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The following fact sheet is part of the About Your House — General Series Accessible Housing by Design — Sydney Kitchens People are demanding functionality, usability and flexibility in kitchen design so their Sydney Kitchens work for themselves and their families. The core Universal Design concept meets those demands by designing to meet the needs of all users. It is being incorporated into many aspects of kitchen design including appliances, cabinets, lighting and flooring. Also gaining in popularity is the concept of “aging in place.” By providing appropriate design features and incorporating flexibility and adaptability into kitchen design, the life and usability of a kitchen increases and families and couples are able to stay in their homes and neighbourhoods as they grow and age. Universal Design People who inhabit and visit the houses and homes we live in come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from infants to seniors, with various ever-changing abilities and skills. As we grow up, grow old and welcome new people to our homes, our housing needs change. A house or dwelling that is designed and constructed to reflect the principles of Universal Design will be safer and more accommodating to the diverse range of ages and abilities of people, who live in and visit these homes. Design Considerations for a Universal Design Kitchen A Universal Design Kitchen is comfortable and safe for all family members. It considers all the design elements of a kitchen: location in the house; location of appliances and workspaces; floor, wall and counter surfaces; types of lighting; ways to reduce noise; and, overall use of colour and space. Universal Design and FlexHousing™ principles also encourage flexibility, adaptability and efficiency of effort. Figure 1 — Multi-height counters A Universal Design kitchen considers: Efficient design Efficiency of effort Adaptability Ease of cleaning Audibility Safety Designing an efficient kitchen that maximizes independence and convenience is the cornerstone of good design. Universal Design encourages designing to meet the needs of all users, including children and people with activity limitations or disabilities. Meeting your needs One of the goals of Universal Design is to maximize the usability of environments. Successfully designing a universally accessible kitchen starts with knowing who will use the kitchen and how they will use it. Are you a gourmet cook? Do you simply microwave prepared food? Do you have a disability that affects the way you prepare food? Are there two or three cooks in the kitchen at one time? Does a caregiver do most of the cooking? Does the family gather every night in the kitchen with homework and computer games taking place nearby? Do you have a child you want to keep an eye on while preparing meals? These are important considerations that will help you identify your kitchen design requirements. Efficient Design Efficient design begins with general planning issues, such as the location of the kitchen within the home: Is the kitchen near the primary entrance? Is it close to the dining area? Is garbage easy to take out? Traditionally, kitchen designers have focused on a compact work triangle formed between the sink, stove and refrigerator. In reality, you must expand the triangle to include all work areas as well as garbage disposal and a dishwasher. If your ability to move around the kitchen while carrying things is limited, it is even more important to consider additional elements within the traditional work triangle. Designing an efficient kitchen also involves keeping the work triangle compact. Logical, sequential, routine movements will define the way you and your family use the kitchen and help you design a kitchen with a work triangle that meets your needs. Design for someone who uses a walker or wheelchair allows manoeuvring space of 750 x 1,200 mm (29.5 x 47 in.) in front of controls, work areas and appliances. This work area can be part of the overall required minimum manoeuvring space of 1,500 mm2 (59 sq. in.) within the work triangle. Figure 2 — U-shaped kitchen For power wheelchairs or scooters, which have a larger turning radius, the minimum manoeuvring space is 1,800 mm2 (71 sq. in.). A U-shaped kitchen may be the most convenient layout for one or two people working in a kitchen, but having a work area that is accessible from outside the “U” is also advisable. A galley-style kitchen requires less space and provides people with more than one entry and exit point. However, a galleystyle kitchen usually limits a person using a wheelchair to a side approach to counters and appliances and does not provide enough turning space. Figure 3 — Galley Kitchen An “L” shaped kitchen, with or without an island, provides several work surfaces, including some outside the primary work triangle, which can ensure that people can work without bumping into each other. Figure 4 — L-shaped kitchen with an island Appropriate size and location of both garbage bins and recycle bins in the kitchen is appreciated by everyone and reduces unnecessary clutter. For people with limited agility or mobility, a wheeled trolley can be useful for carrying food from the kitchen to the dining area. Also remember to consider window