
I work with many people who are looking to downsize to one-level living where they can continue to live as they age and don’t have to worry about steps. One-level townhomes are becoming more and more common, but one thing they often don’t have is no-step entry. The townhome above got it right. No one needs to navigate any stairs to get into this home… from the street to the garage to the front door to the interior of the home. In the interior, all thresholds are flush with the floor to make it easier for a wheelchair to get through a doorway, and also keep others from tripping.
But universal design is more than just design for aging in place. It is that… and also much more than that. Features such as non-slip floors and bathtubs, good lighting, and lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength but handy for everyone, especially when your hands are full!
Universal design is good design for all ages and physical abilities… it truly is universal.
Below are the basics of universal design from Gene Nicolleli, a local architect who is also a Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH) certified by the National Association of Home Builders 50+ Housing Council… and winner of the 2012 Gold Achievement Award – Best Detached Home on the Boards.

1. ENTERING HOME
- Outdoor ramp with gradual incline integrated into exterior home design
- Covered porch providing protection from the elements
- 42 inch wide entry door with a half inch beveled door threshold
- Five by five foot open area at either side of the entry door
2. GENERAL FLOOR PLAN
- Single floor living
- All hallways are 48 inches wide
- All interior doors and passageways accessing a major room are 36 inches wide
- All interior doors called out to have levered handles
- Optional basement – Stair risers are 6 1/2″ high for easier stepping and stair width is 3′-6″ to enable a future straight rail stairlift
3. MASTER BATH
- One lavatory sink countertop lowered and open underneath for assisted mobility
- Large curbless walk-in shower
- Glass shower enclosure can be removed and replaced with a curtain rod for easier transfer to a shower seat
- Soaking tub set into a platform allowing one to sit and rotate into the tub vs. stepping into the tub
- Comfort height toilet seats (17 inches vs. standard 15 inches)
- Structural backing called out on drawings for future grab bar locations
4. KITCHEN
- Built-in oven at countertop height for easier food transfer
- Microwave oven located in built-in lower cabinet for easier food transfer
- Sink and cooktop can be retrofitted to be open underneath for assisted mobility
- Roll-out shelves in pantry and lower cabinets
- All cabinet hardware called out is easy-to-grip handles
5. GARAGE
- Garage large enough to accomodate accessible ramp
- Garage ceiling height allows for retrofitting to a 9 foot height garage door for accessible van with a higher than normal cab
…from Aging in Place House Plans by Gene Nicolelli
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – Email– Baby Boomer Realtor
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