Universal Design Features in Housing
The Center for Universal Design
North Carolina State University
College of Design
Raleigh, N.C.

General Interior
5 lb. maximum force to open doors
32-inch minimum clear door opening width
18-inch minimum space at latch side of door
Flush threshold (maximum of 1/2−inch rise)
Lever door handles
Adjustable height closet rods and shelves
Accessible route (42-inch minimum) throughout
Light switches at 44/48-inch maximum height
Electrical receptacles at 18-inch maximum height
View windows at 36-inch maximum sill height
Crank operated (casement) windows
Loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinets
High contrast, glare free floor surfaces and trim
5 x 5 foot maneuvering space in all rooms

Kitchens
Knee space under sink and near cook top
Lever type faucets
Variable height work surfaces 28 inch− 45 inch
Contrasting border treatment on countertops
Stretches of continuous counter for sliding heavy objects
Full-extension pull-out drawers
Pull-out shelves in base cabinets
Adjustable height shelves in wall cabinets
Full height pantry cabinets for up and down storage
30 X 48 inch area of approach in all appliances
Front-mounted controls on appliances
Cook tops with staggered burners to eliminate dangerous reaching
Glare-free task lighting

 

 

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees, and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional product information and services for architects can be found atwww.insideadvantage.com.