National Design Competition

National Design
Competition
RE-DEFINING HOME
HOME TODAY, HOME TOMORROW
Using the Principles of Universal Design
www.HomeMattersAmerica.com/design

Description
This safe, comfortable home includes 5-foot turning radius built into tight areas. Cabinetry and
electrical switches accommodate residents, whether sitting or standing. D-shaped and lever hardware
ease door and faucet access; dimmer and rocker switches adjust lighting as needed. The attractive side
ramp guarantees outdoor access for any physical condition.
www.DesignForALifespan.com jeanette@DesignForALifespan.com 480-695-1360

How the Concept Responds to the
Competition’s Priorities
The great room maximizes natural light, versatility, and accommodates multiple family activities. No-
step access means pets and anyone on wheels (strollers to wheel chairs) has safe access to the outdoors.
Replicable features like removable cabinets, 9-inch toe kicks, a reinforced wall with back to back
plumbing, and variable height countertops fit seamlessly in the current construction and minimize the
costs of future changes.
We incorporated vinyl, waterproof, pet-proof, and eco-friendly planks for flooring. GCOS re-cycled
glass countertops, LED lighting, and energy efficient windows. Most materials are available at Home
Depot.
Residents control maintenance costs with low-energy appliances and updated HVAC.

Using the Seven Principles of Universal Design
One of the first things you'll notice as you walk up to the front of the home is that the porch is covered,
it is level, the front door has no threshold with a 36-inch wide door for easy entry. This design allows
for all family members to easily access the front porch so they may enjoy the pleasant outdoors and
interact with family, friends and neighbors. If someone is unable to climb the steps to the front porch
there is a beautifully designed ramp walkway located next to the carport that leads to the no threshold
back entrance.
As you walk through the front entrance you will be greeted by a new roomy great room that includes a
well-appointed new kitchen, dining room, work area and laundry. Gone are the walls that prohibited
easy movement and easy interaction with family and friends. (clear circulation paths throughout home
& outside)
The 2-person kitchen was designed for multi-generational use. You will notice the upper cabinets have
been lowered for easy access and we included undercounter lighting to safety see and work kitchen
equipment. We have included 9-inch kicks base cabinets which allow a person using a mobile devise to
participate in the activities. There is plenty of clear floor space in front of all appliances and sink and
laundry area. At the kitchen sink the cabinet is removable. We have flooring underneath it in case it
needs to be done. This will allow for a seated person to use the sink. The sink cabinet can be removed
in the future should a seat person needs it; we have extended the flooring under it. We have lowered the
microwave and raised the dishwasher;

7 Principles Continued
they are ergonomically correct and require low physical effort along with the French-door refrigerator
that is easy to open and reach into. The kitchen range knobs are to the front easy to see and easy to use.
There is a 30”countertop that will allow someone who is seated or a small child to use easily. We have
included pull-out shelves in the cabinets, a touch faucet and D-shaped hardware at the cabinets theses
allow for simple and intuitive use.
As we walk down the hall you will notice that we have included a 5-foot turning radius as well as in
the hall bathroom. For easy access the hall bathroom (master bedroom too) has a 36-inch door, a
curbless shower and a comfort height toilet. Flexibility in use will be found next to the toilet that
allows plenty of room for a caregiver if needed if needed in the future. An off-set shower on-off value
at 48” aff. We have reinforced both bathroom walls for future grab bar use. The master bedroom
features a 26’ door. The master bathroom is small so we included a walk-in tub; it is accessible &easy
to use. Both bathrooms featured lever handled faucets. Bathrooms feature outlets at toilet area for
night light for safety and the use of a washlet at toilet.
Other features we have incorporated and that speak to some or all the 7 principles are,
We have lowered the light switches and thermostats and bathroom shower valve 48”, raised the outlets
to 18’ aff to allow easy access. Lever handled door hardware. Increased lighting, use of dimmer &
rocker light switches throughout the home. Non-glare, non-slip flooring with cork underlining
(safety). The use of color interior and exterior to differentiate between flooring, walls, doors, trim,
cabinets, steps walkways, ramps and grounds.

Original Floor Plan

Demo Plan

Redesign Floor Plan

Exterior Elevations

Kitchen Elevations

Electrical Plan

Redesign Kitchen Rendering

Redesign Kitchen Rending

Exterior Ramp

Before Photos

Acknowledgement
I did not do this alone! Many thanks to the following for your help and support,
we make a great team:
• Bill McCourt for the beautiful renderings. You may reach him at
bill@bluebananarendering.com.
• Beth Gonzales for AutoCAD drawings and design development of the home.
You may reach her at bethm559@gmail.com.
• Nancy Tossell, copywriter. You may reach her at nancytossell@cox.net.
• Gretchen Palmer, contractor - for filling in the construction gaps. You may
reach her at gpalmer@phgdevelopment.com
• About me (Jeanette Knudsen): I’m on a mission to help homeowners remain in
their homes. Our bodies change as we journey through our life, from
childhood to senior-hood, however our homes stay the same. I redesign homes
so they adapt to us – no matter what life throws at us. Home remains “home”.

National Design Competition

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