Universal Design Features for Added Comfort and Safety

Universal design features are invisible design elements that make a home user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities. Open Circle Communities–Delaware will incorporate universal design features in our homes to improve the quality of life and enhance a wise investment. For example wider doors make it easier to take the golf bag in and out, lever handles make it easier to bring in the groceries, and pull out shelves mean not forgetting what is at the back! Below are some of the universal design features our homes will include:

• Ground level entrances and elevator access to homes on the second floor
• Lever action door handles
• Ample Energy-Star approved ambient and task lighting inside and out
• Lights controlled by entrance and exit of rooms
• Windows large enough and positioned to allow the use of natural daylight
• Well lit pathways
• Elevated toilets
• Single lever faucets
• Open shower for easy access
• Fittings ready for grab bars in showers/baths if and when needed
• Benches in the shower and handheld spray on 5’ hose with on-off switch built into the handle
• Call signals and emergency generator power
• All 36” wide doors and hallways for wheelchair/scooter access so no “after-the-fact” retrofitting required