Universal Design Features

The following Universal Design features are included in the Baldwin residence:

• Wider clearances in kitchen (5’ wide)
• Loop handles on all cupboards (easy to open with closed fist)
• Pull-out drawers in cupboards and pantry
• Most kitchen storage in base cabinets, in drawers and pull-out shelves
• Lower oven with racks lining up with counter top (& controls at 4’-0” A.F.F.)
• Accessible microwave, on countertop
• Induction cook top (electro-magnetic):
  • Smooth surface for easy movement of pots and pans
  • Surface does not get too hot (safe for children, the elderly, etc.)
• Veggie sink adjacent to cook top, with pull-out spray for filling pots with water

• “Floating” vanities in all bathrooms, supported by in-wall bracket system:
  • Roll-away base cabinets on locking casters allow option for extra storage
• TOTO Washlet bidet seats on toilets, with outlets near rear of all toilets
• Lights over all showers
• Curbless showers, with offset controls for caregivers
• Hand-held showers on adjustable rods
• Blocking in all bathroom walls for future grab bars
• Lowered thermostats throughout the house, with large numbers for easy viewing

• Level paths from both street and alley
• Stepless entries at all exterior doors:
  • Good for wheelchairs, walkers, canes, strollers and unsteady legs
• Lever handles on all doors:
  • Easy to open with closed fist, or while holding key, bags or children
• Fold-down package shelf at front door (This is handy when carrying bags)
• 3’-0” wide doors throughout (with maneuvering space beside most doors)

• Open plan layout for:
  • enhanced maneuverability and communication
  • reduced hallway lengths
• Wide hallways (42” wide and 52” wide at the two short halls that were included.)
• Low pile carpeting, with no loose carpets (to reduce tripping hazards)
• Radiant floor heating:
  • Avoids obstacles, reduces burns, good for allergies and nice even heat
• Short runs of stairs (wrapping around elevator) to reduce injuries from falls:
  • This is good for everyone, especially toddlers and elderly persons

• Structure sized to allow future room to infill open space above dining room:
• Allows future flexibility
• Stacking closets, for future elevator:
  • Walls framed and wired per manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Floor structure of closets is removable, independent from the rest of floor
  • Elevator pit built into foundation