Kensington, MD - Front Access Ramp, ADA & Handicap Accessible Bath and Kitchen

Brief Explanation of the Scope of Work

These repeat customers wanted a wheelchair accessible space for their mother’s home in Kensington, Maryland. They wanted a handicapped bathroom and a wheelchair ramp to the front of the house. It was important that the bathroom was finished nicely, but of primary importance was that everything was functional and provided safety, including the kitchen area. They also wanted to keep within their original budget of $55,000.

Unusual Constraints/Challenges & Creative Solutions

FRONT RAMP (below) - Their front yard is steeper than it looks and required several design iterations. We agreed on a plan that incorporates a wood ramp with safety railing that gradually slopes across the front yard to a landing and concrete walkway. We struggled with the design of the ramp so that we didn’t cut up the yard too badly. During this project we learned the precise distinctions between residential, commercial and assisted access incline codes.

	Before - For these aging couple, the front steps were no longer useful and functional
	Proposed Elevation - A preliminary hand-drawn front elevation of what the homeowners had envisioned
	During and After - Most of the exterior work was done during the Winter season, making it more difficult to excavate and remove dirt
	After Shots
	After - Due to the steep slope in the front yard, several turns were necessary to reach the entrance of the house in a way that the degree of inclination would allow a handicap person to roll a wheelchair up to the front door easily

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM (left) - For the Universal access bathroom we combined a ½ bath and a full bathroom to provide adequate space for a wheelchair to maneuver. The door was enlarged to 36” and an ADA toilet with grab bars and an ADA roll up sink complete the space. The shower was particularly challenging. Because of wheelchair access, it couldn’t have a curb top. A modest slope to the drain helped solve this problem. A double swinging custom glass shower door with fixed panel and grab bars kept water from pouring out of the shower while allowing wheelchair access and higher style than a simple shower curtain. Several grab bars around the shower provide an additional safety element. Good lighting and an exhaust fan with a heat lamp illuminate all of the very nice ceramic tile work in the bathroom.

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE KITCHEN - The lighting issue was tackled by installing generous but discrete low voltage recessed lights. A handsome period pendant light over the breakfast area creates a nice focal point. Under cabinet and in cabinet lighting provide ample task/mood lighting. A new full light door with transom adds much needed daylight.

	During - View of the kitchen countertops which were designed to comply with the standard height for handicap accessibility (ADA)

The selection of finishes reflects a great deal of thought. We worked with the homeowner to create thought-provoking contrast. Black cabinets with beaded inset in the wine center and on the breakfast area tie the kitchen into the dining room with its black furniture. The Cherry cabinets with raised panel/ inset doors and glass, dress up the kitchen. Likewise, two choices of counter materials, Carrara marble for the black cabinets and absolute black granite for the cherry cabinets play off each other. New wide plank pine flooring was chosen. This helps lighten the space. New moldings match those in the existing house. A subway tile backsplash behind the sink ties the elevation together nicely.

Tying the kitchen in with the rest of the main floor is also achieved via housing the entertainment center in the pantry, which is by the exterior door. High-end appliances were selected. The range hood has a custom stainless steel duct cover. At the other end of the kitchen is a wine cooler built into a full height cabinet.