inclusive design

With an ageing population and only 7% of housing stock in England offering even the most basic accessibility features , there is a growing need for housing associations to offer flexible accommodation. An area that is the most challenging for those with mobility issues is the bathroom. Here Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, shows how housing associations can have the best of both worlds – contemporary, long-lasting bathrooms for day-to-day use and then, when needed cost-effective transitioning to accessible wet rooms.

The half height Pro-Door systems from N&C Phlexicare, manufacturer of carer-led showering solutions, enables easy level access for family member and carers.

The quality constructed, half height shower door system is available in a variety of configurations, finishes and sizes for for use in wet-rooms and shower areas to maximise on space and suit the users’ needs.

Affordable housing providers can face a difficult task when it comes to procurement. Regulatory and financial restraints mean that most are more mindful of budgets than ever before. Meanwhile, shifting consumer behaviour, not to mention smaller homes, mean that providers are working harder to plan a practical, affordable and design-led bathroom space. Here, Daniel Fairfield, Product Manager, from Twyford Bathrooms offers some advice.

When it comes to bathroom installations, sourcing quality products that are also cost-effective and contemporary is the key to long-lasting success. Here Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, discusses why AKW is launching the Beautiful Bathrooms Collection this month and the benefits it offers Housing Associations and tenants alike.

The use of assistive technology in housing is receiving additional relevance with the publication of new research and strategies.

According to Housing LIN, housing developers and providers can deliver enhanced benefits for residents by constructing more housing with care type properties(*). Toilet assistive technology manufacturer Closomat is urging that helpful fixtures are utilised to simultaneously deliver that independent living with care and reduce demand on healthcare services.

Victoria Galligan spoke to Habinteg housing association’s Chief Executive Sheron Carter about the history of accessible housing in the UK, the latest standards in housebuilding and how more needs to be done to future-proof homes so they can be used for life…

Habinteg is a housing association with a difference – its properties are all built using an accessible design model which means people with disabilities can get around easily, and residents are housed within mixed housing so they are not isolated from the rest of society but integrated within it.

As the Government is urged to make accessible, adaptable housing mandatory within Local Plans, public and private sector housing developers are being offered a simple way to achieve it.

Leading social provider Habinteg is lobbying the Government to ensure more new homes meet the Building Regulations Approved Document M4(2) baseline. It points out that currently only 7% of homes in England meet the basic ‘visitable’ criteria, yet there are almost 14million disabled people in the UK.