Preiser W., Smith K.H. Universal Design Handbook
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25.8 PUBLIC SPACES, PRIVATE SPACES, PRODUCTS, AND TECHNOLOGIES
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n.d. Accessed Nov. 19, 2008.
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Lamb, C., Housing Segregation in Suburban America since 1960: Presidential and Judicial Politics, Cambridge,
U.K.: Cambridge University Press, 2005.
Maisel, J., E. Smith, and E. Steinfeld, “Increasing Home Access: Designing for Visitability,” Washington: AARP
Public Policy Institute, August 2008.
Norman, D. A., The Design of Future Things, New York: Basic Books, 2007.
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Steinfeld, E., and J. White, Inclusive Housing: A Pattern Book, New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2010.
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_2000wts/ahs01_2000wts.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2007.
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www.census.gov/ipc/www/usinterimproj/. Accessed Jan. 12, 2008.
Williams, B., K. Smith, and J. Webb, “Redefining Policy and Practice,” in Just Below the Line: Disability,
Housing, Equity in the South, K. Smith, J. Webb, and B. Williams (eds.), Fayetteville: University of Arkansas
Press, forthcoming.
25.8 RESOURCES
AARP Public Policy Report on Visitability: http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/accessibility/2008_
14_access.html
Concrete Change: http://www.concretechange.org
IDEA Center: http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea
CHAPTER 26
A HOME FOR THE NEXT 50
YEARS: REMODELING FOR
AGING BABY BOOMERS
DEMONSTRATES UNIVERSAL
DESIGN IN ARTS AND CRAFTS
DETAILING
John P. S. Salmen
26.1 INTRODUCTION
Nearly empty-nesters and approaching age 50 with the rest of the baby boomers, John Salmen and
his wife Ann Scher designed and built the “Home for the Next 50 Years.” They chose to renovate a
Craftsman Bungalow in an historic district, turning it into a universally designed home that preserves
its historic context. They carefully considered the universal design implications of every element and
space while keeping in mind the actual users—their family and friends.
Salmen has spent a lot of time, professionally and personally, thinking about homes and how they
can meet the needs of their residents, as well as his own needs and the needs of his family as they
age. One of the keys to designing homes that meet the needs of people with a variety of abilities is
to design things so that they are flexible. This can mean everything from selecting cabinets with
adjustable-height shelves to designing rooms that can be easily converted to different uses over the
years as needs and families change, for instance, a bedroom that can change into a studio or a living
space.
26.2 AGING IN PLACE
They wanted a house where they could live comfortably and safely now and in the future, but they
also wanted to have it as a place where family and friends could comfortably visit and/or stay. Over
the years they have seen friends and neighbors “age out” of their houses—sometimes it is the over-
whelming yard work, sometimes it is the stairs. Salmen and Scher wanted to control their destinies.
They wanted to have the option of staying in their home and “age in place.”
26.1
26.2 PUBLIC SPACES, PRIVATE SPACES, PRODUCTS, AND TECHNOLOGIES
26.3 A LIVABLE COMMUNITY
As with any real estate–related decision, location was the first and one of the most important consid-
erations. They wanted a house in an established neighborhood, close to community and commercial
services. For them, a neighborhood that supports aging in place includes
• Proximity to critical services, i.e., grocery stores, pharmacy, post office, and bank
• Access to public transportation
• Neighbors who are a “shout away,” who can watch the house while you’re on vacation; who might
check on you when you’re sick; and who might help to shovel the snow off your driveway
• Proximity to amenities such as parks and recreation facilities; safe, walkable, rollable paths and side-
walks; community and social organizations; churches, temples, and synagogues; and restaurants
• A small lot and house in poor condition that would justify a major renovation
After more than two years of searching in Montgomery County, they found a circa 1910 “bungalow
wannabe” in the heart of historic Takoma Park, Maryland. The location was perfect: a cozy neighbor-
hood within walking distance of work, stores, services, and the Washington, D.C., Metro. And the
house was in dismal shape, warranting the planned overhaul.
26.4 THE FEATURES
They were determined to make the home functional for a lifetime, and committed to having it remain
true to its original design so as to fit in with the “historic district” neighborhood. To achieve this, they
wove updated arts and crafts details into their adaptable house.
