Universal design is all about creating accessible spaces for all household members and guests. This includes those who wish to age in place, those with special needs and those who want to adapt their homes to suit both current and future needs. The elements become one with the whole design.
As one of the area’s top providers of bathroom safety upgrades, South Shore Dream Bath works hard to apply these seven principles of universal design in each project we undertake:
1. Fairness to All
We make a point of thinking about the bigger picture before considering the finer details. We want the spaces we create to be equally accessible, equally functional, and equally appealing to all.
2. Flexibility
We encourage clients to make allowances in their design choices for both right-handed and left-handed users: their accuracy, precision, and pace. We carry a generous selection of bathroom accessories that can accommodate people with different capabilities to allow us to cater to all needs.
3. Simplicity
We want to get rid of unnecessary complexity in the use of home fixtures, especially in the bathroom. This is one of the toughest and most important tasks in design! The simpler and more intuitive things are, the easier it becomes to accommodate the widest possible range of users.
4. Information for All
Designs must include clear instructions for the use of household fixtures, especially those with the potential to cause injury to children and the elderly. A good example of this is faucet handles with clear hot/cold markers.
5. Reduction of Hazards
A good home minimizes the risk of harm from accidental or unintended actions. Good design must include fail-safe features that keep people from going on autopilot while doing tasks that require a high level of care and attention.
6. Reduction of Physical Effort and Fatigue
You want all members of your household to be able to use and access all areas of your home comfortably, efficiently and with as little as possible physical effort. Lever door handles and curbless shower enclosures are among the best examples of this.
7. Easy Approach and Use
Size and space matter when it comes to planning for different users’ body size, posture and mobility needs. You’ll see this most clearly in door widths, clearances around kitchen islands and bathroom sink placement and height.
South Shore Dream Bath is a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) and a one day bath remodel specialist. Talk to us about all your bathroom needs! We serve homeowners in South Shore, North Shore, MetroWest, Cape Cod and Greater Boston. Call (781)-733-5405 today to schedule a consultation.