Kensington
Residence
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. They also wanted
to keep within their original budget of $55,000.
Unusual Challenges/Constraints
and Creative Solutions
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.
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.
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
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.
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