A Universal Design Project Comes to Life.
After many meetings with Harry Sprintz we have reached a point where we are happy with the overall design. The project has been designed so that it is very wheel chair friendly and incorporates state of the art fixtures and fittings to make life easier for people with disabilities.
Here are the plans. Click on these images to see a larger view with more detail. (Printable PDF’s are in free downloads)
From here the process is to apply to the Bega Valley Shire Council for a development application (D.A) and a construction certificate. (C.C) And then we will need to find a builder to bring these drawings to life.
September 20th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Hats off to you for the extensive research you’ve done. Very thorough. I’m glad to see throughout your blog that you’ve differentiated the terms universal design and accessible design. There are many similarities, but just as many differences and it’s important that the lay person be aware of that, as you seem to be.
I like the house design and your attention to detail is evident. You’ve smartly put the sink next to the cooktop, and though personally I’d put the dishwasher on the other side of the sink for easy sink stove, I know from 20 years of experience that there’s a reason for everything and every decision is very personal. My only pause was with the pocket doors on the bathroom - but again, I don’t know your whole situation. There’s much discussion about doors, but pocket doors do add extra steps into the otherwise easy use of a ceiling lift if one is needed. Thus, when discussing the house as an exemplar, that’s important for people to know.
Great work. I hope I get back to this site to see your progress. Desiree, wishing you continuing improvements.
September 29th, 2007 at 11:52 am
Jakie
Thanks for taking the time to comment. We are currentkly working on the finer details of the kitchen and bathroom design. I will post the detailed plans over the next few weeks. At this point we had not considered installing a ceiling lift into the bathrooms. We have purchased a mobile lift for guests who might need this form of assistance.
Desiree says thanks for your thoughts and she is progressing slowly. We do however have to reduce the number of falls that she is having due to her enthusiasm to get walking again.
Alex