CONCEPT STATEMENT

This Residential project is for Sara and Michael Payne and is about the design of their new home located in the Texas Hill Country. The Paynes have 3 married children and 8 grandchildren, and they want space for everyone to visit. Sara Payne has a penchant for DIY; she needs a dedicated room to turn it into a business.

The scope of project includes the Living room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Hobby Room, Guest Suite, Children’s Area, Master Bedroom, and Master Bathroom. Special attention to aging-in-place considerations in the selection of materials, furniture and equipment to provide safety and durability, using Universal Design for the home to be accessible for all generations.

The Payne family likes Modern Farmhouse style, a fusion of classic farmhouse elements with contemporary design, while embracing modern conveniences, technology and sustainability. In this context, Texas Hill Country has a distinctive style influenced by the natural landscape and characteristics of the region, whose common elements include natural materials such as stone, leather and rustic wood with a robust but refined appearance.

Natural light is to be considered in the living spaces and the layout will be designed with an open-plan concept, promoting connectivity and flow for the family to gather and entertain.

KITCHEN:

• Cabinet doors and drawers with D-shape hardware pulls, at least 3 Inches wide, are much easier on arthritic hands.

• Create contrast between the flooring and cabinets, choosing a light color countertop and darker floor, this makes it easier for someone with failing eyesight to see the edge of the countertop.

• Removable storage, such as trash drawers, pull-out shelves and incorporate more drawers especially for under-counter cabinets, for a person who uses a wheelchair or with movement limitations.

• Locate all appliances in a close area, known as the "drop zone“, providing adjacent appliances to avoid carrying items in large spaces.

• Vary Countertop Heights, at least one countertop between 28 and 30 inches, and one between 34 and 36 inches. This is particularly appreciated in multi-cook families.

APPLIANCES/EQUIPMENT:

• Using a side-by-side refrigerator model so that someone at any height or mobility can reach both the refrigerator and the freezer with one hand.

• Installing the microwave in lower cabinet, 24 inches to 40 inches above the floor to avoid reaching and for easy removal of hot food and dishes.

• Raising the dishwasher off the ground at least 12 inches, for loading dishes to facilitate be accessible from the front.

• For stoves, the controls and operating mechanisms will be in the front, with a maximum height of 48”.

• The location of switch controls for range hoods shall not require reaching across burners,  with maximum 48” high forward reach, and maximum 48” low forward reach of 15”. If using Wireless Control must be operable with one hand.

PRIMARY SUITE:

• Maintain at least 42 inches for routes between the bed and the wall or other furniture, to facilitate traffic.

• Selecting a bed frame and mattress that is within 18 to 22 inches from the floor for easy accessibility and transferring height. For aging in place: an adjustable bed base to make it easier to get in and out of bed.

• Layered lighting for aging eyes or visually impaired people, when they find it difficult to adjust from low to bright light. Adjustable lighting like dimmer is incorporated for tasks such as reading, as well as general ambient lighting in the master bedroom.

• Practical hard flooring material such as tile or wood to allow for easier mobility.

• A walk-in shower with a built-in seat in the Bathroom.