My RSS Feeds
UNIVERSAL DESIGN, Unique Home Furnishing Ideas, Newest Gadgetry For The Home - Repub From 2005
UNIVERSAL DESIGN,
Unique Home Furnishing Ideas,
Newest Gadgetry For The Home
Originally published September 25, 2005
If you have plans in the future for home remodeling, house construction, you just love looking at the pictures or you already finished your project and want to see what you might have missed and wish you had included, this Post is for you. The great thing about Universal Design is that you don't have to be wheelchair bound to enjoy the convenience and the ergonomics; but someday, if you become incapacitated, your home will already be universally designed.
Here are some 21st Century ideas that you may love yourself, just as I do.
Universal design
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Universal design or inclusive design is an approach to the design of products, services and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.
Universal Design is a part of everyday living. Designing tables, and bars that are wheelchair and scooter accessible and having lightweight but sturdy chairs are two simple examples that most people would take for granted. Color contrast dishware, with steep sides, assists those with visual problems as well as those with dexterity problems. Cabinets with pull out shelves that can be adjustable to any level helps those using wheelchairs, people who have back problems, and makes the simple act of reaching easier for everyone.
Seven principles of universal design
Equitable use
Flexibility in use
Simple and intuitive
Perceptible information
Tolerance for error
Low physical effort
Size and space for approach and use
Examples
Smooth ground surfaces of entranceways
Wide interior doors and hallways
Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting
Handles operated with a lever rather than a twisting knob
Light controls operated with large panels rather than a toggle switch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_design
UNIVERSAL DESIGN KITCHEN
The Adjustable Height Sink
Kitchen and Bath Design Center, Inc. installed the sink on a variable height platform, which enables it to be adjusted to accommodate any height. By pushing a button on the sink front, it will raise or lower automatically. This platform also allows for adequate knee space under the sink. This under-the-sink area is 36 inches wide and can be positioned between 24 and 48 inches in height. The sink is made of Corian by Dupont, www.corian.com and supplied by Parksite Surfaces www.parksite.com and Nora Custom Countertops Inc. did the fabrication.
Tabacco: I love the idea; I hate Corian, which can scratch, is unnatural material, etc.
The Oven With Side Opening Door
The oven is designed so that the door opens from the right rather than down. This provides easier access to the contents of the oven. The oven is designed and manufactured by Gaggenau www.gaggenau.com and distributed by Florida Builder Appliances, Inc.
Tabacco: Can you get one that opens from the left?
The Variable Cooktop
The cooktop was installed on a variable height platform, which enables it to be adjusted to accommodate any height. By pushing the button on the cooktop front, it will raise or lower automatically Below the countertop, there is enough knee space for the cook to be seated. Other features of the cooktop include:
1- Four level electric burners
2- Front controls
3- Staggered burners
4- Residual heat indicator lights
The cooktop is designed and manufactured by Gaggenau www.gaggenau.com and distributed by Florida Builder Appliances, Inc.
Tabacco: Any of the cooks out there, can you see the advantage of being able to sit down and stir at the same time?
The Upper Cabinets
The upper cabinets are most useful when they are positioned 12 to 15 inches above the counter, or 48 inches above the floor. Kitchen and Bath Design Center, Inc. designed the upper cabinets with adjustable heights so they could be reached by everyone. By pushing the button on the lower corner of the cabinet, it will raise or lower automatically. The kitchen cabinetry is manufactured and supplied by LesCare Kitchens, Inc. www.lescarekitchens.com.
Upper cabinets can also be accessed with a pull down mechanism that will allow the shelves to be lowered to countertop height and return automatically. The shelf mechanism is manufactured by Hafele www.haef.com and distributed by Florida Builder Appliances. Inc.
The Refrigerator and Freezer Below
The refrigerator and freezer space is accessible to all users, including those who are short in stature, use a wheelchair, or have limited reach. Lower shelves of the refrigerator and the freezer can easily be stocked for the person who cannot reach the upper shelves. The freezer is set up in the form of a drawer below the refrigerator. An automatic ice dispenser eliminates the need for people to carry trays of water to the freezer or struggle while removing ice from trays. Both these tasks can present problems for those with poor balance or weak hands. The refrigerator and freezer are designed and manufactured by Sub-Zero www.subzero.com and distributed by Florida Builder Appliances, Inc.
The 2-Drawer Stackable Dishwasher
This two-drawer unit stacks one drawer on top of another, equaling the traditional capacity of a standard dishwasher. Besides providing easier access, this allows for smaller loads and can be run more often, more efficiently and each unit can be run independently. The dishwasher is designed and manufactured by Fisher & Paykel www.fisherpaykel.com and distributed by Florida Builder Appliances, Inc.
