Residential Universal Design
Barnaby Woods DC Bathroom
GRAND AWARD

This project is an example of the aging in place phenomenon. This customer with Parkinson’s knows that he will soon not be able to use the second floor of his Northwest D.C. home, which he and his wife have shared for many years. The goal was to create a living suit on the existing first floor that includes, universal access, bathroom, bed room / office area, kitchen and a new barrier free walkway to the house. Part of the project (not shown) also included a remodeled kitchen, bath and bedroom in the basement for a nurse/aide that might be needed in the future.

This bathroom posed several challenges. Well into the project we determined it would be worth the additional cost to reconfigure the front brick wall so it had one larger window centered over the new toilet. This new window had to match one existing on the other side of the front. To do this we used a Pella Architect series 8 over 8 light unit. After the walls were framed, we took special care to reinforce several areas for planned grab bars and handrails. Building the custom shower pan we decided to bring the rubber membrane across the entire bathroom and make it into one large pan. However it might be used, drainage would not be a problem. The sink is set in a laminate counter top to allow for easy wheelchair access.

Even though one thinks of aging in place work as bland with very utilitarian finishes the intention of this project was to get away from that. In the kitchen the cherry cabinets, granite tops, detailed backsplash and high-end appliances all create a richness, and warmth that draws people to the space.
The homeowners, pleased with the final design, finish selection and craftsmanship of their project, rehired us to do another universal access renovation for one of their parents.