When the project began, the house was a three-bedroom, one-bath, two-story square with a wet base-
ment that boasted barely 6 ft of headroom. After the reconstruction, the basement had been reclaimed, and
a wing was added on the rear of the house. The historic main entry via two sets of steps and a front porch
were maintained; however, a new main entrance to the house was created via a new doorway at the corner
of the first floor nearest to the driveway and public sidewalk (see Figs. 26.1 and 26.2).
Fundamental to the design was a front entry that had no stairs or level changes. A no-step 36-in.-
wide entry allows a parent pushing a stroller to wheel a sleeping child into the home without waking
him or her up; it allows furniture and large appliances to be more easily moved in and out; and it
allows someone who uses a wheelchair to enter the home independently. The front door opens into
a spacious foyer that allows maneuvering space for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers and plenty of
room to put on coats and change into boots.
The entry is situated less than 2 ft above the grade of the public sidewalk, allowing an accessible route
from the sidewalk. The entry is covered and lit by motion-activated lights. There is an intercom system that
allows for the doorbell to be answered and the front door to be unlocked from any phone in the house.
A raised-bed garden along the entry drive/walk provides an accessible height garden that both
masks and maintains the grade-level change necessitated by the new accessible entry. A GrassPave
driveway provides automobile and rolling access to the rear garage while allowing groundwater to
nourish the property’s trees and plants. The rear entry to the second floor, the main living level, is
directly accessible from the new garage.
Because bathrooms and kitchens have many built-in features and see the highest level of activ-
ity in any house, those rooms pose the biggest design challenges. As people come in all shapes and
sizes, one size does not fill all when it comes to work surfaces and sinks. To accommodate a variety
of users, counters at several heights were included (see Fig. 26.3).
In the kitchen, designed by Jane Langmuir, a Sub-Zero top/bottom refrigerator freezer, in addition
to refrigerator drawers below the counter, was selected instead of a narrow side-by-side refrigerator.
That way, everyone has frozen and cold storage at a height she or he can reach. A wall-mounted oven
was specified, rather than a traditional oven/range, because the side-swing door allows close approach
and is easier on the back of a tall person, while still within the reach of a short or seated person.
FIGURE 26.1 Floor plans of the three levels of the Home for the Next 50 Years show the wing added to the rear of the house and generous circulation spaces throughout.
Long description: The floor plans for the three levels of the Home for the Next 50 Years appear side by side. The first-floor plan shows the reclaimed basement with a two-room attendant suite,
a roll-in shower, and the accessible front door entrance. The second-floor plan shows the historic front porch, an office space in the front room, a bathroom with ample maneuvering space, a
stairwell and adjacent elevator shaft, and a large kitchen and family room at the rear. The third-floor plan includes a fiber studio in the front of the house, an accessible sauna and laundry with a
shower area, and a master bedroom with exterior deck and master bath with roll-in shower.
26.4 PUBLIC SPACES, PRIVATE SPACES, PRODUCTS, AND TECHNOLOGIES
Storage space is at a variety of heights as well. Pullout pantries, shelves and a dishwasher drawer
were selected for their accessibility and versatility. The cabinetry and drawers have “D” wire pulls
and cup pulls, as they are historically accurate and easy to use for aging hands. The drawers and
pullout shelves are on ball bearing suspension arms that are easily opened and closed. Under-counter
rolling carts can move to provide knee and toe space for frontal approach to counters at a variety of
heights. One includes a toaster oven, and it can be moved to be near the eating nook or taken up the
elevator for breakfast in bed (see Fig. 26.4).
The guest bedroom/suite on the first floor of the house has a fully accessible bath connected to both it
and a second guest-bedroom/studio/living area. The suite can accommodate two kids, a visiting family, an
aging parent, or a personal assistant’s apartment. The bathroom’s dual-height lavatory provides accessible
options for standing and seated users, as well as little kids brushing their teeth (see Fig. 26.5).
The open-area shower and adjacent tub with continuous grab bars and movable seat provide
alternative bathing choices for everyone. The dramatic cherry stairwell with craftsman details in the
handrails on both sides, newels, and columns provides grippable surfaces while the adjacent elevator
provides comparable access to all floors for convenience or for those who cannot use stairs or don’t
want to carry groceries up the stairs (see Fig. 26.6).
At the front of the house, on the second floor, is the library/home office which can do double
duty as a dining room. The fully accessible powder room on this floor features a dual-height concrete
FIGURE 26.2 A new main entrance to the house was created
via a new doorway below the front porch at the corner of the
first floor nearest to the driveway and public sidewalk.
