about your house - erinoakkids · 2017. 9. 27. · your ability to move around the kitchen while...

People are demandingfunctionality, usability andflexibility in kitchen design so their kitchens work forthemselves and their families.The core Universal Design*concept meets those demands bydesigning to meet the needs ofall users. It is being incorporatedinto many aspects of kitchendesign including appliances,cabinets, lighting and flooring.

Also gaining in popularity is the concept of “aging in place.”By providing appropriate designfeatures and incorporatingflexibility and adaptability intokitchen design, the life andusability of a kitchen increasesand families and couples areable to stay in their homes andneighbourhoods as they growand age.

Universal Design

People who inhabit and visitthe houses and homes we livein come in all shapes and sizes,

ranging from infants to seniors,with various ever-changingabilities and skills. As we growup, grow old and welcome new people to our homes, ourhousing needs change. A houseor dwelling that is designedand constructed to reflect the principles of Universal Design will be safer and moreaccommodating to the diverserange of ages and abilities ofpeople, who live in and visitthese homes.

Designconsiderationsfor a UniversalDesign KitchenA Universal Design Kitchen iscomfortable and safe for allfamily members. It considersall the design elements of akitchen: location in the house;location of appliances andworkspaces; floor, wall andcounter surfaces; types oflighting; ways to reduce noise;

and, overall use of colour andspace. Universal Design andFlexHousing™ principles alsoencourage flexibility, adaptabilityand efficiency of effort.

A Universal Design kitchenconsiders:

■ Efficient design ■ Efficiency of effort■ Adaptability■ Ease of cleaning■ Audibility ■ Safety

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Access ible Hous ing by Des ign—Kitchens

CE 63e

Figure 1 Multi-height countersPhoto by Collinda Joseph

*Refer to the Principles of Universal Design on page 10.

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Access ib le Housing by Design—Kitchens

Efficient design Efficient design begins withgeneral planning issues, such as the location of the kitchenwithin the home: Is thekitchen near the primaryentrance? Is it close to thedining area? Is garbage easy to take out?

Traditionally, kitchen designershave focused on a compactwork triangle formed betweenthe sink, stove and refrigerator.

In reality, you must expand the triangle to include all work areas as well as garbagedisposal and a dishwasher. Ifyour ability to move aroundthe kitchen while carryingthings is limited, it is evenmore important to consideradditional elements within the traditional work triangle.

Designing an efficient kitchenalso involves keeping the worktriangle compact. Logical,sequential, routine movementswill define the way you andyour family use the kitchenand help you design a kitchenwith a work triangle that meetsyour needs.

Design for someone who uses a walker or wheelchair allowsmanoeuvring space of 750 x1,200 mm (29.5 x 47 in.) in

front of controls, work areasand appliances. This work area can be part of the overallrequired minimum manoeuvringspace of 1,500 mm2 (59 sq.in.) within the work triangle.

For power wheelchairs orscooters, which have a largerturning radius, the minimummanoeuvring space is 1,800 mm2 (71 sq. in.).

A U-shaped kitchen may bethe most convenient layout forone or two people working ina kitchen, but having a workarea that is accessible fromoutside the “U” is also advisable.

A galley-style kitchen requires less space and provides people with more than one entry and exit point. However, a galley-style kitchen usually limits aperson using a wheelchair to a side approach to countersand appliances and does notprovide enough turning space.

Figure 2 U-shaped kitchenDiagram by Bob Topping

2 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Designing an efficient kitchenthat maximizes independenceand convenience is thecornerstone of good design.

Universal Design encouragesdesigning to meet the needs of all users, including childrenand people with activitylimitations or disabilities.

Meeting your needsOne of the goals of UniversalDesign is to maximize theusability of environments.

Successfully designing auniversally accessible kitchenstarts with knowing who willuse the kitchen and how theywill use it.

