Universal Design for Single-Family Residences
Kirkland Waterfront Custom, Captured by Christopher Nelson Photography
Homes for All Ages and Abilities
When planning a home, most people focus on aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. However, as we age and our needs evolve, considering how a home can adapt to changing abilities and different life stages is paramount. Universal design addresses this by creating spaces that are accessible, usable, and adaptable for everyone – regardless of age or physical ability. While universal design is standard in commercial construction, it’s not as common in single-family homes but is a smart, future-proof approach for these spaces. In this blog, we will discuss some universal design solutions that homeowners can implement.
Seward Park Industrial, Captured by Christopher Nelson Photography
What is Universal Design?
Universal design is the concept of creating spaces that are accessible, usable, and adaptable for people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can comfortably and independently navigate the space. Many principles of universal design overlap with the concept of aging-in-place, which allows individuals to stay in their homes safely and independently as they age. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, applying universal design solutions can have long-lasting benefits for everyone who lives in or visits your space.
Universal Design Solutions for Single-Family Homes
Curbless Showers: Prevent tripping hazards by eliminating the traditional shower curb, this adjustment makes it easier for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to enter and exit the shower—making bathing safer and more accessible for all ages.
Flush Floor Transitions and Door Thresholds: Another great option to eliminate tripping hazards. Seamless transitions between rooms make it easier for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers to move throughout the home. A threshold-free design not only supports accessibility for those who are mobility impaired but also makes it easier for individuals with vision impairment or reduced balance to move around the home.
Levers vs. Door Knobs: Lever handles are a simple and elegant solution for individuals with arthritis, limited grip strength, or motor skill challenges. Traditional door knobs can be difficult to grasp and turn, whereas lever handles are easier to operate with a push or a light pull, requiring far less strength and dexterity than traditional knobs.
Strobe Smoke Detectors: For those with hearing loss, a standard smoke detector's alarm might not be effective in alerting them to danger. Strobe smoke detectors use flashing lights in addition to a traditional sound alarm, which can provide an essential backup signal for those who may not hear the auditory alarm.
High Contrast Finishes: High-contrast finishes help individuals with low vision better navigate their home. Simple applications include using contrasting colors for light switches, countertops, door frames, and flooring. The greater the contrast, the easier it becomes for people to distinguish between different elements of a room, helping reduce the risk of accidents.
Denny Blaine Modern Remodel, Captured by Nathaniel Willson
More Complex Universal Design Solutions
Residential Elevators: For multi-story homes, adding a residential elevator can significantly improve accessibility, especially for individuals with limited mobility. Elevators make all levels of the home accessible to everyone. While elevators can be an investment, they are a long-term solution that can increase the value of the home and allow residents to "age in place" for years to come. We have helped design many residential elevators in new and existing homes throughout the years–such as our Denny Blaine Modern Remodel project. We designed the installation of a cylindrical pneumatic vacuum elevator in the home’s central core to serve all three floors–the first permitted installation of its kind in Washington state.
Chair Lifts: If installing an elevator isn’t a feasible option, consider a chair lift for stairs. This solution can be more affordable and still help individuals who have trouble navigating stairs due to mobility limitations, providing a safe and easy way to move between floors. If you’re not ready to install a chair lift just yet, you can plan ahead by ensuring the stairwell is wide enough and structurally sound for the installation of a chair lift, allowing for easy adaptation if mobility needs change overtime.
Wider Doorways and Hallways: Wider doorways and hallways are a must for homes where wheelchairs, walkers, or other assistive devices may be used. A minimum doorway width of 32” allows for easy access, but wider doorways (36” +) provide even greater flexibility. This change can also make your home feel more open, even if you don’t use mobility aids.
Accessible Kitchens and Bathrooms: Adapting your kitchen and bathrooms to universal design standards can greatly improve usability—features like lower countertops, pull-out shelves, and adjustable-height sinks help with ease of use. In bathrooms, install grab bars near toilets and in the bathtub/shower, and use sinks that allow individuals to roll up close with a wheelchair.
Smart Home Technology: Incorporating smart home technology into your design can make your home more accessible to people with a variety of needs. Voice-controlled systems for lights, temperature, doors, and security systems can make it easier for people with limited mobility to control their environment. Additionally, devices such as smart speakers, doorbell cameras, and home automation systems can enhance safety and convenience.
Outdoor Accessibility: Don’t forget about accessibility outside your home. A well-designed ramp, flush door transitions, wider doorways, and smooth walkways are key for individuals with mobility limitations. Additionally, accessible outdoor spaces such as patios with level access and wide pathways can allow people to enjoy nature and socialize without barriers.
Whidbey High Performance Compact, Captured by Anastasiya Homes
In conclusion, universal design is more than just accessibility features—it's a thoughtful, inclusive approach to home design that anticipates evolving needs of every resident and visitor. Whether you are considering simple fixes like lever handles and strobe smoke detectors or more involved solutions like residential elevators, chair lifts, or smart technology, homeowners can create more inclusive and adaptable spaces that are not only safer and more functional but also welcoming of people of all ages and abilities. Whether you're building new or renovating, investing in universal design ensures your home remains comfortable, accessible, and future-ready for years to come.
If you are ready to design a space that adapts to your life, contact us today.