Explore the design ideas that make this trend-setting house "transgenerational."

Design by James J. Pirkl, FIDSA — Photo by Rodolphe Foucher

Designed for easy independent living, this attractive and accessible transgenerational house:

• Accommodates people of all ages and abilities,
• Addresses the evolving needs of people with physical and sensory impairments,
• Integrates a variety of upbeat, attractive—and supportive— household products and environmental settings,
• Demonstrates how transgenerational housing and household products can enhance and extend independent living,
• Provides an interplay of accessible indoor and outdoor living,
• Utilizes energy-efficient passive solar energy and environmentally sensitive materials such as cork and bamboo flooring,
• Minimizes the impact on people with environmental sensitivities or allergies,
• Supports the changing needs of 70 million aging Baby Boomers, their children and aging parents.

It does so by providing such safe, convenient and user-friendly features as:

• Easy-to-open or sliding and pocket doors,
• Level thresholds,
• Protected entrances with raised package drop-off,
• Wall-hung, off-the-floor toilets,
• Easy-access appliances, hardware, fixtures, and cabinetry,
• Variable height countertops with pull-out shelves and surfaces,
• Height-adjustable kitchen, bath and closet storage,
• Roll-out pantry units with adjustable shelves,
• Task-specific and non-glare general lighting,
• Extra-wide doors and hallways,
• Accessible lavatories, shower and bathing facilities,
• Built-in support bars and hand rails,
• Raised built-in front-loading washer, dryer and dishwasher,
• Adjustable height sink units and work surfaces,
• Remote control security and communication systems,
• Non-glare, slip-resistant floors and connecting ramps,
• Easy-to-clean-and-maintain surfaces,
• Lower light switches and higher electrical outlets,
• Roll-in showers with adjustable-height shower heads,
• Single-lever faucets and crank-operated windows,
• easy-access and maintenance-free therapy and exercise pool,
• environmentally sensitive material and components.
  

Probe accessible kitchen and bath ideas and explore their many cutting-edge transgenerational features.