Orangearchitect's Weblog

Universal design

orangearchitect — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:13:54 +0000

A few weeks ago, a family member had an accident which resulted in two broken ankles. His house is roughly 20 years old, but generously sized (although not a large house). Fortunately, he’s got a first floor master suite, and when he returned home with a walker and a wheelchair, it was easily adapted to his needs.

Meanwhile, I went on an initial consult with a family for a whole house renovation and addition. While there are only two at home right now, both adults have elderly parents, and are looking toward a time when they may be living under the same roof.

Which brings me to the notion of Universal Design. While everyone doesn’t need a full ADA workup on their residence, aging (and possible disability) is something we all have to look forward to. Standard’s don’t have to slap us in the face, but given the opportunity, I think it’s worth a review. Maybe that downstairs bath has an oversized shower in it – great for washing the dog now, and at ground level for future elderly parents. Maybe the back entrance has a series of low terraces that could easily be ramped in spots.

orangearchitect — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:19:10 +0000

This week is the groundbreaking for a new house in West Newbury, MA. It’s a 4 bedroom, 2350 s.f. house set on a former lilac farm.

orangearchitect — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:21:04 +0000

Summer’s on its way, and here’s a really cool product to provide you with a bit of shade:

http://sailshadeworld.us/?diverter=75

orangearchitect — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:41:17 +0000

I love marmoleum. If I had my way, every project would be entirely sheathed in it. Okay, no. But their click and easy-loc products are on sale right now, including free shipping. 20 s.f. for about $100 can’t be beat.

http://www.marmoleumclickstore.com/

orangearchitect — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:47:21 +0000

If you’re sitting at your desk, waiting for the snow to pile up, you could also be reading the archives at the cool hunter. I really don’t understand the fashion page, but the house page is rather fun.

orangearchitect — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:34:24 +0000

Yesterday I received the booklet from NESEA about March’s Building Energy event. I’m currently trying to determine how to make best use of my time there. The things that sound most interesting aren’t always those that relate to current and future projects. But maybe further in the future, they will be relevant. Fortunately, every time I go to a session I’m pleasantly surprised by the amount I learn, even if it’s the least glamorous session out there.

orangearchitect — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:30:35 +0000

I’m too old for this competition (5 years out of college limit), but I would love to be part of the USGBC’s Design Competition. The four finalists’ entries will be built, and the winner will be chosen after a year of occupancy. The truest test of success.

orangearchitect — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:06:33 +0000

Today, I went to Putney, VT, to visit eight PowerPods on site and in use. Well worth the trip, and who doesn’t love a visit to Vermont in October?

This is what it was when last I truly saw it:

And today!

Hello world!

orangearchitect — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:49:57 +0000

The blog is finally activated. Much more to come soon! For now, visit a better blogger than I at Greenbridge Architects.