height. People should be able to see through them when they are sitting and there should be easy access to the window controls. Minimal Effort Designing for minimal effort is an important principle of kitchen design and a Universal Design concept. Planning for efficiency considers the location and relationship of all major elements within the kitchen. This will result in the placement of similar or related items together in the same location within the kitchen. Emptying the dishwasher is easier if the dishes and glasses are stored nearby. Baking is easier if baking supplies are close to a work surface and the oven. Meal cleanup is easier if the table is located close to the sink, the dishwasher and the garbage. An island creates alternate work areas. A sink and an electric outlet in the island maximize usability and convenience for everyone. All Sydney Kitchens have various routes, some that everyone uses and others that are only occasionally used. Primary throughways should be designed outside the expanded work triangle. Remember that dishwasher and refrigerators doors may be open when the family is racing through the kitchen. It is a good idea to reduce the number of doorways that open into a kitchen. All doors should have a minimum clear width of 810 mm (32 in.) and should be designed to maximize manoeuvring space. Figure 5 — Wheeled trolley with counter Flexibility and efficiency of effort can be achieved through such design considerations as providing storage options at a variety of heights. Planning for efficiency of effort and ease of use incorporates features such as more lighting, a place to sit down to work, a lower workstation and organizing and storing materials where they can be easily seen and reached. Other kitchen design components that increase usability: Continuous countertops that allow pots, dishes and so on to slide along; Hands-free faucets; Wall-mounted ovens at countertop height; Countertop convection/microwave ovens; Open shelving rather than cupboard doors; Space for use of wheeled trolleys; and Resilient flooring rather than a hard surface. Adaptability Adaptability can be achieved by installing adjustable-height counters; buying a refrigerator with a left-right-hinged reversible door; installing adjustable shelving in cupboards; and, using drawers for storage rather than below-counter cabinets. Figure 6 — Pantry with pull-outshelving Easy to Clean When making decisions about new appliances, floors and countertops, remember to consider surface finishes. For example, glass cooktops are easy to clean; stainless steel appliances show fingerprints and require specialized cleaning products; and, some countertop surfaces need yearly maintenance with a sealer to protect them from staining and harbouring bacteria. Kitchen cleaning products should be stored in easy-to-reach locations, preferably in drawers or baskets that slide out so the products can be easily seen and reached. If family members include children, people with Alzheimer’s, people who are very forgetful or who have developmental disabilities, give careful thought to the storage and security of these products. Audibility in the Kitchen Everyone appreciates quiet appliances. But hearing in the kitchen includes considering how people who are hard or hearing or deaf will be alerted to the timer buzzers or smoke alarms. Appliances that provide information in two different formats are widely available. See CMHC’s About Your House — Accessible Housing by Design — Appliances for more information. Soft, absorbent surfaces such as cork flooring can reduce noise in the kitchen. Also consider creating a quiet work area outside the main kitchen area as it may be helpful for people with learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it reduces the busyness of the kitchen. Safety Safety considerations in the kitchen deserve the highest consideration, and as we age, we may find that our abilities are not the same as they used to be. Small rugs or mats in the kitchen should be avoided because they are a tripping hazard and an obstacle for many people with mobility impairments. Figure 7 — Multi-height counters with contrasting edging There are situations when it is safest to control the use of appliances in the home. If this is the case, consider installing an override switch which must be activated before using an appliance or outlet in the kitchen. Install the switch in a place that is inaccessible to those who might be at risk of injuring themselves. Consider providing wall space in the kitchen for a notice board. Although a notice board is a useful feature for everyone, it is of particular benefit to people whose cognitive ability is changing or who are losing their memory, as reminders and safety notes can be put on the board. Plan for easy emergency access to water, a fire extinguisher and gas shut-off valve. Design Elements of a Universal Kitchen The major design elements of a Universal Kitchen are: Countertops Cupboards, drawers and pantries Sinks and cleanup areas Food preparation areas Switches and controls Flooring materials Lighting Countertops Countertops are traditionally 920 mm (36 in.) high, but a countertop 860 mm (34 in.) high is more convenient for children, people who are shorter or people who use a wheelchair. If the person who uses the wheelchair