Universal Design Homes for Easy Living

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 piece of mind.

Universal Design Bathrooms & Green Home Features 

Green features of Universal Designed "Smart" Homes.

                      May we ask you to consider the following?

     What is the use of building a home with Universal Design features if you cannot pay the utility bills or remain in your home in times of a natural emergency?
 

     Conversely, what is the point of building a highly energy efficient and green home if you or a family member are not able to obtain basic access in the first place?
 

      What if a loved one can not use the bathroom or make it into the bedroom in the case that you or a family member has an unfortunate accident, breaks their hip, or experiences any other mobility or sensory impairment?

     As people live longer lives, sooner or later you, or someone you love, may experience these life chalenges. Wouldn't you (or they) rather experience this in your own home, and possibly avoiding hospital expenses at the same time?

     Genuine Independent living can be achieved with the inclusion of Universal Design and  green building features. These features mutually complement each other and  benefit everyone.
 

We include the following green & sustainable features in our home plans.
Note this is a limited selection of all of the Green features. The entire list can be found within the plan book.

__ Our building plans are designed with an energy efficient building envelope. We design with Energy Star guidelines and can help you obtain an Energy Star(R) label for your home if you desire. Mr. schwab is also a certified green professional and can also help you earn a bronze,silver or platinum NAHB  Green certificate for your home. Building a home with an Energy Star label can save you 30% or more per year on your energy bill. This is your option if you want your home certified but all of the homes are designed by default with energy efficient construction details and specifications.

___Since the heating and cooling system accounts for 50-70% of your homes total energy use, (according to the US dept.of Energy, DOE) the savings can be substantial by following the blue print specifications in the plans. We also specify appliances that are Energy Star(R) rated.Our home plan book includes instructions on how to receive this label,  visit www.epa.gov for more information.

__We specify interior finish  materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCS), low or no off-gassing, paints, sealers, carpet and other materials with good indoor air ratings.
__In the quest for good quality indoor air, we include passive Radon emissions details as a standard in all our home plans. Depending on where you live, you may choose to include or omit this detail. Please visit www.epa.gov to learn more about Radon gas and  indoor air quality. Carbon monoxide alarms are a standard spec. as well.

__For both water and energy conservation we highly recommend and we do specify point-of-use, tankless water heaters. We also specify the optional use of Water Pedals, automatic water shutoffs , aerators and infrared sensors in faucets. These are a good idea for those that are forgetful while saving you hundreds of dollars and galons of water over time.

__ The home plans are designed with abundant natural light, in several areas of the home that have been traditionally dark, such as hallways we specify tubular skylights. , it is a must in the home plans Natural light has proven to improve occupancy health and safety.

__We promote alternative energy sources and encourage the use of passive Solar systems for heating and the use of photovoltaics for electricity generation. Although we do not specify specific mechanical systems in our plans due to differing climates, we prefer the use of in-floor radiant heating systems for both energy efficiency and clean indoor air characteristics.

__ As mentioned, we specify Energy Star rated appliances are specified. The building is highly insulated and the windows are specified with low-E glass. The mechanical ventilation system should assure adequate fresh air.

Universal Designed Smart Interiors.
Note: This is a partial list of features, the entire list can be found in the home plans book.

Below is an abbreviated list of the main Interior and circulation features designed into all of our home plans, in both the stock home plans book and custom home designs. Following this is a list of environmentally friendly, green  features of our Universal Designed Smart Homes.

__ Our plans are designed to comply with the 2009 International Residential code. This code is a compilation of the 4 major codes throughout the country. Always check with your local building inspector for compliance.

__Most,but not all of the homes are designed for single-floor living. The plans have a  Master Bedroom on the main level with a universal designed  bath (See Below). Kitchens and Laundry rooms are designed on this level as well. This makes it possible for everyone of all ages and abilities to function independently and safely in the home. Two story homes have double stacked closets for a future elevator. 