Are you a gourmet cook? Do you simply microwaveprepared food? Do you have a disability that affects the way you prepare food? Arethere two or three cooks inthe kitchen at one time? Does a caregiver do most ofthe cooking? Does the familygather every night in thekitchen with homework andcomputer games taking placenearby? Do you have a childyou want to keep an eye onwhile preparing meals? Theseare important considerationsthat will help you identifyyour kitchen designrequirements.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 3

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An “L” shaped kitchen, withor without an island, providesseveral work surfaces, includingsome outside the primary worktriangle, which can ensure thatpeople can work withoutbumping into each other.

Appropriate size and locationof both garbage bins andrecycle bins in the kitchen isappreciated by everyone andreduces unnecessary clutter.

For people with limited agilityor mobility, a wheeled trolleycan be useful for carrying foodfrom the kitchen to the diningarea.

Also remember to considerwindow height. People shouldbe able to see through themwhen they are sitting and thereshould be easy access to thewindow controls.

Minimal effortDesigning for minimal effort is an important principle of kitchen design and a UniversalDesign concept. Planning forefficiency considers the locationand relationship of all majorelements within the kitchen.

This will result in theplacement of similar or relateditems together in the samelocation within the kitchen.

Emptying the dishwasher is easier if the dishes and glasses are stored nearby. Baking iseasier if baking supplies areclose to a work surface and theoven. Meal cleanup is easier ifthe table is located close to thesink, the dishwasher and thegarbage.

Figure 3 Galley KitchenDiagram by Bob Topping

Figure 4 L-shaped kitchen withan island

Diagram by Bob Topping

An island creates alternate work areas. A sink and an electricoutlet in the island maximize usability and convenience foreveryone.

All kitchens have various routes, some that everyone uses andothers that are only occasionally used. Primary throughwaysshould be designed outside the expanded work triangle.Remember that dishwasher and refrigerators doors may beopen when the family is racing through the kitchen.

It is a good idea to reduce the number of doorways that openinto a kitchen. All doors should have a minimum clear widthof 810 mm (32 in.) and should be designed to maximizemanoeuvring space.

Figure 5 Wheeled trolley withcounter

Photo by Betty Dion

Flexibility and efficiency ofeffort can be achieved throughsuch design considerations asproviding storage options at avariety of heights.

Planning for efficiency ofeffort and ease of useincorporates features such asmore lighting, a place to sitdown to work, a lowerworkstation and organizingand storing materials wherethey can be easily seen andreached.

AdaptabilityAdaptability can be achievedby installing adjustable-heightcounters; buying a refrigeratorwith a left-right-hinged reversibledoor; installing adjustableshelving in cupboards; and,using drawers for storage ratherthan below-counter cabinets.

Easy to cleanWhen making decisions aboutnew appliances, floors andcountertops, remember toconsider surface finishes. Forexample, glass cooktops areeasy to clean; stainless steelappliances show fingerprintsand require specializedcleaning products; and, somecountertop surfaces need yearly

maintenance with a sealer toprotect them from stainingand harbouring bacteria.

Kitchen cleaning productsshould be stored in easy-to-reach locations, preferably indrawers or baskets that slideout so the products can beeasily seen and reached. Iffamily members includechildren, people withAlzheimer’s, people who arevery forgetful or who havedevelopmental disabilities, givecareful thought to the storageand security of these products.

Audibility in thekitchenEveryone appreciates quietappliances. But hearing in thekitchen includes consideringhow people who are hard orhearing or deaf will be alertedto the timer buzzers or smokealarms. Appliances that provideinformation in two differentformats are widely available. SeeCMHC’s About Your House—Accessible Housing by Design—Appliances for moreinformation.

Soft, absorbent surfaces such ascork flooring can reduce noisein the kitchen. Also considercreating a quiet work areaoutside the main kitchen areaas it may be helpful for people


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Figure 6 Pantry with pull-out-shelving

Photo by Betty Dion

Other kitchen designcomponents thatincrease usability:■ Continuous countertops

that allow pots, dishes and so on to slide along;

■ Hands-free faucets;

■ Wall-mounted ovens atcountertop height;

■ Countertopconvection/microwaveovens;

■ Open shelving rather than cupboard doors;

■ Space for use of wheeledtrolleys; and

■ Resilient flooring rather than a hard surface.

with learning disabilities orattention deficit hyperactivitydisorder, and it reduces thebusyness of the kitchen.

