Living in Place: Designing for the Future
The kitchen and bathroom are the most used areas in the home and are often the most widely remodeled. Remodeling these areas can raise the value of a house and allow the user group or homeowner to reflect their style. However, these areas of the home are also considered the most dangerous, typically due to slips and falls, tripping, water and fire hazards, and poor space planning or material selection. The design industry is placing heightened importance on universal and living-in-place design principles. This means designing spaces that function well, regardless of the age or ability of the user. Here are a few principles that can be applied in a kitchen or bathroom remodel:
Blocking is used to support the future installation of heavy objects or fixtures on a wall. It’s generally a piece of dimensional lumber that is placed between the studs in the wall. After this, the wall is drywalled and finished. Blocking is useful for the installation of grab bars and special equipment. The locations and heights of the blocking are recorded in the design drawings so that they can be used in the future.
Proper material selection is crucial when it comes to surfaces in a kitchen or bathroom. For example, tile that is suitable for the walls is not always suitable for the floor. This is because of a number called the Coefficient of Friction (COF). This number determines the suitability of a tile for a specific use. A high COF means a greater slip resistance, meaning less chance of slips and falls. Another good way to prevent falls is to add slip resistant mats, rugs or runners.
Zero-threshold showers are becoming increasingly popular. This type of shower enclosure eliminates any framing or transition piece at the entrance of the shower. This means that the floor tile continues flat into the shower enclosure. While there are some additional design considerations, the safety and accessibility benefits of including a zero-threshold shower in a bathroom remodel make it all worth it. A zero-threshold shower eliminates the tripping hazard that comes with a tub or shower pan and makes the shower easily accessible to anyone who might use it. The zero-threshold principle can also be applied to other areas of the home, such as where two different flooring types meet. Keeping the same flooring throughout adjoining areas can minimize any trip hazards when moving between rooms. If it’s not possible to use the same flooring, a transition strip can be placed between the two flooring types to keep them at the same height and level.
Universal design and living-in-place principles create functional and beautiful spaces for people, regardless of age or ability. The principles covered here are just a small part of the design process when it comes to universal design and are much more effective when used with an experienced team, such as an interior designer, kitchen and bath designer, and various tradespersons. Applying universal design and living-in-place principles in the home ensures functionality and enjoyment of the space for years to come by all who will use it.