is a child or a shorter person, they may appreciate a counter or work area with counters 740 mm (29 in.) high. Figure 8 — Lowered work area Installing counters at a variety of heights is a universally accessible approach to meeting the needs of people of different heights and reach abilities, but remember, a traditional dishwasher requires a minimum counter height of 920 mm (36 in.) so the height of the counter should be carefully considered in that location. Adaptability can also be achieved by installing counters with electrically adjustable heights, which are available from a number of innovative kitchen designers. A toe space of 100 mm (6 in.) under the cabinets will enable a person who uses a mobility device to more closely approach the counter. A high toe space has the added benefit of raising the height of the bottom shelf in the lower cabinet or drawer, reducing the reach range. Clear counter space should be provided beside all major appliances for food or utensils as they are taken out of the refrigerator, stove or cupboard. There should be multiple work surfaces in the kitchen, at least one with a minimum size of 800 mm (31.5 in.) wide x 600 mm (24 in.) deep, at a height of 730 – 860 mm (29 in. – 34 in.), with a minimum footprint in front of them of 750 x 1200 mm (29.5 x 47 in.) to accommodate someone who is seated. People with reduced vision should avoid countertop surfaces with busy patterns and many prefer to have a solid colour that will provide some contrast with their appliances and dishes. Some people select contrasting edging on the countertop to help in identifying the edge. A backsplash in a contrasting colour can also help people with low vision better identify the extent and configuration of the counters. Rounded or bull-nose edges on counters increase safety by eliminating the danger of sharp corners. Cupboards, Drawers and Pantries Storing related things in the same cupboard where they are easy to find is appreciated by everyone but is especially important for people with limited mobility or a visual impairment. A large pantry with swing-out doors or large drawers allows food and condiments to be stored where they can be easily reached at a variety of heights. Upper cupboards should be installed with the bottom edge 410 mm (16 in.) above the countertop, instead of the more traditional 460 mm (18 in.), to ensure that the lower shelf is within reach of someone seated. Cupboards should not be installed lower than 410 mm (16 in.) above the counter, as this reduces the storage space for appliances on the counter. Figure 9 — Pull-down upper shelves Upper cupboard systems are available that can be electrically raised or lowered. In addition, there are shelving and rack systems that can be installed in existing cupboards, which enable the entire rack to be pulled out and down, increasing the usability of the upper cupboards for everyone. Installing lower cabinet drawers that pull out fully to display their contents for easy retrieval is an excellent approach. Another strategy for providing accessible storage is using a series of small and large drawers instead of cupboards. Cupboards and drawers should have “D”-type pull handles, which are easier for people with reduced mobility or agility to use. Figure 10 — Pull-out drawers Touch-and-release drawers and cupboards are universally accessible to everyone, including people with limited hand dexterity. People with reduced vision may prefer to have handle colours that contrast with the background colour. A contrasting colour for the interior of drawers and cupboards may also increase visibility for people with limited vision. A drawer or shelf that pulls out beneath a wall oven or microwave with a side opening door can be used as a heat-resistant surface. This reduces the necessity of carrying hot pans and can provide a place for hot items to cool before they are moved. Figure 11 — Pull-out shelf beneath side opening oven These drawers or shelves can provide an additional work surface in smaller Sydney Kitchens. Pantry cupboards with doors that open fully, using 180- degree hinges, allow everyone to easily see the contents inside and to reach the shelves. In addition, internal lighting adds greater visibility for people searching for items in pantries and cupboards. Many people arrange their spices, cans and food supplies in alphabetical order. People who are blind or visually impaired often pre-label their supplies with Braille or tactile labels. Household members with food sensitivities should have dedicated pantry and work areas for their preferred foods. Consider using open-shelf storage or cupboards with glass doors if someone in the household is experiencing changes in cognitive ability or memory loss. The ability to see the contents of the shelves and cupboards can make the kitchen easier to use for many. Sinks and Cleanup Areas Two sink areas should be considered in busy Sydney Kitchens and in Sydney Kitchens where there are people working at various heights. Locating an accessible sink in a corner location is not recommended as it restricts access to the surrounding area and limits the usability of the counter areas. When a sink will be used from a seated position, a shallow sink with the drain offset to the rear is recommended. This will allow sufficient knee