Long description: This photo shows a wheelchair traversing the
covered 36-in.-wide doorway entrance into the house. The entrance
features an exterior covered paver landing, a zero-step entrance,
and a top-lit large character raised house number, a full-height
viewing window along side the door, a mailbox, intercom doorbell,
and weatherproof convenience electrical outlet to the right of the
door, within reach of short statured or standing persons.
REMODELING FOR AGING BABY BOOMERS DEMONSTRATES UNIVERSAL DESIGN 26.5
FIGURE 26.5 The guest bathroom features dual-height
accessible lavatories that can accommodate sitting or stand-
ing people or children.
Long description: This photo features side-by-side white
porcelain lavatories, one mounted on top of the counter and
one undermounted, with single lever handle faucets.
FIGURE 26.4 This versatile tea/toaster cart on wheels can
be rolled to the breakfast nook for additional serving space,
or it can be taken upstairs via the elevator for breakfast in
bed. The removable cherry top becomes a serving tray.
Long description: Photo of a table height cart on wheels
that features a shelf with a toaster oven above two pullout
drawers. The cart is stored neatly under a space below the
kitchen counter.
FIGURE 26.3 Jane Langmuir–designed kitchen offers counters and sinks
at a variety of heights, which can accommodate standing children and adults
of different heights as well as seated people.
Long description: This photo shows the kitchen island in the Home for the Next 50
Years. Behind the island are multiheight counters with open shelves and base cabinets
with oversized toe space, all within reach of a sitting person.
26.6 PUBLIC SPACES, PRIVATE SPACES, PRODUCTS, AND TECHNOLOGIES
lavatory/sink with clear floor space for wheelchair frontal approach. The front porch was rebuilt to
eliminate the original 4-in. step at the door to the library.
The third floor has a laundry room with an accessible shower and sauna. A “fiber studio” is in
the front of the house, and the master bedroom and bath, with a roll-in shower with stained concrete
floor and Corian walls that virtually eliminate mold and mildew (see Fig. 26.7). A small accessible
outside balcony provides rain and snow protection for the kitchen entry below, as well as a private
outdoor space and escape in case of fire from the master bedroom.
26.5 CONCLUSION
The number one safety hazard for older people is negotiating level changes within the home—steps
at the entry, stairs between floors, and curbs to step over into the bath or shower. Eliminating level
changes is very difficult in existing homes and almost impossible to do beautifully and without major
compromises, unless there is a major renovation. The result is that most homeowners decide to sell
the house rather than make the changes. One of the most stressful aspects of aging is the need to
relocate because a home is no longer safe or easy to use. When universal design is incorporated into
their design, homes can accommodate the needs of their owners as those needs change over time.
FIGURE 26.6 The cherry stairwell includes craftsman details in the
handrails located on both sides. The newels and columns create a forest
of grippable surfaces while the adjacent elevator with exterior windows
and glass doors provides comparable access to all floors.
Long description: This photo shows the home’s craftsman detailed
interior stairs which are made of cherry and have grippable grooves
along the handrails on both sides. Immediately adjacent to the stair is the
elevator with its contrasting white door with windows.
REMODELING FOR AGING BABY BOOMERS DEMONSTRATES UNIVERSAL DESIGN 26.7
FIGURE 26.7 The curbless master shower features a stained concrete
slab floor that allows a roll-in entry, a handheld shower, and horizontal
white grab bars.
Long description: This photo shows the glass-enclosed roll-in shower
with horizontal white grab bars along three sides and a handheld show-
erhead. The floor is a leather-color stained nonslip concrete.
26.1: UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Universal design is “the process of embedding choice for all people in the things we
design” (Salmen, 2006).
• Choice involves fl exibility and multiple alternative means of use and/or interface.
• People include the full range of people regardless of age, ability, sex, economic
status, etc.
• Things include spaces, products, information systems, and any of the other stuff that
humans manipulate or create.
For instance, a no-threshold, roll-in shower works not only for someone who uses a
wheelchair, but also for a walking person, especially one who is stumbling around late at
night or early in the morning. By the same token, the multiheight kitchen counter system
provides a variety of counter heights to match different people’s preferences as well
as different types of kitchen tasks. For example, kneading bread is easier at the lower
counters, while decorating a cake is easier at one of the higher counters.
26.8 PUBLIC SPACES, PRIVATE SPACES, PRODUCTS, AND TECHNOLOGIES
26.2: FEATURES OF THE HOME FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS
Exterior
• Slope of the drive entry is 1:20 (5 percent).
