Is it true that universally designed dwellings need extra space? Designing accessible studio units dispels that myth. It’s how you design the space that makes the difference. It’s all about being creative.
A project by Studio Bright, has four units designed to accommodate Gold Livable Housing standards. Closing off the second living or study space creates a second bedroom for a visitor.
Each unit is designed to catch natural light and is set in thoughtful landscaping. The four car parking spaces are flexible areas for communal outdoor space. Fruit trees and other plantings help foster a sense of community. There are different ways to arrange the L-shaped units, which means this model is suitable for other sites.
More examples
The 2022 edition of the National Construction Code mandates equivalent of Livable Housing Silver Level. At first it was assumed small studio units couldn’t meet this standard and should be exempt. However, here are four floor plans to show how to do it. In some respects it’s easier to meet the standard because there is no waste space with corridors an there are only two doors. Have a look at the examples below.
Although the equivalent of Livable Housing Silver level features are in the 2022 National Construction Code, not every state has adopted it into their respective codes.
A good example of how thinking outside the traditional models makes our homes better.
What home modifications are needed most and how much are they needed? Mary Ann Jackson analysed 
Phillippa Carnemolla’s conference paper expands on some of these ideas for ageing well at home. She found that home modifications address both social and individual needs. The title of the paper is, 
The current standard design ideas for homes goes back more than a century. It’s time for a 
has not happened and there are many reasons for this, not least of which is the stance of the insurance industry.