space and will result in the drainage pipes being out of the way, eliminating the hazard of someone burning their legs. Figure 12 — Pull-down sprayer faucet Alternately, the drainage pipes can be insulated rather than being offset. The visual continuity of the kitchen cupboards can be maintained with cupboard doors under the sink. The doors can be opened and slid back under the counter to create adequate wheel space. An accessible sink should provide knee space clearance — 750 mm (29.5 in.) high, 800 mm (32 in.) wide and 600 mm (24 in.) deep — to allow someone using a wheelchair to wheel under the sink. A faucet controlled by a single lever or a motion detector is the most convenient. A lever faucet and a pull-out hose with a spray nozzle provides convenience for everyone, especially if there is a soap dispenser incorporated into the faucet design. This provides flexibility and ease of use for all family members. It is a good idea to avoid gooseneck faucets as they can splash excessively. Food Preparation Workstations An accessible workstation integrated into the design of a kitchen is most advantageous for people who work from a seated position. A workstation where someone can prepare food, with easy access to accessories all in one area, is efficient and convenient. An accessible workstation is equally appreciated by a child who wants to participate in kitchen activities. Figure 13 — Pull-out work areas The workstation should have at least one accessible counter or pull-out shelf, accessible storage within easy reach, as well as an electrical outlet and sink. There should also be task lighting if this is going to be a primary work area. Switches and Controls Electrical outlets should be within the reach of someone seated and others with a limited reach range, and be strategically located at the front of counters. However, careful consideration should be given to locating outlets out of the reach of children, or you could consider installing an override switch. Figure 14 — Lower switches and controls Other controls and switches, including the switch for the vent hood over the cooktop, should be located at a maximum height of 1,200 mm (47 in.) from the floor. Switches and controls should be easy to operate. Try to avoid controls which require the use of two different motions to operate in order to accommodate people who have the use of only one hand; whether they are wheeling a wheelchair, carrying a baby, have only one arm or are using a cane for support. Flooring Materials Durability, ease of cleaning, comfort and a safe, non-slip surface are some of the prime considerations when selecting flooring. Slip resistance for floors should be assessed when they are both dry and wet. Avoid marble or waxed floors as they are slippery, especially when wet. Cork provides an interesting alternative as it is resilient, comfortable and easy to wheel on. Vinyl flooring is available in sheets or tiles and is low maintenance, however, it must be installed on a plywood surface, and as a result, there will be some emissions from the glue, vinyl and plywood. Low-emission glues are now available. A ceramic tile floor is a harder surface, but it is easy to clean and to wheel on. If someone in your house is prone to dropping things, or falling, be sure to choose a resilient flooring material, such as cushioned vinyl or cork. Whatever type of flooring material selected, ensure the flooring is installed so that it is level with adjacent flooring to avoid having a lip or rise where the different flooring materials meet. Figure 15 — Under-shelf lighting Lighting Ambient lighting creates an even level of illumination throughout the kitchen. Fluorescent lighting offers the most diffused light and reduces glare. Lighting levels should be adjustable, supplemented by task lighting in key work areas and for specific work stations and islands. It should be noted that people over the age of 60 typically require two to three times as much light for reading compared to people 20 years old. People with visual impairments may require even more light. Installing lighting inside the pantry and cupboards and task lighting beneath the upper cabinets will help everyone, but particularly people with limited vision. Where possible, take advantage of opportunities to maximize natural lighting, but be careful to avoid glare. Glare-free surface treatments and a soft matt paint finish are preferred by many people with visual impairments as these finishes reduce glare and complement illumination levels. Universal Design Universal Design is defined as: “The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” The concept is an evolving design philosophy. Principle 1 — Equitable Use This principle focuses on providing equitable access for everyone in an integrated and dignified manner. It infers that the design is appealing to everyone and provides an equal level of safety for all users. Principle 2 — Flexibility in Use This principle infers that the design of the house, home or product has been developed considering the wide range of individual preferences and abilities throughout the life cycle of the occupants. Principle 3 — Simple and Intuitive The layout and design of the home and devices should be easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience or cognitive