SafetySafety considerations in thekitchen deserve the highestconsideration, and as we age,we may find that our abilitiesare not the same as they usedto be. Small rugs or mats inthe kitchen should be avoidedbecause they are a trippinghazard and an obstacle formany people with mobilityimpairments.

There are situations when it issafest to control the use ofappliances in the home. If thisis the case, consider installingan override switch which mustbe activated before using anappliance or outlet in thekitchen. Install the switch

in a place that is inaccessible to those who might be at riskof injuring themselves.

Consider providing wall space in the kitchen for a noticeboard. Although a noticeboard is a useful feature foreveryone, it is of particularbenefit to people whosecognitive ability is changing or who are losing their memory,as reminders and safety notescan be put on the board.

Plan for easy emergency accessto water, a fire extinguisherand gas shut-off valve.

Design elementsof a UniversalKitchenThe major design elements ofa Universal Kitchen are:

■ Countertops

■ Cupboards, drawers andpantries

■ Sinks and cleanup areas

■ Food preparation areas

■ Switches and controls

■ Flooring materials

■ Lighting

CountertopsCountertops are traditionally 920 mm (36 in.) high, but acountertop 860 mm (34 in.) high is more convenient for

children, people who areshorter or people who use a wheelchair. If the person who uses the wheelchair is a child or a shorter person,they may appreciate a counteror work area with counters 740 mm (29 in.) high.

Installing counters at a variety of heights is a universally accessible approach to meeting the needs of people of differentheights and reach abilities, butremember, a traditionaldishwasher requires a minimumcounter height of 920 mm


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Figure 7 Multi-height counterswith contrasting edging

Photo by Mary Jo Peterson

Figure 8 Lowered work areaDiagramby Bob Topping

(36 in.) so the height of thecounter should be carefullyconsidered in that location.Adaptability can also beachieved by installing counterswith electrically adjustableheights, which are availablefrom a number of innovativekitchen designers.

A toe space of 100 mm (6 in.)under the cabinets will enablea person who uses a mobilitydevice to more closely approachthe counter. A high toe spacehas the added benefit of raisingthe height of the bottom shelfin the lower cabinet or drawer,reducing the reach range.

Clear counter space should beprovided beside all majorappliances for food or utensilsas they are taken out of therefrigerator, stove or cupboard.

There should be multiple worksurfaces in the kitchen, at leastone with a minimum size of800 mm (31.5 in.) wide x 600mm (24 in.) deep, at a heightof 730–860 mm (29 in.–34in.), with a minimumfootprint in front of them of 750 x 1200 mm (29.5 x47 in.) to accommodatesomeone who is seated.

People with reduced visionshould avoid countertopsurfaces with busy patterns and many prefer to have a

solid colour that will providesome contrast with theirappliances and dishes. Somepeople select contrasting edgingon the countertop to help inidentifying the edge.

A backsplash in a contrastingcolour can also help peoplewith low vision better identifythe extent and configuration ofthe counters.

Rounded or bull-nose edges on counters increase safety byeliminating the danger of sharpcorners.

Cupboards,drawers andpantriesStoring related things in thesame cupboard where they areeasy to find is appreciated byeveryone but is especiallyimportant for people withlimited mobility or a visualimpairment.

A large pantry with swing-outdoors or large drawers allowsfood and condiments to bestored where they can be easilyreached at a variety of heights.

Upper cupboards should beinstalled with the bottom edge410 mm (16 in.) above thecountertop, instead of themore traditional 460 mm (18 in.), to ensure that thelower shelf is within reach of

someone seated. Cupboardsshould not be installed lowerthan 410 mm (16 in.) abovethe counter, as this reduces the storage space for applianceson the counter.

Upper cupboard systems areavailable that can be electricallyraised or lowered. In addition, there are shelving and racksystems that can be installed inexisting cupboards, whichenable the entire rack to bepulled out and down, increasingthe usability of the uppercupboards for everyone.

