Colorful Age-in-Place Studio
McDunn ADUs just completed construction of this bright and efficient age-in-place studio designed by Carrie Shores of Inspired Independence. This unique, 300-square-foot studio was custom designed for a client with disabilities who needed a better wheelchair-friendly space to live comfortably next to their partner in the main house. It’s a great example of how a small room can feel friendly, large, and airy, without using any utility.
This design also features a number of mobility aids that anyone happily aging-in-place may want to consider in their own accessory dwelling unit. You’ll see the following in the gallery below.
Zero-threshold entrance to bathroom with a wide pocket-door for wheelchair access.
Large, “wet” bathroom with shower bench. Plenty of space for a wheelchair to navigate, plus far easier cleaning and maintenance. Notice also the plethora of support bars.
Retractable closet hangers allow those lacking full arm/shoulder mobility to effectively use a full-size wardrobe/closet.
Retractable kitchen cabinet shelves bring heavy dishes and canned goods into easy reach.
Lower kitchen counter with built-in cutting boards. The lowered counter height and wide, under-sink space allows someone in a wheelchair to effectively use the kitchen.
Murphy bed. Hideaway beds come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, and let you transform an inviting living space into a cozy bedroom in a matter of seconds.
(Photography by Ellyce Moselle)
You may have noticed the lack of a stove or dishwasher in the kitchen area. This was not a priority for the owner, as they’ll have assisted living with a full-size house kitchen next door. A two-burner hotplate on the counter and the oven-microwave below will be sufficient for their needs. However, this design could easily accommodate a 4-burner electric stove and small dishwasher with minor changes.
If you’re interested in building something like this in your own backyard, please reach out to us here. Our owner, Dan McDunn, will be happy to give you a call and chat about your project.