Selected books, reports and guidelines on Universal Design.

A new design guide provides state-of-the-art advice and guidance for architects, designers, builders and others involved in building and developing inclusive domestic environments

In progress! 

Here is a one stop resource for people who are facing the task of making life easier for those who are dealing with access challenges. Desiree and I aim to provide you with no-nonsense tips and advice based on our research and the day to day experiences. We will document the challenges and resolutions we experience during our journey adjusting to an access limited lifestyle.

This year's project is created with Universal Design principles—the concept of designing a more functional, comfortable home for you and your family throughout the many stages of life.

http://www.cookinglight.com/cooking/hl/attitudes/article/0,13803,1721413,00.html

AARP is offering public tours of the Andrus House to provide builders, architects and DC residents with concrete examples of how to use universal design features to make a home suitable for all residents—young and old. The tour will highlight a range of ways, some inexpensive and easy and some more complex, to update homes and better accommodate everyone. Incorporating just one or two features could make a real difference. For more information on Andrus House features, schedule a tour or stop by for a visit.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has
invested in an important multi-faceted community wide development
initiative, the Universal Design Home Project, in partnership
with AARP and
the Center for Universal Design at NC State University.

http://www.aipathome.com/crdashowcase/index.html

Salmen says, “Some people do not understand people’s range of abilities and how an environment may limit them. 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.

Smart Houses are more liveable, safe, secure, environmentally friendly
and cost-efficient. They will be instrumental in helping realise the
State Government’s objective to provide Queenslanders with access to
safe, secure and appropriate housing in sustainable communities.

http://www.build.qld.gov.au/smart_housing/example/springfield.asp

The Coomera property demonstrates how easily Smart Housing principles can be adopted in construction of a new home. The owner of this property was keen to construct a home to suit all a range of potential buyers by satisfying the needs of singles, couples, families, the elderly and people with disabilities.

http://www.build.qld.gov.au/smart_housing/example/coomera.asp 

The architects, The TVS Partnership have designed the home with Hervey Bay's sub-tropical coastal climate and high humidity in mind. The design is responsive to the hot summer, mild winter, definite dry season and distinct seasonal temperature variation.  The house received a 5 star BERS rating when the architect did the analysis house.

The Research House project investigates building ‘smarter’ and more ‘environmentally responsive’ homes. It brings together new and innovative design concepts, technologies and products and tests them in a single living environment to improve housing for Queenslanders.

http://www.build.qld.gov.au/research/research08.asp

Virtual tour