This award winning universal design home comes to us courtesy of the Livable Communities Awards. Located in Pasadena, CA and designed by Jeannine Clark of Mannigan Design, Inc., winner of the award in the Major Space Remodel category. This single level condo, owned by a senior couple, runs a little over 1,400 square feet. The owners wanted the home to adapt to them as their needs change for aging in place.
This home remodel was designed with the idea of “accessibility for all”, according to Jeannine Clark. You don’t see most of the accessible features.
For example, the interior and main exterior doorways were widened. And, the front porch area was raised to be flush with the entrance, creating a no-threshold entrance. There are paddle light switches throughout the house and a thermostat that is easy-to-read. In the kitchen there is plenty of open space. The sink area has a touch control faucet and a removable base and cabinet face (for wheelchair access later if needed). It also has a dishwasher drawer and a rolling island. In the laundry area there are raised, front-loading washer and dryer. The master bathroom has a roll-under sink, added closet space and a curbless shower. The bathroom also has plywood backing board throughout, so grab bars can be installed wherever needed, when they are needed. The master bedroom boasts a closet with a pull-down closet rod.
This universal design home is a great example of seniors using home remodeling to create a home accessible for life.
