Timber frames are the perfect home for “aging in place”. With no bearing walls, it is easy to plan for space that will accommodate our needs as we age.
Aging in place is a concept that is being embraced by designers with boomers in mind. The plan is mostly common sense planning, but we often prefer to wear blinders about what our needs might be in the future.
Wide doorways, space to turn a wheelchair around, wide halls, and first floor living are key. Accessible homes don’t need to feel like an institution. Today’s open floor plans are the right fit for accessibility.
Timber frames offer a unique opportunity because they have no bearing walls and can be renovated with ease.
Designing and building a home that will allow the occupants to live comfortably for many, many years and with whatever physical issues life might throw at them is the ultimate “sustainable” home. Sustainability should encompass not only materials, but lifestyles.
We’ll discuss key elements in designing a sustainably accessible home in the coming days.
Just remember to Build Boldly!
That said, I’ll sign off for now.