Located on the Boca Campus
Office for Students With Disabilities
777 Glades Road. SU Room 133
Boca Raton. FL 33431
Phone (561) 297-3880
Fax (561) 297-2184
TTY (561) 297-0358
www.osd.fau.edu
Send mail to Louis Ferreira with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2003 Florida Atlantic University Last modified: July 29, 2005.
http://www.osd.fau.edu/Web%20Brochures/UDKitchen.htm
UNIQUE ITEMS
Hydra Designs, Inc. PH 908-903-1997 FX 908-903-1312
PO Bx 72, Stirling, NJ 07980 email: info@hydradesigns.com
If you call, ask for Gary; he's a real nice guy.
With just a few easy pumps of the foot lever the Hydra Table adjusts from coffee table height to dining height; or anywhere in between. Pictured here with a chrome finish, this table has an adjustment range of 17 inches to 25 inches.
Hydra Tables don't just rise and lower they also spin and can lock into position. If you choose to have wheels, then it will roll into any position you please. With the optional extension the height adjustment range is 21 inches to 29 inches.
The Hydra Table first appeared in Manhattan's Soho district in 1996. Tired of hunching over work and meals at the coffee table in his small NY apartment, inventor/designer and President, Gary Gianakis sought to satisfy necessity by creating a table that could change in many ways. Made out of chrome and glass, he named it Hydra because it employs a hydraulic pump. The Hydra Table adjusts in height, spins, locks into position and rolls. Hydra is a table that turns sitting at the table into an event. Easy to assemble and handcrafted to order, the Hydra Table the perfect companion.
The original Hydra Table has a standard height adjustment range of 17 inches to 25 inches. Half-inch-thick oval or circular glass tops rise and lower easily. They will also spin or lock into position. Available in polished chrome, a distinctive hand brushed chrome, or a black texture finish with grey ring.
The oval is designed so the tabletop can spin right over your lap. For a height adjustment range of 21 inches to 29 inches, use the optional extension.
Wheels are also an option. Five straight wheels are mounted underneath the table so the table can be easily moved around.
http://www.hydradesigns.com/animation.html
Tabacco: Open internet website to see animation
I don't have one yet, but some day!
In 1971, a man of vision--Monty Bram--established DixieFoam Beds. His mission -to educate the public about the numerous advantages of foam bedding. Throughout his career he successfully converted many thousands of New Yorkers, and a host of others from around the globe, to the benefits of sleeping on foam mattresses. Because of Monty, DixieFoam Beds has a loyal following of which we are very much proud.
Also among our specialties are replacement mattresses for convertible sofas, exercise/sleep mats, sofa cushions, and modular all-foam furniture. Comfort and durability at the best prices are our hallmark. Call, email or write for more information about our products.
http://www.dixiefoam.com/
http://www.dixiefoam.com/index.html
DixieFoam Beds 113 West 25th Street, NY, NY 10011 between 6th & 7th Avenues
Tel 212-645-8999 email dixiefoam@yahoo.com
Tabacco: I bought my 1st DixieFoam in 1970. Prior to that I had lower back problems. I have not had lower back pain since I bought a DixieFoam. When I purchased my house in December, 1986, I bought my second DixieFoam King. There are no springs in the mattress. Do I miss springs and that squeaking noise? You tell me.
LIFT MECHANISM 
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Star Case Manufacturing Co., Inc.
648 Superior - Munster, IN 46321
(219) 922-4440 Fax: (219) 922-4442
Outside Indiana (800) 822- STAR
Inside Indiana (800) 782-CASE
E-MAIL: starcase@starcase.com
WWW: http://www.starcase.com
FEATURES
The LM-Series Lift N' Release Mechanisms are designed so the user can apply a gentle upward pull to activate the Lift Mechanism and are counter balanced to allow the user to depress and lock the unit in the down position easily.
* ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT CAPACITY: The LM-Series can be adjusted to accomodate total payload weighing from 100 lbs. to 352 lbs. depending on model. Heavier or lighter payload weight will require proportionate manual effort to raise or lower.
* PATENTED LIFT MECHANISM: Gas Cylinder Lift Mechanism provides smooth, quite, reliable and economical lift.
* HEAVY-DUTY WELDED STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Provides sturdy and dependable support for your valuable equipment and cabinetry. Top and bottom are 14 gauge steel sheet, bent and welded. The scissor construction is 11 and 13 gauge, 1-1/2" x 3/4" steel tube
www.starcase.com/pdf/LIFTSYSTEMS.pdf
Kuhn Rikon Safety Lid Lifter Can Opener
Overall rating: Product Rating: 5.0
Reviewed by 1 Epinions user
We found this product at 1 store.
The lowest base price is $15.95
http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Small_Appliances-All-Kuhn_Rikon_Safety_Lid_Lifter_Can_Opener_
Tabacco: Smooth operation, no sharp edges to cut your hands; just push up on side of lid with your thumbs after opening with Kuhn Rikon. The can doesn’t even appear to be opened until you push up top with your thumbs. The Rikon cuts on the side of the can, not the top. I wouldn’t want to be without mine.
T.A.B.A.C.C.O. (Truth About Business And Congressional Crimes Organization)