Independent Living Centre NSW
3

• Why UD for Housing?
• Conceptual not prescriptive
• Encourages innovation
• Scope for improvements
• Minimises legislation

Independent Living Centre NSW
4
Nine key design features

• Layout
• Entries
• 3. Doorways
• 4. Bathroom fit-out
• 5. Storage and workspace

6. Handles, controls 7. Lighting, visibility 8.
Paths, amenities 9. Parking areas
Independent Living Centre NSW
5
Layout Open plan improves circulation space
throughout No changes in level (no steps or
lips) Room to move around furniture In multi
storey, the floor with level entry to include
kitchen, full bathroom, laundry, and room to
create a bedroom
Independent Living Centre NSW
6
Entry At least one level entry (stepless) Firm
slip resistant paths and floor finishes A porch
for weather protection if possible
Independent Living Centre NSW
7
Doorways Wide doorways throughout, not just main
entry door Approaches to doors allow easy access
if using a mobility device Any change in floor
surface at the doorway to be flush
Independent Living Centre NSW
8
Bathroom Level shower area, no hob, and not over
bath Waterproof all floor part way up
walls Reinforce walls for future grab bars and
hand held shower installation Basin waste plumbed
into wall Generous space around toilet
Independent Living Centre NSW
9
Storage and workspace Adjustable height
shelving Maximise use of pullout units,
drawers Pull-out boards provide workspaces at
different heights Wardrobe and closet rails at
various heights
Independent Living Centre NSW
10
Handles, switches, controls Located at heights
to operate sitting or standing Minimum force and
manipulation to operate Locks on all external
doors keyed alike
Independent Living Centre NSW
11
Lighting and Visibility Adequate and uniform
illumination throughout, including externally No
glare Good visibility between all indoor and
outdoor areas Extra lighting in task related
areas
Independent Living Centre NSW
12
Exterior paths and amenities Level or gently
sloping slip resistant surface from street to
parking, letterbox and garbage as well as to main
entry to dwelling
Independent Living Centre NSW
13
Parking area Level, firm, slip resistant surface
linked to entry by level or gently sloping
pathway Space around parked vehicle to fully open
doors Covered parking protects from weather
Independent Living Centre NSW
14
Ten features, not nine? Proliferation of two
storey homes Add through-floor elevators as
universal concept similar to inside
toilet? Should residents be confined to one level
of their home? Spacious homes more suited to UD
concepts if an elevator installed
Independent Living Centre NSW
15
Why not legislate? Industry hates new rules to
learn, apply Assumes single answers for all
situations Maximum adherence to minimum standards
not best answer Restricts design creativity
development of better solutions over time
Independent Living Centre NSW
16
Education, market forces Get construction
industry interest by garnering market
forces Educate and train industry Community
education for purchasers Ensure existing building
regulations support UD concepts
Independent Living Centre NSW
17
Summary Appeal to the creative egos of designers
Educate community about lifetime housing
needs Use simple messages like Top Nine Garner
the power of market forces Ensure current
legislation is supportive
Independent Living Centre NSW
18

• EVERYONES A WINNER !

Independent Living Centre NSW