Usable Design

Usable design refers to the act of creating an environment or products that are not only efficient, but also easy-to-use. When talking about usability there are three aspects to consider:

• Learnability: Can users easily learn how to operate the product, and can they remember how to perform tasks when they return to the product the next time?
• 
Consistency: Are product features clearly and consistently labeled?
• 
Efficiency and effectiveness: Can users perform tasks with a minimal amount of effort and achieve their goals successfully?

Accessible Design

Accessible design is a design process in which the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered. It is about creating an environment that allows for independence and safety in day-to-day life. Curb-less showers are an example of this.

Universal Design

Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Grab bars or rollout drawers in the kitchen are popular universal design products.

Accessible Bathroom Remodel is Recognized with a 2015 Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award.

This gorgeous master bath renovation is truly beauty and function all wrapped up in one. The homeowners couldn’t be more thrilled with their bathroom and winning an award was just icing on the cake. The Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards competition was initiated 37 years ago to recognize remodelers, architects, builders, kitchen and bath specialists and other professionals for outstanding project design and construction.

Read more about this award-winning project here –

http://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/575494-sep-2015

http://www.glickmandesignbuild.com/an-accessible-…short-timeline

A fresh, updated look for her master and hall bathrooms and decks was the goal of this home remodel.  The homeowner, a frequent traveler, stays in fabulous hotels and wanted her own home to have the same spa-like luxury that she experiences when she travels.

A few must-haves on the homeowners’ list…a fix for a leaking master bath shower and better master bedroom closet organization.

The scope of work for the project was extensive and included:

Master Bathroom: Removing a fireplace wall, installing a custom closet system and adding built-in drawers.

Laundry room: New cabinets and flooring.

Guest room: A window seat.

Interior and Exterior: New hardwood floors and paint throughout the second floor and new decks and planter outside.

The homeowner was especially excited about the master bathroom that featured a Robern medicine cabinet, an Amba heated towel rack, feature wall with tile, and wall mounted fixtures. Another unique design feature is the bench spanning the glass from the shower into the bathroom. Careful attention needed to be paid to the structural viability of this. Another fun design element was the use of horizontal balusters on the deck rails and screens to incorporate a more updated and modern style.

In the end we were able to create a respite within the home. The homeowner wanted a spa-like environment in her master bath that had bold, yet at the same time restrained statement pieces which were accomplished with the tile feature wall as well as the wall mounted fixtures and shower bench. The hall bath also had modern touches with a white straight-stacked subway tile paired with a gray grout and contemporary fixtures. The home features a modern style throughout so the renovations help tie the entire space together beautifully.

showering and brushing his teeth. In order to accomplish this, the homeowners had a wish list of items that they wanted the exterior renovation and bathroom remodel to accomplish. This included: providing a way for their son to get outside easily from his bedroom which was on the main level of the ranch style home, creating protection from the elements outside when their son was waiting for a ride and easy access to and from the driveway once he’s outside. They also wanted to ensure that the exterior renovations to the home did not detract from the beauty of it. For the bathroom remodel their goals were: a roll-in shower for ease of access with a wheelchair, sink with room for a wheelchair to fit under and plenty of room in the space for him to easily get around.
Added Functionality
Both of the new spaces, the bathroom and the exterior modifications have greatly enhanced the functionality of the home. When the homeowners purchased this ranch home, they knew that some modifications would be necessary. Having a ramp to the outside provides a tremendous help in allowing access in and out of the house without much help from others. And the new bath with all of the accessible amenities allows the little boy to conveniently and accessibly get ready for his day. A new wall-mounted sink with cabinets helps maximize the space and provides convenient storage at the same time.

BEFORE THE RAMP INSTALLATION

BEFORE BATHROOM RENOVATION

Function and Beauty
The exterior renovation complements the rest of the home beautifully. If fact, it adds to the architectural interest of the home. The new portico and curved ramp with a stone wall were added seamlessly. The neighbors have commented how amazing the transformation looks. The bathroom is done in beautiful tones and offers a relaxing and clean atmosphere that anyone would enjoy using.

FLOOR PLANS

Seamless Integration
With an accessible design project, a major goal is for the modifications to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. The ramp was designed in such a way to not only provide the functional value that the homeowners desired but to add visual interest to the home as well. The curved layout added an interesting design element along with an attractive metal gate placed where the ramp meets the driveway. A stone wall adds to the overall beauty.

AFTER

End Result
Overall the project turned out beautifully and the homeowners couldn’t be more thrilled. This little boy now has the mobility and independence he and his family desired. The design team came up with a variety of solutions to meet the homeowner’s needs of greater accessibility for their son to and from the outside of the home. He has easy access to the driveway allowing him to get to school and other activities without much assistance. He has a beautiful new bathroom that’s all his and his own personal “suite”.