Architect and Universal Design Consultant John Salmen does not currently have a disability, but he plans to prepare his family for any occasion. This was the impetus behind the design and construction of his universal design home in the quaint D.C. suburb of Takoma Park, Md.

"Understanding people as well as architecture is necessary to create something truly functional," Salmen says. "If you don’t get both parts of the equation right, you’ll probably end up with something that misses the mark."

Starting Small—Accessible Home Model
After a search of almost two years, Salmen located a circa 1910 home for his project. He first created a scale model of the house he plans to call home for the rest of his life. In working on the scale model, he and his wife found accessibility issues they had not planned for. Correcting them on the model saved costs and delays.

Location & Community Key to Universal Design
Rather than seclude himself in a house on a hill, Salmen wanted to take advantage of a community-oriented neighborhood. His property is within walking distance of amenities like groceries, dining, pharmacies and public transportation stops. He sought a community that could support him in the eventuality of a disability—a place where he and his family could become contributing members of the neighborhood. He considers community a key component of universal design.
 
Universal Design = Green
Salmen did not anticipate the green benefits his property would have.

“By selecting a property close to my office and all our needs, my wife and I are now down to one car," he says. "We only put 5,000 miles a year on it, which includes our vacation travel. Our community is also part of an urban forest; I’ve added four trees to the property and a small garden too.”

Access Features
Salmen says a key component in universal design is an accessible route. In order to get elevations and entry levels right, the basement level was lowered by two feet. This created a five percent accessible grade from the street to the entry.

Once inside, all three levels of the home are connected by a glass elevator, which is adjacent to the main stairwell. The glass elevator and windows in the elevator shaft give an open feel to the house, letting more light in. The elevator is also equipped with a phone should an emergency arise.

Bathrooms in the home feature walk-in/roll-in showers. Grab bars have been incorporated into the design, blending in rather than sticking out. Sinks in bathrooms and the kitchen accommodate users of varying heights, from seated to standing. Light switches and other controls have all been placed at between 24 and 40 inches; Salmen finds this to be the truly accessible reach range.

Advice
“Some people do not understand people’s range of abilities and how an environment may limit them," Salmen says. "Insensitivity to disability issues is a great liability. Understanding people as well as architecture is necessary to create something truly functional. If you don’t get both parts of the equation right, you’ll probably end up with something that misses the mark.

“Keep your eye on the goal and follow your dream. Do not let contractors talk you out of what you need and don’t settle for their mistakes. Watch them diligently.

Leading causes of home accidents are slips and falls. Because of this, I have no thresholds in doorways, as they present a trip hazard. The renovation plans called for this, but my contractors did not fully understand it. Due to their mistakes, I had to have them redo a whole porch—at their cost.”

See Related Articles
Planning on remodeling your home for increased accessibility?  If so, see Accessible Home Remodeling? Check the Contract Carefully.

To learn more about financing your accessible home or remodels, see Financing an Accessible Home: How to Retrofit and Stay Within Your Budget.