ability. This principle requires that design elements be simple and work intuitively. Principle 4 — Perceptible Information The provision of information using a combination of different modes, whether using visual, audible or tactile methods, will ensure that everyone is able to safely and effectively use the elements of the home. Principle 4 encourages the provision of information appealing to all of our senses when interacting with our home environment, using our sight, hearing and touch. Principle 5 — Tolerance for Error Principle 5 incorporates a tolerance for error, minimizing the potential for unintended results. This infers design considerations that include fail-safe features and gives thought to how all users may safely use the space or product. Principle 6 — Low Physical Effort Principle 6 deals with limiting the strength, stamina and dexterity required to access spaces or use controls and products. Principle 7 — Size and Space for Approach and Use Principle 7 focuses on the amount of room needed to access space, equipment and controls. This includes designing for the appropriate size and space for all family members and visitors to safely reach, see and operate all elements of the home. General Information Vision Australia — Accessible Design for Homes This site provides accessible home recommendations for people who are blind or visually impaired.www.visionaustralia.org.au/%5Cinfo.aspx?page=724 American Association of Retired Persons The site has over 100 articles, which include links and checklists with suggestions on making your kitchen and home accessible. For more information, find the search box and type in “universal design.”www.aarp.org/families/home_design/kitchen Product Distributors Barrier Free Architecturals is North America’s largest distributor of accessibility products, such as moveable cabinets.www.barrierfree.org/counters_new.php Glossary of Common Terms Aging in place: the ability to remain in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level throughout one’s changing lifetime. Ambient illumination: the overall illumination of an environment through the use of lamps, overhead light fixtures, sunlight or any previously existing light. Task lighting: focusable lighting is typically employed to increase illumination above ambient levels. FlexHousing™: is a practical approach to designing and building housing that allows residents to convert space to meet their changing needs. Work triangle: the work triangle connects the three major work areas of a kitchen: the cleaning area (sink), the cooking area (range or cooktop) and the cold storage area (refrigerator). Adjustable height counters: countertops, sinks, cooktops and cabinets which can be raised or lowered, making them accessible to people who are seated, or who are taller or shorter. Override switch: a lock-out feature that prevents accidental activation or entry into an appliance. Deactivating the lock-out feature does not itself activate the device, it simply enables the user to take the normal steps for activation or entry. Heat-resistant surface: a material which strongly resists the flow of heat through itself and is resistant to burning. 180-degree hinges: door hinges that permit full-door opening by enabling the door to lay flat against the adjacent surface. Resilient flooring: flooring that has a relatively firm surface, yet can reshape itself back to its original surface profile after it is compressed. References Websites Housing Zone This site provides information on all facets of home construction and renovations, from design ideas to products. You can also find more information on accessible Sydney Kitchens by finding their search box and typing in “universal design.”www.housingzone.com/article/CA6333126.html Schools of Design Virginia Tech — Center for Real Life Kitchen Design The Center for Real Life Kitchen Design is a collaborative effort by Virginia Tech and the kitchen industry, and is made up of five fully operational Sydney Kitchens. The Sydney Kitchens illustrate how to design a kitchen to young children, the elderly and the disabled.www.ahrm.vt.edu/Dept/center_intro.html Ball State University — Friendly Kitchen The site covers all aspects of universal design in the kitchen, including tips on do’s and dont’s of designing an accessible kitchen.www.bsu.edu/wellcomehome/friendly_kitchen.html The Ability Centre This site provides information and diagrams on various types of kitchen design, variable height counters, knee space, work surfaces, manoeuvring space footprints and overall manoeuvring space requirements. On the web site, enter “usable kitchen” in the search bar.http://www.abilitycenter.org Photo and Diagram Credits Figure 1: Collinda Joseph Figures 2, 3, 4, 8: Bob Topping Figures 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15: Betty Dion Figure 7: Mary Jo Peterson Figure 11: Lisa Blanchard Figure 13: Ball State University Related CMHC InformationPreventing Falls on Stairs Accessible Housing by Design — Ramps Design Options for barrier Free and Adaptable Housing Measuring the Effort Needed to Climb Access Ramps in a Manual Wheelchair Evaluation of Optimal Bath Grab Bar Placement for Seniors Flex Housing™: The Professional’s Guide Flex Housing™: Homes that Adapt to Life’s Changes Healthy Housing™: Renovation Planner