Installing lower cabinetdrawers that pull out fully to display their contents foreasy retrieval is an excellentapproach. Another strategy forproviding accessible storage isusing a series of small and large


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Figure 9 Pull-down uppershelves

Photo by Betty Dion

drawers instead of cupboards.Cupboards and drawers shouldhave “D”-type pull handles,which are easier for peoplewith reduced mobility oragility to use.

Touch-and-release drawers and cupboards are universallyaccessible to everyone,including people with limitedhand dexterity. People withreduced vision may prefer tohave handle colours thatcontrast with the backgroundcolour. A contrasting colour for the interior of drawers andcupboards may also increasevisibility for people withlimited vision.

A drawer or shelf that pulls out beneath a wall oven ormicrowave with a side openingdoor can be used as a heat-resistant surface. This reduces

the necessity of carrying hotpans and can provide a placefor hot items to cool beforethey are moved.

These drawers or shelves canprovide an additional worksurface in smaller kitchens.

Pantry cupboards with doorsthat open fully, using 180-degree hinges, allow everyoneto easily see the contents insideand to reach the shelves. Inaddition, internal lighting addsgreater visibility for peoplesearching for items in pantriesand cupboards.

Many people arrange theirspices, cans and food supplies inalphabetical order. People whoare blind or visually impairedoften pre-label their supplieswith Braille or tactile labels.

Household members with foodsensitivities should havededicated pantry and workareas for their preferred foods.

Consider using open-shelfstorage or cupboards with glass doors if someone in thehousehold is experiencingchanges in cognitive ability ormemory loss. The ability to see the contents of the shelvesand cupboards can make thekitchen easier to use for many.

Sinks andcleanup areasTwo sink areas should beconsidered in busy kitchensand in kitchens where there are people working at variousheights.

Locating an accessible sink in a corner location is notrecommended as it restrictsaccess to the surrounding areaand limits the usability of thecounter areas.

When a sink will be used from a seated position, a shallowsink with the drain offset tothe rear is recommended. Thiswill allow sufficient knee spaceand will result in the drainagepipes being out of the way,eliminating the hazard ofsomeone burning their legs.


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Figure 10 Pull-out drawersPhoto by Betty Dion

Figure 11 Pull-out shelfbeneath side opening oven

Photo by Lisa Blanchard

Alternately, the drainage pipescan be insulated rather thanbeing offset.

The visual continuity of the kitchen cupboards can bemaintained with cupboarddoors under the sink. Thedoors can be opened and slidback under the counter to createadequate wheel space. Anaccessible sink should provideknee space clearance—750 mm(29.5 in.) high, 800 mm (32 in.)wide and 600 mm (24 in.)deep—to allow someone usinga wheelchair to wheel underthe sink.

A faucet controlled by a single lever or a motion detector isthe most convenient. A leverfaucet and a pull-out hosewith a spray nozzle providesconvenience for everyone,especially if there is a soapdispenser incorporated into the faucet design.

This provides flexibility and ease of use for all familymembers. It is a good idea to avoid gooseneck faucets asthey can splash excessively.

Food preparationworkstations An accessible workstationintegrated into the design of akitchen is most advantageousfor people who work from aseated position. A workstationwhere someone can preparefood, with easy access toaccessories all in one area, isefficient and convenient. Anaccessible workstation isequally appreciated by a childwho wants to participate inkitchen activities.

The workstation should haveat least one accessible counteror pull-out shelf, accessiblestorage within easy reach, as wellas an electrical outlet and sink.

There should also be tasklighting if this is going to be a primary work area.

Switches andcontrolsElectrical outlets should bewithin the reach of someoneseated and others with alimited reach range, and bestrategically located at thefront of counters. However,careful consideration should be given to locating outlets out of the reach of children, or you could considerinstalling an override switch.

Other controls and switches,including the switch for thevent hood over the cooktop,should be located at a maximumheight of 1,200 mm (47 in.)from the floor.


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Figure 12 Pull-down sprayerfaucet

Photo by Betty Dion

Figure 13 Pull-out work areasPhoto Courtesy of Ball State University

Switches and controls shouldbe easy to operate. Try to avoid controls which require the use of two differentmotions to operate in order to accommodate people whohave the use of only one hand;whether they are wheeling awheelchair, carrying a baby,have only one arm or are using a cane for support.

