How to Make Your Home Accessible to All
Explore the key concepts of accessible design, and how accessibility and style can be merged for impressive results
Accessible design, also referred to as universal design, is an all-encompassing term that calls for non-exclusionary design features for people with disabilities, both physical and mental. However, accessible design is not really renowned for its cutting-edge aesthetic appeal. For decades, many able-bodied homeowners, architects and builders have shied away from designing accessibility features that could potentially detract from a home’s resale value, unless they were absolutely required to due to circumstances.
But it looks as if accessibility and aesthetic design are starting to come together, combining functionality with clean lines, modern touches and elegant materials. Andy Paterson, an architect at McCaren Architecture, asserts that modern architecture can and should approach accessible design in an appealing manner and ‘deal with it in a sensitive, attractive, beautiful way’. He acknowledges: ‘Aesthetic appeal can make it more challenging, but we like challenges.’
Although accessible design does have to follow certain regulations, Andy says that ‘within those requirements, you still have a lot of freedom over physical appearance. You make sure that those things you have to incorporate don’t negatively affect your design. You make it an asset, not a problem.’
With that in mind, below are some key principles that are encompassed in universal design. While every architect designs a home specifically tailored to their client’s needs and disabilities, these principles are a good starting point. More information can be found in the latest version of the Approved Document M, part of the UK’s building regulations, which covers the access and use of buildings. Document M was renewed in 2015, and provides more specific guidelines and emphasises the importance of accessibility to architects, builders and homeowners alike.
Professional advice from:
Graeme Cummings from Cummings Chartered Architect
Andy Paterson from McCaren Architecture
But it looks as if accessibility and aesthetic design are starting to come together, combining functionality with clean lines, modern touches and elegant materials. Andy Paterson, an architect at McCaren Architecture, asserts that modern architecture can and should approach accessible design in an appealing manner and ‘deal with it in a sensitive, attractive, beautiful way’. He acknowledges: ‘Aesthetic appeal can make it more challenging, but we like challenges.’
Although accessible design does have to follow certain regulations, Andy says that ‘within those requirements, you still have a lot of freedom over physical appearance. You make sure that those things you have to incorporate don’t negatively affect your design. You make it an asset, not a problem.’
With that in mind, below are some key principles that are encompassed in universal design. While every architect designs a home specifically tailored to their client’s needs and disabilities, these principles are a good starting point. More information can be found in the latest version of the Approved Document M, part of the UK’s building regulations, which covers the access and use of buildings. Document M was renewed in 2015, and provides more specific guidelines and emphasises the importance of accessibility to architects, builders and homeowners alike.
Professional advice from:
Graeme Cummings from Cummings Chartered Architect
Andy Paterson from McCaren Architecture
Open spaces
Graeme recommends an open-plan design for an accessible home if possible, because ‘there are fewer doors and fewer obstacles’.
How open a space can be depends on a homeowner’s budget and other external factors, but, at the very least, corridors should allow a wheelchair to pass through easily, with obstructions into the hallway kept to a minimum.
See how to make an open-plan design work in any property
Graeme recommends an open-plan design for an accessible home if possible, because ‘there are fewer doors and fewer obstacles’.
How open a space can be depends on a homeowner’s budget and other external factors, but, at the very least, corridors should allow a wheelchair to pass through easily, with obstructions into the hallway kept to a minimum.
See how to make an open-plan design work in any property
Ramps, inside and out
‘If there are changes in levels across a site, you have to accommodate them in some way,’ says Andy Paterson. ‘You use ramps if you can, and lifts if not. You deal with the situation as it presents itself.’
However, he explains that these conditions don’t need to be at the expense of style. ‘The sides, the rails, whether there are walls… it all comes down to design details,’ he says. ‘Even the way the ramp passes through the building and its spaces can be a major part of experiencing those spaces.’
‘If there are changes in levels across a site, you have to accommodate them in some way,’ says Andy Paterson. ‘You use ramps if you can, and lifts if not. You deal with the situation as it presents itself.’
However, he explains that these conditions don’t need to be at the expense of style. ‘The sides, the rails, whether there are walls… it all comes down to design details,’ he says. ‘Even the way the ramp passes through the building and its spaces can be a major part of experiencing those spaces.’
A universally designed ramp should have a non-slip surface, a maximum gradient of 1:12 at 5m, and a width of at least 900mm, according to Document M.
Need a professional to help with your plans? Find local architects and building designers and read reviews from other homeowners.
Need a professional to help with your plans? Find local architects and building designers and read reviews from other homeowners.
Colour contrast between walls and floor
‘A visible contrast between the floor and walls is an important aspect of universal design,’ says Graeme, ‘particularly for those with visual impairments. There needs to be contrast between walls and doors as well.’
A different-coloured skirting board is often enough to address the issue. It doesn’t have to be as bright as this one, although that doesn’t hurt in terms of style points, either!
‘A visible contrast between the floor and walls is an important aspect of universal design,’ says Graeme, ‘particularly for those with visual impairments. There needs to be contrast between walls and doors as well.’
A different-coloured skirting board is often enough to address the issue. It doesn’t have to be as bright as this one, although that doesn’t hurt in terms of style points, either!
Lower worktops and outlets
A home that adheres to the principles of universal design ensures that worktops, outlets and doorknobs are accessible from a sitting position as well. This is particularly important for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen.