__Most of the homes are one level designs, but there are also several that are 2 story designs. All of the rooms in the entire home are Universal Designed.  In most cases, the only additional building cost is the 3'-0" wide doors. This is the rationale behind all of the features to follow.

__You will approach the home on pathway walks that are 4-0 or 5'-0" wide. They are shown  as edge defined with contrasting color and texture to aid those with limited vision. This is an optional feature.  There is a sensor controlled yard light at the sidewalk .

__You will enter the home through a covered  front porch. The surface is flat and a min. size of 5'x 5', most are much larger offering a generous front porch designed in the "New-Urbanism" style, all with a package bench, many have through-wall mail drops.There is a wall mounted motion sensor controlled porch light . There are large street numbers for visibility.  

__There is a no (zero) step entry with a max. 1/2" threshold. The entry door is 3'-0" wide with "peep" holes at 2 heights and/or door sidelights for guest viewing. Several Home Automation features are an option here such as remote door switches and tv monitor/intercom systems etc. A keyless door locking system is specified.

__ Upon entry in the Foyer is a minimum of 5'x5' area offering ample space for greeting guests and an adequate turnaround space. There is abundant natural light.

__ At the homes with multiple levels there is an oversized closet that we have named the "Mobility Closet / Robot room" this is a min. 4'-6" x 5'-6", is designed with removable floors so that it may be used as an in home elevator, now or in the future. Many people already use in-home robots. In the decades to come, the in-home Robot may be more common.This space is named the "Mobility clo./ Robot rm." Whether or not an in- home Robot or an elevator is used, there can never be too much storage space, especially for those who use mobility devices.

__The hallways are a minimum 3'-8" wide, at the end of many of them is a 5'-0" turnaround space. Hallways have rocker type switches at both ends. Many are illuminated with natural light with the use of tubular skylights.

__The passage doors are nom. 3'-0" wide.In some of the smaller homes they are a min. 2'-10" wide for 32" of clear passage. All of the passage (people)doors employ lever handles with a 5 lb.specified opening force making them easy to open.

__The rooms are designed with a min. 18"to 24" space on the pull latch side of the door. A min. 4'-0" clearance in front of the pull side of the door, increases full accessibility. Not only does this make every room accessible it is welcomed by paramedics, firemen and furniture movers alike.

__Windows with views have sills not higher than 3'-0" above the floor. Casement windows allow for easier opening. We specify several widow assistive operating products.

__There is an extensive list of safety design features included in our Universal designed stairways. This is one of the most important safety areas of concern in the home. The list is too comprehensive to include here. Please review the book  to read more on that section.

__ The home designs have illuminated  interiors with natural light and incandescent and low voltage, energy efficient lighting. We recommend Energy Star rated fixtures.

__Light switches and all mechanical operating devices are not higher than 4'-0 above the floor. Programmable thermostats with easily readable dials are specified. The electrical outlets are not lower than 2'-0" above the floor making use much easier those with trouble bending. The electrical circuit breaker is located in the laundry room. or garage with the uppermost circuit breaker not higher than 5'-0 above the floor.

__ There are more detailed features in every specific room type. These are further described in the books features and benefits sections in the back 25 pages of the book.

Universal Designed Bathrooms.

Below is a list of features included in our bathroom home plans. Remember within the book itself is a 25 page features and benefits section that explains the rationale for  the interior features in every room, as well as ways to implement them. An extensive list of resources and references is also included in the book for further study.

_All of the plans have a universal/accessible  Master Suite bathroom on the main level with a clear floor turnaround space of 5'-0" diameter. A minimum 30"x48" area of approach is provided in front of fixtures for ease of access and use.

_Homes with 2,3 and 4 bedrooms also have a universal designed second bath or powder room. Thus the bathrooms are accessible for visitors and your children . This is one of the many features that make our homes unique compared with those where only the Master bath is accessible.

_Bathroom doors: are all 3'-0" wide. They have lever handles with a min. 5lb. opening force. Many hinged doors are replaced with pocket doors.

