Sustainable Housing and Communities - Flexible Housing
Figure 6-2
service both rooms when the space is partitioned. As another example, plumbing for additional bathrooms or other fixtures can also be roughed-in at the time of construction.
Fig 7-2
Optimal reach range for controls Programmable thermostat Toggle switch
1,200 mm max. 400 mm min.
Incorporating flexible or universal housing features (see Figures 6-1 and 6-2) during the construction stage can avoid or reduce the costs and disruption associated with future conversions and home renovations. Forward thinking regarding the structural design of the roof and the allocation of space for a future stairway can allow for the future conversion of attic space to living space without major structural changes. Reinforcing a bathroom wall with plywood to allow for future installation of a grab bar costs considerably less than demolition, blocking and reconstruction at a later date. Installing wider doorways and accessible pathways at the time of construction can help to avoid expensive or invasive reconfigurations of living spaces if ever a family member would need a wheelchair or walker. Adaptability is greatly facilitated if load-bearing walls are confined to the perimeter of the building.
760 mm min.
Clear space centred at control
1,220 mm min.
Drawing by: DesignAble Environments Inc. Source: About Your House: Accessible Housing by Design—Living Spaces. Ottawa: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2010. www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=66095 (September 18, 2012).
Figure 6-1 Fig 7-1
Sample floor plan of an adapted house1 Porch
Roof below
Master bedroom Open to below
Great room
Balcony
Closet
Clos.
Dining room
Bedroom
Kitchen
Foyer Garage
Walkway
Clos.
WC
Office
Floor plan based on Universal design. Drawing by: DesignAble Environments Inc.
1
Bedroom
Bath
Clos.
Paved driveway
Hall
Bedroom
Roof below GROUND FLOOR
Open to below Bath
Bath
Roof below
SECOND FLOOR
Source: About Your House: Accessible Housing by Design—House Designs and Floor Plans. Ottawa: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2010. www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=66093 (September 18, 2012).
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
6-5