Remodeled Universal Design kitchen in Appleton, WI: The NARI judges agreed that the biggest success of this project can be found in what is unseen: outstanding universal design as well as good, practical design work for all users."
Challenge: Create a Universal Design kitchen without appearing to be handicapped accessible, yet useful to entire family.
Left: Indented base cabinet allows wheelchair to comfortably fit under the to sink. Right: Garbage and recycling center pulls out next to sink for easy access.
Limited space demanded a creative, easy-to-reach storage solution.
Left: Limited under counter space maximized with flip out shelving and rolling shelves. Right: Corner cabinet has a flip out shelving unit allows access to the rolling shelves tucked inside.
Left: Drop-down drawer front cleverly hides a butcher block cutting board. Right: The knife drawer is tucked above the cutting board for convenience.
Upper cabinets were hung slightly lower to keep frequently used items within reach.
Left: Angled cabinet front provides clearance for wheelchair entry into the kitchen. Right: Diagonal corner hinges allows doors to fold for access to contents on roll-out shelves.
Challenge met! Universal design in Maple with modern amenities maintains the traditional style of the home.
"The success of this project can be found in what is unseen; its accessibility for all family members."
2013 NARI Judges' Choice Award
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Universal Design kitchen remodel; Appleton, Wisconsin: Timber Innovations took on the challenge of creating a kitchen that was accessible to all members of the family without altering the traditional style of the home.
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The owner of this home was injured in an accident which left him confined to a wheelchair. He took over many household duties including the preparation of family meals, but the existing kitchen was not designed for accessibility:
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An obtrusive island cabinet extended too far into the floor plan to clear with a wheelchair.
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A narrow sink alcove made access difficult.
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The existing cabinets limited access to stored items and countertop workspaces.
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Timber Innovations' remodeled kitchen is easily navigable for a wheelchair, while still being functional for the whole family:
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The sink was moved to an adjacent wall, which allowed for uninterrupted counter space, creating a more open floor plan.
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Rollout shelving was incorporated in the pantry and corner cabinets to store cooking necessities within easy reach.
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Upper cabinets were kept low for reachability.
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A drop-down drawer front hides a knife drawer and butcher block designed to roll out over a wheelchair for easy cutting and chopping.
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The NARI judges agreed that the biggest success of this project can be found in what is unseen: its accessibility for all members of the family. "It's the best overall [2013 NARI Judges' Choice] because it showed outstanding universal design as well as good, practical design work for all users."
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This project received the following awards and recognitions:
2013 NARI Judge’s Choice Award, Fox Valley Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
This project appeared in the March 2013 issue of Fox Cities Magazine.
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Award-winning Universal Design Kitchen
