Photo by Rachael Holland
The homeowner is confined
to a wheelchair, and needed changes made to the entire home to make it
more accessible. This included widening circulation paths throughout the
home, lowering the cooking area in the kitchen and changing the hardware
and kitchen fixtures to allow easier access. A circular flow was created
throughout the first floor, taking full advantage of the view. The
existing rooms were completely rearranged to create a new laundry room,
dining room and living room, as well as a craft room for the client’s
scrapbooking supplies. An elevator was added making access to the second
floor much easier than the existing lift up the stairs. The kitchen was
completely redesigned to address both the aesthetic and practical
desires of the owner. Instead of a conventional range, which is
difficult to use from a seated position, a large gas cooktop was
installed in a lowered counter with knee space below. A potfiller faucet
easer food preparation, and an undercounter, side-hinged oven completes
the cooking area. The result is an overall design that will allow the
homeowners to remain comfortable throughout their lifetime in the home.
National Award
2008 Best Universal Design
