Universal House is composed of “environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” — Ron Mace. “All people” includes the healthy and strong of any class or culture, the aging or frail, and those with temporary or permanent activity limitations or disabilities.
Universal House, Pagedale MO
In Universal House, the user is not required to adapt the home to accommodate any specific needs. For example, specialized folding shower stools and bolt-on metal grab bars have been omitted in favor of built-in seating and well-lit recessed grab bars that are aesthetically integrated into the bathrooms. Universal House brings a sense of universal humanity to the single-family home. In order to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, its design must appeal to a wide range of tastes, while its function must accommodate the diverse needs of any user.
Universal House complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). In a conventional ADA-compliant home, assistive elements such as exposed metal grab bars, removable base cabinets, and collapsible shower stools can appear institutional and may visually distinguish the users who require them. In Universal House, these assistive elements are instead integrated into the aesthetics of the space and enhanced as useful, ergonomic features that benefit all users. Furthermore, most frequently used architectural elements are located within 48 inches above the finished floor, improving accessibility, comfort, and ease of use. Through this approach, physical effort associated with everyday activities is reduced, while a greater sense of serenity and comfort is created for all occupants. Universal House is conceived as a space for life—expressed through the potential of function, the character of place, and the nature of material.
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2004
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N/A
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2,000 SF
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Competition
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SITEFORMA
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Matthew Finn
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N/A
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SITEFORMA
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N/A
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N/A
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