• Flowerbeds along drive are raised for easy maintenance.
• The covered main entry provides ample maneuvering space and a bench.
• The driveway incorporates a rollable, driveable porous subsurface known as
GrassPave.
• The outside water faucets are submetered to reduce sewage costs and monitor
conservation efforts.
• There is an accessible path between garage and house via wide gradually sloped bridge.
First-Floor
Entry
• The front door features a full-length entry door view window.
• Doorbell includes a built-in speaker phone and security camera to provide visual and
audible surveillance of the entry.
• There is a no-step entry threshold at the front door.
• The automatic door lock is releasable from any of the house phones.
Hallway
• Concrete fl oors are low maintenance and feature easy rollability.
• The elevator is in a public area serving all three levels and includes an emergency
phone.
• All the doors feature lever hardware.
• There are grippable handrails on both sides of staircase.
• The stair tread-to-riser ratio is designed for easy stepping.
• The stair runners create beveled tread nosings, reducing tripping hazard.
• The dimmable, programmable stairwell lights turn on automatically as a user approaches.
Guest Bath
• There is a roll-in, no-threshold shower.
• Dual-height lavatories with single lever faucets are provided.
• The tub/shower features grab bars and an adjustable seat.
• There is a side grab bar at the toilet.
• There is side access to the toilet.
• There is a full-length mirror in the guest bedroom.
• The faucet, shower, sink, and tub hardware can be operated with a “closed fi st.”
• The cabinet and door hardware is also easy to use with a closed fi st.
• The handheld shower has an adjustable rod and pin system so users can choose the
optimum location for standing or seated showers.
• The soaking tub is recessed into fl oor slab to provide an easy wheelchair transfer
height.
• There is clear fl oor space for side access to the tub.
• There is an automatic motion-sensing night light.
• There is a time-delayed automatic shutoff for the exhaust fan.
Guest Bedroom
• There are dual-height closet rods.
• There are accessible routes to both sides of the bed.
REMODELING FOR AGING BABY BOOMERS DEMONSTRATES UNIVERSAL DESIGN 26.9
• There is direct access to the guest bathroom.
• The room features southern light orientation and a view of a year-round bonsai garden.
• The drapery controls are within children’s reach.
• There is a remote-controlled overhead fan.
• The TV features a remote control.
• Simplifi ed lighting controls can be operated from multiple locations in the room
including from the bed.
Sound Studio/Second Guest Bedroom
• There is direct access to guest bathroom.
• Mechanical stub-ins have been installed for future kitchenette.
• There is an integrated whole-house audio/video/data system with accessible hub in
this room with controls in accessible locations throughout the house.
Second Floor
General
• There is a no-step threshold from the interior of the house to the front porch.
• There is a no-step threshold to the rear patio.
• Quarter sawn red oak hardwood fl oors are found throughout the house for easy
maintenance, rollability, and visual contrast.
• Solid hardwood cherry columns, pilasters, and trim in craftsman detailing offer fi nger
grip fl uting and create a forest of vertical elements that darken with age to increase visual
contrast with the fl oors and walls, establishing a clear sense of up and down for aging eyes.
Powder Room
• The bilevel, multipurpose concrete sinks include wheelchair clearance below.
• The modular/removable base cabinets feature oversized toe space.
• The faucet and cabinet hardware are accessible.
• There is an automatic light in the pantry.
• The storage shelves are height-adjustable.
• There is side access to the toilet.
• A stained hardwood towel rail doubles as a grab bar.
Kitchen
• There is a solid hardwood cherry, accessible pedestal-mounted corner nook dining
table and island lunch counter.
• The modular/removable base cabinets feature oversized toe space.
• The solid hardwood cherry grab bar doubles as a towel rail.
• The soapstone counters enhance the visual contrast with utensils and dishes.
• The multiheight countertops offer comfortable heights for different tasks and people,
and they are created by inserting differing height plinths below the counter surface on
top of 32-in.-high base cabinets.
• All appliances and controls are within reach range: dishwasher with dish drawers;
refrigerator drawers and low freezer; wall oven and warming drawer; electric grill
with front control burners; and a front control exhaust fan switch.
• The oversized push-button disposal controls are on the cabinet front.
• Trash/recycle/compost drawers are in a pullout cart that provides seated knee and toe
space at the island.
• Tea/toaster cart has a removable solid hardwood cherry tray top.
• The HVAC and security controls are mounted at a height that allows hand-eye
coordination from a seated position.