Subscribeby by Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
Privacy
For the first time since my injury I can close the door in our home when I use the toilet. All toilets seats are 17 ½" from the floor. The 2 1/2 bathrooms were sized to accommodate wheelchairs with pocket doors, privacy panels and telescopic doors to ensure that the occupants have adequate space for any size wheelchair.
My husband and I each have a home office at opposite ends of the house. Mark's office was built with a sound damping drywall and recycled cellulose wall and ceiling insulation to keep his conversations private. Both of our offices have art glass doors to ensure a quieter day.
The home design considerations for me have not had a negative impact on Mark. Our home is usable and inclusive to people of various sizes and abilities. That's the beauty of universal design!
Doing the Impossible Takes a Lot More Time
Mark and I approached this project with a passion and dedication that has been with us since the idea was initiated. We have learned to persevere in spite of adversity and setbacks. We have met amazing people who have championed our cause and helped us along the way. By putting a team of architects, designers, marketing experts, public relations specialists, lawyers, manufacturer representatives, and construction managers together, we learned the importance of pre-planning and getting advice from a variety of people. As we look back and see the immense challenges we faced and financial investment we made, we turn our attention to the project's mission. Our home serves as a catalyst for change in the building and design industry. We are hopeful that our home makes a significant positive difference in people's lives and gives others hope.
Notes: Selected Products Used at the Universal Design Living Laboratory
Adhesives - Henkel www.henkelna.com/index.htm
Art Glass Doors - ODL www.odl.com
Cabinetry - KraftMaid www.kraftmaid.com
The cabinetry in the UDLL was contributed by KraftMaid. We selected their Passport series because of the 9" X 6" toekick. All cabinents were standard sizes and it was easy to have the kitchen cabinets made so there were multiple heights of countertops. Features include: full extension drawers in the wall cabinets and center island; large under counter drawers for dishes, pots and pans; pull out spice racks; pull out pantry cabinet; floor to ceiling narrow pantry shelves; pull out closest organizer for cleaning supplies/products; rolling cart for food preparation and serving.
Cellulose Insulation - Nu-Wool www.nuwool.com/
Central Vacuum System - Vacuflo www.vacuflo.com/
Closet Storage System - ClosetMaid www.closetmaid.com
Drywall - National Gypsum www.nationalgypsum.com
Elevator - Garaventa Lift www.garaventalift.com
A Garaventa Lift,model Elvoron HR residential elevator, 42" wide X 60" deep, three stop elevator with automated clear acrylic accordion car gates; roped/hydraulic drive. This elevator was sized to hold a person using a power wheelchair or scooter and boxes. It is quiet and has self closing car gates allowing total independence to get from floor to floor. There is ample room to turn my manual wheelchair in a circle in the cab, as well as room for boxes that I transport with me.
Hardwood Flooring - Mannington www.mannington.com
Heating & Air Conditioning - Lennox www.lennox.com
Ironing Board System - Iron-a-Way www.ironaway.com
Landscape Pavers - Reading Rock www.readingrock.com
Microwave, Ventilation Hood - Thermador www.thermador.com/
Oven, Cooktop, In-counter Steamer/Pasta Cooker - Gaggenau www.gaggenau.com/us/
Paint - Sherwin-Williams www.sherwin-williams.com
Refrigerator & Dishwasher - KitchenAid www.kitchenaid.com
Silestone Countertops - Cosentino www.cosentinousa.com
Sinks, Shower Module, Toilets & Faucets - Kohler www.kohler.com
All plumbing fixtures including: toilets, sinks, faucets, and the step free shower stall at the UDLL were contributed by Kohler. The toilets are Comfort height providing an easy transfer and using only about a gallon of water. The sinks are stylish and allow me access for my knees. The hand held shower nozzle is light weight, and conserves water , yet is powerful in delivering water where you need it. The Freewill barrier-free shower stall was complete with the fold down shower bench, hand held shower nozzle and grab bars.
Stains - Gemini Coatings www.gemini-coatings.com
Tile Flooring - Florida Tile www.floridatile.com
Washer and Dryer - Whirlpool www.whirlpool.com/
Windows & Patio Doors - Marvin Windows and Doors www.marvin.com
Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. is an internationally known speaker, trainer, consultant, and author. To contact Rosemarie and learn about her speaking services, go to: www.RosemarieSpeaks.com To learn more about her national demonstration universal design home, the Universal Design Living Laboratory, go to: www.UDLL.com
Copyright by Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. 2013