Practical Universal Design Ideas for the Dome Home Builder

Ecker Dome Home

Ecker Dome Home (Chris Ecker)

Universal Design Elements — Contrasting colors and trim work, full hand grip door handles, rocker switches on contrasted switch plates and wall receptacles 30" off the floor can be easily seen and manipulated.

Universal Design Elements — Contrasting colors and trim work, full hand grip door handles, rocker switches on contrasted switch plates and wall receptacles 30" off the floor can be easily seen and manipulated. (Chris Ecker)

Master Bathroom — Bold tile and tile trim. Receptacles 30” off the floor. Tiles separated by a bright, non-slip threshold, turned 90 degrees on its axis to help see different spaces.  (Not pictured: anti-scald valves with large grip handles for no water burns and easier handling.)

Master Bathroom — Bold tile and tile trim. Receptacles 30” off the floor. Tiles separated by a bright, non-slip threshold, turned 90 degrees on its axis to help see different spaces. (Not pictured: anti-scald valves with large grip handles for no water burns and easier handling.) (Chris Ecker)

Roomy and Easily Maintained — Walk-in shower sports tile in bold, contrasting colors and space for a shower chair.

Roomy and Easily Maintained — Walk-in shower sports tile in bold, contrasting colors and space for a shower chair. (Chris Ecker)

Obvious Floor Changes — Chance of tripping is decreased with contrasting size and color of floor border tile in doorways.

Obvious Floor Changes — Chance of tripping is decreased with contrasting size and color of floor border tile in doorways. (Chris Ecker)

Large Closet Next to Master Bath — Pass-through closet allows room for walker and wheelchair entry, turnaround  and staging during bathing. Bright colors provide contrast between clothes, shelves and walls. Wire top rack permits seeing items stored higher. Open cabinets allow easy access.

Large Closet Next to Master Bath — Pass-through closet allows room for walker and wheelchair entry, turnaround and staging during bathing. Bright colors provide contrast between clothes, shelves and walls. Wire top rack permits seeing items stored higher. Open cabinets allow easy access. (Chris Ecker)

Wide Hallway — Bold colors break up spaces and identify corners and outcroppings.  A 36" wide hallway allows safe passage for persons with a cane, walker or wheelchair. (Ceilings are 9’ tall, which makes the hall width appear less than 36".)

Wide Hallway — Bold colors break up spaces and identify corners and outcroppings. A 36" wide hallway allows safe passage for persons with a cane, walker or wheelchair. (Ceilings are 9’ tall, which makes the hall width appear less than 36".) (Chris Ecker)