Aging Gracefully

An ADU for Aging in place.

Imagine this: A rural property in Northern California has hosted the same family for the past 70 years. As the generations have aged, the property has been developed to support the various phases of life from a young, growing family to, now, a couple in their sunset years. With the goal of remaining on the property which is, unarguably, their ‘home’ a new house has been designed so that the couple can leave the 1970s split-level modern primary residence for a single-level dwelling designed for universal access, making space for the next generation to move into the main building

As the property already has a primary dwelling, this project will take advantage of ADU legislation which allows for an additional home up to 1,200 SF on the lot.

  • Client: Confidential
    Location: Sebastopol, California
    Size: 1,200 SQ FT
    Completion Date: On the Boards

  • Concept Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, Furniture Planning & Selection

  • Melissa Hanley, Seth Hanley

    Renderings: Blitz

Inclusive Design

Details such as extra wide openings, appliances with side swing doors and zero-threshold transitions mean that the space will be ready to support any mobility limitations that might develop. 

All spaces are designed with anti-slip surfaces, intuitive (and not ugly!) grab bars and all systems are smart systems which can be controlled via voice or singular device. 

Universal design should not be punitive to the inhabitant. It should be seamless, invisible and supportive of all who use a space regardless of ability.