Category Archives: Architecture+Design

Case studies and examples of homes, businesses, and outdoor spaces that utilize universal design in a stylish way.

Orlando Brown House Wheelchair Ramp

When it comes to restoring and modifying historic sites, there is a lot to take into consideration. Improvements need to be done while also keeping the architectural integrity of the building. Making the historic site wheelchair accessible can prove an even bigger challenge. Adding an accessible entrance to the outside without taking away from the site’s character can be difficult. But when done right, a place of history can be made accessible for all while maintaining its historic look. In Frankfort, Kentucky this has been done with the addition of a wheelchair ramp at the Orlando Brown House.

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Rubber Surfaced Wheelchair Ramps by Rubaroc

Image: Rubaroc

Image: Rubaroc

For the most part, wheelchair ramps are made of either wood or concrete. Both of which work just fine and can look great at the same time. But with any material there are some minor drawbacks. Wood is weather susceptible and can warp and crack over time. Concrete is strong but the surface is very hard and is abrasive on skin. Another option is a rubberized surface that is soft, durable, slip resistant, and potentially colorful. One company that does this and has done some stylish wheelchair ramps is Rubaroc.

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Semi Outdoor Roll-In Shower

So periodically I will feature architectural design that isn’t specifically made for universal design, but the space has aspects of accessibility. Many times the space can serve as a design inspiration when making something that is meant to be accessible. That is definitely the case for today’s Architecture+Design feature. This is a semi outdoor roll-in shower by Indonesia based Iwan Sastrawiguna Interior Design.

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The Treehouse Guys Build Wheelchair Accessible Treehouses

Growing up I built my fair share of forts and snow forts to create an imaginary world for myself. One thing though that I really wanted (thanks to Calvin and Hobbes along with Bart Simpson) was a treehouse. Unfortunately the places I grew up in didn’t have a tree where one could be built. So to this day I’m still a little nostalgically envious whenever I see a treehouse. Now the treehouses I’m featuring today are much bigger and nicer than any I could’ve dreamed of as a child. Some are also wheelchair accessible treehouses for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Built by the Treehouse Guys (formally Forver Young Treehouses) they design and build treehouses for children’s camps and communities.

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The Wave House Residential Elevator

When putting in a residential elevator, there’s the decision as to whether make the elevator stand out or be hidden. Usually the choice is hidden and the usual way is behind a wall and having the door blend in. When making the Wave House off the coast of Vancouver, Kliewer Bros. Construction also of Vancouver, decided to go a different way with hiding a residential elevator.

Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen by Studio 512

One of the luxuries of building a new house is that the owner gets to customize it anyway they like. Designing it to fit their lifestyle needs and wants. For people with disabilities, working with the architect and interior designer is important when it comes to function. Being able to live independently in one’s home is essential. Nowadays the kitchen has become the heart of the home where today’s family tends to gather and where socializing happens. Making the room look great is one thing, making it functional and accessible is another. Here we have a cozy loft-like wheelchair accessible kitchen by Studio 512 of Austin, Texas.

Stone Wheelchair Ramp by Schaffer Construction

When designing wheelchair ramps for residential homes, the majority of the time you’ll see wooden or metal ramps. If the threshold height is closer to the ground, then you might be able to move some soil around and make a concrete or masonry ramp. Which can be easier to blend in with the l house because it’s more landscaping than structural construction. A great looking example of this is this stone and brick ramp by Schaffer Construction of Leesburg, Virginia.

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Scott Griffith Lodge | Wheelchair Accessible Vaction Cabin

Despite some lingering snowstorms, springtime is finally starting to dawn upon us. Which means that some places that are known for winter fun vacations such as ski resorts are winding down their busy season. But that doesn’t mean those places will turn people away or have nothing else to do. One popular place many of you have heard of is Breckenridge, Colorado. Whether it be winter or other season, there’s still plenty to do there. If you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible place to stay, then check out the Scott Griffith Lodge.

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