Life -Span Living with Universal Home Design

Universal Designed "Smart" Homes
for the 21st Century. 

Homes that are adaptable to your family's changing needs over generations. Homes that provide sustainable independent living and peace of mind.

Sample Plans from the book

Shown here are several pages from Universal "Smart" Homes for the 21st Century. All of the plans and front elevation views are original designs and artwork by Charles Schwab Architect AIA. All designs copyright 2010 by Schwab Publishers. Any reproduction is prohibited without written permission. All of the plans are designed for independent living and high performance energy savings.

Plans may be ordered from the book,or you may order one shown here by calling directly. Changes can be made to all drawings by a written estimate as described in the book. The book contains complete order information and policies,time frames etc. To order the plan book return to the main introduction page.

Errata: We have detected three typographical errors in the above Foreword.We apologize for the errors. It is our mistake and will be corrected in the next printing.Thank you for your understanding.

Plan sets include the following:

Elevations, Front elevation is always at 1/4 inch scale. For larger homes, the other 3 may be at 1/8 inch scale. Sustainable and green exterior finishes are specified.

Detailed Floorplans, fully dimensioned andall with door and window schedules. Remember all passage doors are 3-0 wide.See interior/baths link at left. Room finish schedules are included and specified with sustainable green building products.

Foundation Plan, options for full lower levels, basements slab on grade and crawl spaces. Foundations are designed that comply with our local Illinois code requirements. All may be revised per your code requirements.

Foundation Details, One of the most important features of our plans is our foundation details that alow for a zero step entry, illiminating the need for ramps.These details are shown at the entry and the garage. Steps are not needed as our plans are designed per the 2000 Intl. residential code.

Roof plan at 1/4 or 1/8 inch scale depending on home size. Roof plan shows all prefabricated and field framed members. Materials and flashing/venting details etc. are included. Options are included for Fire resistant and sustainable green roofing materials.

Electrical Plans, Shown for all floor levels, showing unigue universal and optimum lighting design and locations.

Wall Sections, Sections as required for complete bidding and construction. Details shown will vary per home design.Wall plate heights are typically at 9-0 allowing for the optional Safe-room to be included on the main level (if slab on grade)and still have a 8-0 inside ceiling in the safe-room. This is a detail that can only be clearly explained with drawings.  See safe-room link.

Building Details and Wall Sections, These will vary per home and complexity of design.

Interior Kitchen and Bathroom Elevations and all critical wall interiors per Universal Design / Accessibility construction.

Green Building Specifications. These are mainly product choices that may be included at you option.

Safe-Room Drawings and Details. Fema has given us permission to include their details free with our plans. Our safe-room floor plans are however specific to each home. You may include the safe-room at your option. Alternate plans are included without the safe room details. Insulated concrete form Safe -room details are included in our plans .

You may also obtain the detail and informational book free from FEMA by calling 1-800-480-2520, publication number 320 titled: Taking shelter from the storm: Building a safe room within your home. We encourage everyone building a new home to seriously consider including one. See the link at left for a discount on safe-room products offered to you through a relationship we have with F-5 safe-rooms.

Specification outlines, They include window,door, and finish schedules. They also include Universal Design plumbing fixture specifications,specialized UD hardware specs. etc. 

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