_Sinks : have a shallow depth of 6-1/2" to 7-1/2". A rear mounted drain is prefered and always with hot pipe protection. The counter top height is 32"-34" per your preference with 27-29" knee clearance underneath. The bowl is mounted toward the top of the counter and may have  lever water control handles located to one side of the sink toward the front.  A sink with a 3" overhang at the front of the counter enhances accessibility.

__ Lever faucet handles are always used. A hose type fixture is a great benefit for hair washing without the need to use the shower to do so. Numerous outlets with ground fault interupters are specified. A power adjustable sink is also specified as an option. A motion sensor faucet is also an option that will conserve water as well.

_Mirrors: are located directly above the backsplash and may be tilted for easy viewing of sink contents. Task lighting is provided with vertical bath bars at each side of the sink, that enhance viewing without casting shadows on your face.Every bathroom has at least 1 full length body mirror. A  side swing make-up mirror with a light included is specified for facial grooming. An anti -fog mirror can be activated with the flip of the switch and is an obvious helpful product for everyone.

_Cabinets: The sink base cabinet (pedestal sinks are rarely spec'd in 2 bathroom homes but may be used in a third powder room) has swing open cabinet doors with hardware that allows the doors to slide back inside and under the cabinet. All cabinet door pulls have open loop hardware or touch latch magnetic hardware.

__ What is traditionally known as a linen closet has full height drawers with full extension hardware for easy access.The cabinet countertop is a contrasting color from the sink bowl. It has rounded or beveled edges with contrasting colors that define the countertop for those with limited vision and avoids dangerous sharp edges.

_Toilets: are centered 18" from the side wall so grab bars could be installed in the future if needed. They have an elongated bowl style with a seat height from 17-19" above the floor and the flush control on the open side. Most of our bathrooms have a toilet/shower "wet area" space option that allows for a 3'-0" space to the side of and in front of the toilet. These optional bath plans are included with the more traditional arrangement. 

__We include a product list of toilets with optional feature such as "toilet lifts" seat warmers, automatic sensor flushing and sweeping , handless washers. These are an option.The additional space adjacent to a toilet allows for a chair transfer seat that widens the transfer area allowing a person to push off a padded surface that is not the actual toilet seat.This is also beneficial for people of large stature.

_Floor Surfaces: We specify a variety of products. A slip resistant product is specified for common tile. New tile floors are best installed with a ADA approved non-slip tile with an abrasive surface. (coefficient.70, dry.80) Tile floors should be non glare and can have a  boarder around the edges that aid people with limited vision. If carpet is chosen it should be a low pile, anti-bacterial indoor outdoor type.

Wet room area, Many of our master bathrooms are designed with an optional yet integral wet room area. The curbless shower is opposite a toilet with  ample space in between. The floor has a floor drain and with the use of the hand held hose from the shower and controls that are immediately adjacent the floor area, a washing without entering the curbless shower is possible. This also comes in handy when washing your pets.

_Tubs/ Showers: All bathrooms have an option for a curbless shower. Either a fully accessible 5'x5' shower is specified or a 3'-6" x 5'-6" -fab showerof the bathrooms have a curbless shower option. When a tub is preferred , specifications for transfer seats are provided as well as specs for tub lifts.

Shower/Tub Controls, Offset controls toward room side have pressure balanced, anti-scald valves ot thermostatic controlled device. They have a hand held shower control connected with a 5-7' hose to an adjustable vertical slide bar. The control is a lever type ergonomic handle

A collapsible water membrane is installed in the wet room showers or prefab units with no curb at all. This keeps the water in the shower.
 
Curtains are less cumbersome than sliding doors have weights in the bottom to hold them down. A curtain Rod that doubles up as a grab bar is a good idea and should hold a pulling force of 250#' minimum.

Shower light is a vapor resistant fixture. A fold down shower seat or integral in shower, should be at least 15" wide with 4 legs that mounts to any curbless shower. We specify a product that holds up to 420 lbs. Our plans are designed with grab bar reinforcement. Most of the prefab. units are designed with integral grab bars.