According to Document M, a good level for sockets and light switches is between 450mm to 1.2m from the floor.
A home that adheres to the principles of universal design ensures that worktops, outlets and doorknobs are accessible from a sitting position as well. This is particularly important for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen.
According to Document M, a good level for sockets and light switches is between 450mm to 1.2m from the floor.
In this kitchen, a clear space under the sink allows wheelchair users unfettered access. Free spaces under worktops and even cookers are also possible for a more universal design in the kitchen.
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
Easily accessibly drawers
Pull-out drawers at waist level allow everyone easy access to day-to-day necessities, such as bowls and plates.
Pull-out drawers at waist level allow everyone easy access to day-to-day necessities, such as bowls and plates.
A pull-out spice rack like this one is another great way to ensure everyone can be a part of the action in the kitchen.
A ground floor cloakroom
If there isn’t room for a full bathroom on the ground floor, a cloakroom should be made accessible for visitors and residents, Graeme advises.
In a cloakroom (or bathroom), a wall-hung basin unit like this leaves plenty of room underneath to accommodate a wheelchair user while simultaneously looking chic.
Explore 10 ways to give your cloakroom character
If there isn’t room for a full bathroom on the ground floor, a cloakroom should be made accessible for visitors and residents, Graeme advises.
In a cloakroom (or bathroom), a wall-hung basin unit like this leaves plenty of room underneath to accommodate a wheelchair user while simultaneously looking chic.
Explore 10 ways to give your cloakroom character
Seating and handrails in the shower
A handrail in the shower is a good idea no matter what, since showers and bathrooms can get very slippery. The addition of a small bench, like this foldaway design, will lend any shower or wet room a decidedly spa-like feel.
A handrail in the shower is a good idea no matter what, since showers and bathrooms can get very slippery. The addition of a small bench, like this foldaway design, will lend any shower or wet room a decidedly spa-like feel.
This picture shows that a seating area in the shower can be incredibly discreet and elegant if designed in sumptuous materials and made to blend in with the rest of the space. Handrails along the shower walls would provide additional support.
Multitasking yet stylish elements
‘The most important things to keep in mind with accessible design are site, context and materials,’ says Andy. In this image, a stylish copper rail can function as a support rail, a hanging rack, additional storage, or simply as a decorative touch, depending on the requirements of each resident or visitor. The rail is positioned in an unobtrusive way, yet still offers support if it’s needed.
The use of elegant, vibrant and expressive materials is crucial in ensuring universal design is aesthetically pleasing.
‘The most important things to keep in mind with accessible design are site, context and materials,’ says Andy. In this image, a stylish copper rail can function as a support rail, a hanging rack, additional storage, or simply as a decorative touch, depending on the requirements of each resident or visitor. The rail is positioned in an unobtrusive way, yet still offers support if it’s needed.
The use of elegant, vibrant and expressive materials is crucial in ensuring universal design is aesthetically pleasing.
Easy-open doors
Andy advises opting for doors that don’t require much effort to open and are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users. A sliding door like this one is a good option, as it rolls easily and tucks neatly out of the way.
Andy advises opting for doors that don’t require much effort to open and are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users. A sliding door like this one is a good option, as it rolls easily and tucks neatly out of the way.
Provision for a lift
Sometimes a lift may have to be installed. However, good foresight will save homeowners stress later on. ‘You don’t have to put a lift in now, but you can make sure the floor structure is adequate,’ Andy says. ‘That just requires anticipation – it’s not that cost-heavy.’
If a lift has to be installed, it doesn’t have to spell design disaster. In fact, a lift that’s carefully designed to fit its surroundings, such as this one, can look very smart.
Ultimately, a well-designed accessible space can potentially increase a property’s resale value. A flexible home that’s harmonious in its use of materials and adaptable to a wide variety of life situations can only make a property more appealing to a greater number of potential buyers. ‘You should always consider the future uses of a building,’ says Andy.
Tell us…
Have you incorporated any universal design in your home? Share your tips and thoughts on accessibility and design in the Comments.
Sometimes a lift may have to be installed. However, good foresight will save homeowners stress later on. ‘You don’t have to put a lift in now, but you can make sure the floor structure is adequate,’ Andy says. ‘That just requires anticipation – it’s not that cost-heavy.’
If a lift has to be installed, it doesn’t have to spell design disaster. In fact, a lift that’s carefully designed to fit its surroundings, such as this one, can look very smart.
Ultimately, a well-designed accessible space can potentially increase a property’s resale value. A flexible home that’s harmonious in its use of materials and adaptable to a wide variety of life situations can only make a property more appealing to a greater number of potential buyers. ‘You should always consider the future uses of a building,’ says Andy.
Tell us…
Have you incorporated any universal design in your home? Share your tips and thoughts on accessibility and design in the Comments.
Accessible design works before you even enter the house. Graeme Cummings emphasises the importance of having ‘a clear opening with a level threshold’ at the entrance of a home. The doorway and the hallways beyond it should also be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, if necessary.
‘Generally, door width is the most important consideration,’ says Graeme. According to Document M, the minimum clear opening width of an external door has to be 775mm or more.
A canopied entrance is also a good idea, as it protects homeowners and visitors from the elements.