Eskaton National Demonstration Home, Roseville, Calif.
Builder: Eskaton Senior Residences
Here’s a residence that gives new meaning to “fully loaded” design. It’s luxurious, sure, but it’s also more than that. Certified by Green Built Home of America, this concept home integrates universal design, home automation, health and wellness technologies, and green building. Its simple, intuitive features (which are both pretty and practical) include level flooring transitions, varying countertop heights in the kitchen and bathrooms, vacancy sensor lighting, ample (and energy saving) LED lighting, raised outlets, and lowered light switches that are easy to reach. The master bath is outfitted with a curbless shower with a tile bench and a handheld shower head. Walls in that same bathroom are reinforced for towel bars that double as grab bars. (Note: They double as monkey bars for acrobatic grandchildren.) Erin Clay, director of research and planning for Eskaton, notes that older homeowners aren’t the only ones who benefit from universal design features. The kitchen’s lowered countertops and table-height eating bar are kid-friendly, while work zones that allow cooks to do prep work while seated are easier on pregnant women. “Wider doors throughout the home are great for wheelchairs, but they also make it easy to move your furniture on moving day,” Clay added.
The house, which is open for tours, has generated considerable interest among curious buyers, as well as policymakers. Having sent officials to tour the home, the City of Sacramento is now developing a universal design ordinance that would require builders doing 20 units or more to have at least one model on display that is designed for accessibility. The goal? To educate consumers about the benefits of universal design.