Housing Designs That Meet Needs
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday August 30, 1994
A HHH, freedom | You no longer need to share your house with a rusting Cyclops swing set, rock music wall posters and deep freezers full of food for teenagers. Maybe you are even thinking about building or buying your dream home - something that suits just you.
If this is the case, then it's time to think hard about your needs, both as they are now and also as they are likely to be.
The sad fact is that many people are forced to leave their homes prematurely simply because they are not "older-person friendly".
Dr Norman Rogers, a retired GP from the NSW North Coast, saw some of his patients forced out of their unsuitable homes and was determined it wouldn't happen to him.
For two years he researched house design and inclusions before building the house he and his wife will be able to live in for the rest of their lives.
"We've basically built ourselves a convalescent home, although by looking at it you would never know," he says. "It's a traditional country home, with verandas all around. Most people who've seen it have been rather impressed."
The house was finished only six months ago. It is a two-storey, three-bedroom brick home with a very flexible design. Downstairs is fully self-contained so someone could move in should the Rogers, who are both now in their 70s, ever need help. In the meantime, it's a great space for when the grandchildren come to stay.
There are lots of glass and lots of natural light. Dr Rogers feels that maximum light is important when vision starts to fail.
The walls and ceilings are white so as to reflect light and eliminate shadow areas. The electric lights are all circular fluorescent with huge switches that, if need be, "can be turned on or off with your elbow".
Dr Rogers actually went to nursing homes in search of ideas for the bathrooms and toilets. He made sure these rooms are extra big so that he and his wife can help each other if the need arises. The doors open out to allow for easy access and there are special non-slip floor and shower surfaces.
From any corner of the house, the Rogers can see each other and"communicate by line of sight which is always the best way to hear", says Dr Rogers. And their bedroom, which looks over a river, is divided from the main lounge only by a retractable partition.
This means that if either of them is ever bed-ridden they can still be involved in the activity within the house. Dr and Mrs Rogers included stairs because they felt these would be good exercise, but the staircase is well lit and wide enough to take an inclinator should they ever need one.
The whole house has excellent security and they made sure that all rooms and corridors (particularly the kitchen) are wide enough to cope with a wheelchair.
David Chesterman, an architect and the chairman of the Consultative Committee on Ageing, says most people won't end up in a wheelchair, but what works well for those who do - big bathrooms, wide door openings and standard levels for things such as light switches and kitchen cupboards - actually work well for everyone.
Chesterman believes that the orientation, or the aspect of living rooms is vital for older people who may spend a lot of time in their homes. North orientation and appropriate sun control means warmth in winter and cool in summer. He also feels that security is a big concern. Pay careful attention to the design and lighting of entrances - you should feel comfortable and secure about arriving home.
"Since the war, housing policy has been to get young marrieds into their three-bedroom homes," Chesterman says. "But now we have a new challenge: to meet the housing needs of older people."
Caroline Pidcock has designed many homes and renovations. She is also a lecturer in architecture at Newcastle University and is keen to impress upon her students that design for older people is largely about good design for all.
"Things must be comfortable and within easy reach," Pidcock says. "Sunshine, surfaces and access are all important."
The Independent Living Centre in Ryde provides information and advice on all commercially available products that enable older people and those with disabilities to be independent in their own homes.
It has a team of occupational therapists and an architect who can work with you and look over your plans. The therapists will travel within NSW to advise people living outside Sydney.
FACT FILE
The Independent Living Centre
600 Victoria Rd, Ryde
Phone: (02) 808 2233 (to make an appointment)
(02) 808 2477 (information line)
Sydney Building Information Centre
525 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 319 3000
More than 1,400 exhibits of building products and services.
Offers an advisory service for $145 per year which gives unlimited advice from architects, builders and designer. Will also look at contracts and quotes.
Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW)
3 Manning Rd, Potts Point
Phone: (02) 356 2839
Can put you in contact with practitioners.
© 1994 Sydney Morning Herald