SubscribeSummit Carriage Homes expresses the Universal Design/Green convergence this way:
Many organizations and studies, including the National Association of Homebuilders, have identified two complementary trends in housing for boomers and active seniors...
Universal design responds to home owners wish to age in place. Features like wide doors, lever door knobs, unobtrusive grab bars, and lower cabinet heights, with potential wheel chair access allow for staying at home even with disabilities. But, universal design goes further, to include easy touch thermostats and excellent lighting, for those normal deficiencies that aging can bring.
Green and sustainable design features the use of healthier interior and exterior materials, sustainable energy and often intersects with concepts of universal design. Benefits include:
- Reduced utility costs
- Conservation of energy and water.
- A healthier and safer home for occupants.
- Reduced harmful greenhouse gas emissions
They go on to look at broader community impacts such as Livability and Visitability:
Chuck Frankel developer and Eco Broker, says: "Green design impacts on both interior and exterior home planning." Accordingly, professionals have been engaged to prepare a report that includes traffic flow, light quality, water drainage, soil and other contamination. "We want to do more than maintain the environment, explains, our goal is to improve it for future residents of Summit and for current and future neighbors."
For their press release:
http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=234103&Itemid=28
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