Universal Design Makes Home Accessible

This Houzz home tour is about beautiful design that also addresses the mobility needs of all the family members — two of whom are wheelchair users. It offers more space for wheelchairs, easier access to appliances and a curbless shower that fits this Seattle family’s needs.

Karen Braitmayer and her husband needed more square footage and were resigned to building a second story before connecting with an architect who understood structural modifications and was able to provide more livability and accessibility in the same 1,830 sq.ft. footprint. The architect knew that “Adding a second story would have ruined the architectural character of the home and required multiple elevator trips a day.”

Universal Design Features

• Curbless transitions make going into the exterior living spaces and bathroom easy.
• Pedestal table in kitchen allows for maximum knee space and seating configurations.
• A built-in, pullout tabletop is ideal for kitchen appliances, baking bowls and prep items.
• A side-opening oven door mounted at just the right height makes things easier to reach.
• Faucet placed on side of shallow sink with knee space under.
• The Miele dishwasher allows for front access, one-hand operation, and controls that require minimum pressure and “squeeze” to operate.
• Cabinet pulls, wood flooring, and dropped can lights complement the other universal design features.
• Storage cabinet converts into a flexible workstation and reading area.