Wheelchair-friendly tiny house proves universal design can be cool

In a perfect world, architecture would be accessible for everyone, but sadly, people with disabilities or mobility issues are often limited to the physical barriers found in typical constructions. Vermont-based firm LineSync Architecture wants to change that with a new brand of accessible architecture, starting with their wheelchair-friendly tiny house, the Wheel Pad.

The Wheel Pad is a prototype home for those who need more long-term adaptability from a home design. The 200-square-feet residence was designed in consultation with home health nurses, physicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

The Wheel Pad was designed with a number of features geared to a wide range of needs, such as fixtures installed at lower heights, double swing doors, and a Hoyer lift that slides on a ceiling track to provide mobility assistance. Like most tiny homes, the space is compact, however, large windows give the interior a nice, airy feel.

The home is also built on a mobile chassis base, which means it can be parked without a permit in most places around the US, allowing the inhabitants total freedom to travel. According to the architects, the design has a wide range of possible uses, “With Wheel Pad, we will change the way our injured soldiers and civilians come home from rehab. Wheel Pad is “disruptive” in the best sense of the word. It seems everyone has a use for Wheel Pad including: spinal cord injuries, people newly using wheelchairs or prosthetics, elderly veterans and civilians, hospice care, children with disabilities.”

By Nicole Jewell Inhabit.com