“Universal Design” refers to the practice of creating a space that everyone can enjoy: all ages, sizes, and abilities.
Current best design-build practices have evolved far beyond basic, ADA-compliant choices you might find at your local hospital. It does not need to look institutional and one look at our portfolio will illustrate this! While accessibility is a key part of Universal Design, it also includes consideration for ‘aging in place’ and incorporating common-sense design features that benefit everyone.
For example, while Universal Design might show up as grab bars in luxury finishes in the bathroom, it can also manifest as curb-less shower floors that not only enhance accessibility for wheelchairs or walkers, but also simplify cleaning and foster a sense of spaciousness. We often incorporate an outlet by the toilet for future use with a bidet—a helpful feature if you have a shoulder surgery or for anyone who may want a a luxury upgrade to their bathroom. We create spaces that offer flexibility to grow with you.
Why Choose Dana King for Your Universal Design Project?
Our dedication to Universal Design as a foundational element of our design-build process, and our expertise in implementing these principles, sets us apart. Our customers can expect us to always consider the following:
- Accessibility and Ease of Use: We love to incorporate features that make sense for all ages but happen to be especially helpful for anyone with challenges the life throws at you. For example, a lever handle instead of a round doorknob not only helps those with dexterity limitations, but it’s also handy if you’re committed to the challenge of bringing in all your grocery bags from the car in one trip.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Who says accessibility has to look institutional? Grab bars in the shower are a safety feature that will help you age in place, but they now come in many finishes & styles that blend beautifully with the latest plumbing fixtures. If there is a design-friendly safety feature, we know about it, and will probably recommend it!
- Sense of Space: Expanding usable space or widening walkways to accommodate people of all sizes has an added benefit of bringing a sense of openness and welcome.
- Safety and Comfort: Without exception, our clients always want a home that feels comfortable. Features that reduce risk of accidents naturally bring a sense of ease and comfort. For example, having at least one stair-free entrance reduces the risk of falling and is also great for bringing heavy things into a home on wheels. Cooktop controls that aren’t easily bumped or turned on reduce the risk of an accidental burn.
- Aging in Place: We understand the importance of enabling individuals to age gracefully in their homes. In the greater St. Louis area, our population is living longer each year. We want remodels done right, and principles of Universal Design support this goal, so you can live better at home for longer.
Living better at home in a beautifully renovated space could anticipate current and future needs, and that’s our basic approach to Universal Design at Dana King Design-Build Remodeling. Life can throw a lot at us: recovery from accidents or surgeries, changing family sizes, or limitations that come from age. But none of those should mean you have to leave your home. Our respected and experienced design-build team starts with Universal Design in mind, so living better—and longer—at home is not an afterthought.