FlooringmaterialsDurability, ease of cleaning,comfort and a safe, non-slipsurface are some of the primeconsiderations when selectingflooring. Slip resistance forfloors should be assessed whenthey are both dry and wet.

Avoid marble or waxed floorsas they are slippery, especiallywhen wet. Cork provides aninteresting alternative as it isresilient, comfortable and easy

to wheel on. Vinyl flooring isavailable in sheets or tiles and is low maintenance,however, it must be installedon a plywood surface, and as a result, there will be someemissions from the glue, vinyl and plywood. Low-emission glues are nowavailable. A ceramic tile floor is a harder surface, but it is easy to clean and to wheel on.

If someone in your house isprone to dropping things, orfalling, be sure to choose aresilient flooring material, suchas cushioned vinyl or cork.

Whatever type of flooringmaterial selected, ensure theflooring is installed so that it is level with adjacentflooring to avoid having a lip or rise where the differentflooring materials meet.

LightingAmbient lighting creates aneven level of illuminationthroughout the kitchen.Fluorescent lighting offers the most diffused light andreduces glare. Lighting levelsshould be adjustable,supplemented by task lightingin key work areas and for specificwork stations and islands.

It should be noted that people over the age of 60 typicallyrequire two to three times asmuch light for reading comparedto people 20 years old. Peoplewith visual impairments mayrequire even more light.

Installing lighting inside thepantry and cupboards and tasklighting beneath the uppercabinets will help everyone,but particularly people withlimited vision.

Where possible, take advantageof opportunities to maximizenatural lighting, but be carefulto avoid glare. Glare-freesurface treatments and a softmatt paint finish are preferredby many people with visualimpairments as these finishesreduce glare and complementillumination levels.


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Figure 14 Lower switches andcontrols

Photo by Betty Dion

Figure 15 Under-shelf lightingPhoto by Betty Dion


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GeneralInformationVision Australia—AccessibleDesign for Homes This siteprovides accessible homerecommendations for peoplewho are blind or visuallyimpaired.

www.visionaustralia.org.au/%5Cinfo.aspx?page=724

American Association ofRetired Persons The site hasover 100 articles, which includelinks and checklists withsuggestions on making yourkitchen and home accessible.For more information, find the search box and type in“universal design.”

www.aarp.org/ families/home_design /kitchen

ProductdistributorsBarrier Free Architecturals isNorth America’s largestdistributor of accessibilityproducts, such as moveablecabinets.

www.barrierfree.org/counters_new.php

Universal Design Universal Design is defined as:

“The design of products andenvironments to be usable by all people, to the greatestextent possible, without theneed for adaptation orspecialized design.”The concept is an evolvingdesign philosophy.

Principle 1—Equitable useThis principle focuses onproviding equitable access foreveryone in an integrated anddignified manner. It infers that the design is appealing toeveryone and provides an equallevel of safety for all users.

Principle 2—Flexibility inuse This principle infers that thedesign of the house, home orproduct has been developedconsidering the wide range ofindividual preferences andabilities throughout the lifecycle of the occupants.

Principle 3—Simple andintuitiveThe layout and design of the home and devices shouldbe easy to understand,regardless of the user’sexperience or cognitive ability.This principle requires thatdesign elements be simple and work intuitively.

Principle 4—PerceptibleinformationThe provision of informationusing a combination of differentmodes, whether using visual,audible or tactile methods, will ensure that everyone is able to safely and effectively use the elements of the home.Principle 4 encourages theprovision of informationappealing to all of our senseswhen interacting with ourhome environment, using oursight, hearing and touch.

Principle 5—Tolerance forerrorPrinciple 5 incorporates atolerance for error, minimizingthe potential for unintendedresults. This infers designconsiderations that include fail-safe features and givesthought to how all users maysafely use the space or product.

Principle 6—Low physicaleffortPrinciple 6 deals with limitingthe strength, stamina anddexterity required to accessspaces or use controls andproducts.

