Hot Product of the Month
A TOUCH OF GLASS: Stained glass is a great way to make an architectural statement, especially in an entryway. ODL’s latest line of decorative glass for doors includes the Paris family, which features a combination of clear bevels, arctic glass, patina caming, and clear renaissance glass. These units are also available with ODL’s patented SmartFrame, a snap-in, screwless frame for ODL door glass. A TOUCH OF GLASS: Stained glass is a great way to make an architectural statement, especially in an entryway. ODL’s latest line of decorative glass for doors includes the Paris family, which features a combination of clear bevels, arctic glass, patina caming, and clear renaissance glass. These units are also available with ODL’s patented SmartFrame, a snap-in, screwless frame for ODL door glass.
For more information, call 800-253-3900 or visit www.odl.com.
Q: Your firm designs multifamily buildings that have more universal design features than required by code. What are some of your favorite products or features?
A: As a wheelchair-riding architect, I’ve learned tricks to increase accessibility.
1. Unit entry doors: Install an outlet above each unit’s entry door (inside). This permits future installation of an automatic door operator. Remote-control ability through a wall-mounted push-plate or fob means no wiring and thus easy relocating to different apartments as needed.
2. Double doors: Sufficient maneuvering space is often the biggest need for wheelchair access. In one-bedroom units, we install double pocket doors between the living room and bedroom to allow flexibility in arranging the space. Swing doors are less costly but less space-efficient.
3. Tuck-in cabinets: We specify a small drawer unit on casters with a butcher-block top for the space below accessible kitchen countertop work areas. An ambulatory resident can leave it there, but a wheelchair-using person can roll it out to use the knee space. The butcher-block top is at a perfect height for chopping vegetables from a wheelchair.
–Erick Mikiten?s firm, Mikiten Architecture in Berkeley, Calif., specializes in multifamily affordable housing and universal design projects.