Overview

The home will be an approximately 3,500 square foot ranch-style home designed by Patrick Manley of Manley Architecture Group. The kitchen and bath have been designed by Mary Jo Peterson of Mary Jo Peterson, Inc.

The home incorporates unobtrusive universal design, resource and energy efficient “green building” methods, advanced automation technology, a healthy home construction approach, and the design principles of feng shui. The finest craftsmanship and state-of-the-art products and services will be incorporated. Construction is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2009 and end in the Summer of 2010.

Here are some of the universal design features that will be incorporated in the Universal Design Living Laboratory.

• Step-free entrance (a gradual, level grade; no conspicuous ramps)
• All doors without thresholds that are wide enough for a wheelchair or walker (36”)
• Wider hallways (46 “)
• Lever handles on doors and faucets
• Various heights of kitchen counters
• Full extension drawers and shelves in kitchen base cabinets
• Cooktop set into a counter with open knee space
• Side hinged microwave and oven doors at countertop height
• Side by side refrigerator
• Casement windows
• An elevator to the basement
• Lower rocker style light switches (36” above the floor)
• Higher electrical outlets (25” above the floor)
• Large bathroom with decorative grab bars
• Wood, non-slip tile and a dense weave, low pile (< ½”) carpet floors
• Large bathtubs with plenty of grab bars
• Curbless roll in showers with plenty of grab bars
• Slide bar for shower head
• Hand-held, flexible shower fixture
• 17-19” high toilet seats
• Adjustable hanging closet rods and shelves
• Front loading washer and dryer
• Open knee space under all sinks

By incorporating universal design features into a home, your life and the lives of others who live with you on a permanent or temporary basis, will be improved.