Principle 7—Size and spacefor approach and usePrinciple 7 focuses on theamount of room needed toaccess space, equipment andcontrols. This includesdesigning for the appropriatesize and space for all familymembers and visitors to safelyreach, see and operate allelements of the home.


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Glossary ofcommon termsAging in place: the ability toremain in one’s home safely,independently and comfortably,regardless of age, income orability level throughout one’schanging lifetime.

Ambient illumination: theoverall illumination of anenvironment through the use of lamps, overhead light fixtures,sunlight or any previouslyexisting light.

Task lighting: focusable lightingis typically employed to increaseillumination above ambientlevels.

FlexHousing™: is a practicalapproach to designing andbuilding housing that allowsresidents to convert space tomeet their changing needs.

Work triangle: the work triangleconnects the three major workareas of a kitchen: the cleaningarea (sink), the cooking area(range or cooktop) and the coldstorage area (refrigerator).

Adjustable height counters:countertops, sinks, cooktops andcabinets which can be raised orlowered, making them accessibleto people who are seated, or whoare taller or shorter.

Override switch: a lock-outfeature that prevents accidentalactivation or entry into an

appliance. Deactivating the lock-out feature does not itselfactivate the device, it simplyenables the user to take thenormal steps for activation orentry.

Heat-resistant surface: amaterial which strongly resiststhe flow of heat through itselfand is resistant to burning.

180-degree hinges: door hingesthat permit full-door opening by enabling the door to lay flatagainst the adjacent surface.

Resilient flooring: flooring thathas a relatively firm surface, yetcan reshape itself back to itsoriginal surface profile after it iscompressed.

references

WebsitesHousing Zone This site providesinformation on all facets ofhome construction andrenovations, from design ideas to products. You can also findmore information on accessiblekitchens by finding their searchbox and typing in “universaldesign.”

www.housingzone.com/article/CA6333126.html

Schools of DesignVirginia Tech—Center for RealLife Kitchen Design The Centerfor Real Life Kitchen Design is acollaborative effort by VirginiaTech and the kitchen industry,and is made up of five fullyoperational kitchens. Thekitchens illustrate how to designa kitchen to young children, the elderly and the disabled.

www.ahrm.vt.edu/ housing/crlkd/index.htm

Ball State University—FriendlyKitchen The site covers allaspects of universal design in thekitchen, including tips on do’s

and dont’s of designing anaccessible kitchen.

www.bsu.edu/wellcomehome/friendly_kitchen.html

The Ability Centre This siteprovides information anddiagrams on various types of kitchen design, variable height counters, knee space,work surfaces, manoeuvringspace footprints and overallmanoeuvring spacerequirements. On the web site, enter “usable kitchen” in the search bar.

http://www.abilitycenter.org

About Your House


©2007, Canada Mortgage and Housing CorporationPrinted in CanadaProduced by CMHC 05-10-07

Although this information product reflects housing experts’ current knowledge, it is provided for general information purposes only.Any reliance or action taken based on the information, materials and techniques described are the responsibility of the user. Readers are advised to consult appropriate professional resources to determine what is safe and suitable in their particular case. Canada Mortgage andHousing Corporation assumes no responsibility for any consequence arising from use of the information, materials and techniques described.

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Priced PublicationsFlex HousingTM : The Professional’s Guide Order No. 61844Flex HousingTM : Homes that Adapt to Life’s Changes Order No. 60945Healthy HousingTM : Renovation Planner Order No. 60957

Free PublicationsAbout Your House fact sheetsPreventing Falls on Stairs Order No. 63637Accessible Housing by Design-Ramps Order No. 65023Design Options for barrier Free and Adaptable Housing Order No. 63909Measuring the Effort Needed to Climb Access Ramps in a Manual Wheelchair Order No. 63916Evaluation of Optimal Bath Grab Bar Placement for Seniors Order No. 63245

To find more About Your House fact sheets plus a wide variety of informationproducts, visit our website at www.cmhc.ca.You can also reach us by telephone at 1-800-668-2642 or by fax at 1-800-245-9274.

about your house - erinoakkids · 2017. 9. 27. · your ability to move around the kitchen while...

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