Stepped Housing. Building for Disabled People

Plots on steep slopes are highly suitable for the construction of stepped housing. The rake of the front of the building (ratio of storey height to terrace depth) can vary widely (e.g. 8°-40°)

depending on the slope. Where the terraces are large (i.e. above 3.2 m deep) the buildings are usually south facing and enjoy uninterrupted views. However, consideration must then be given to privacy – (1). Note that some cities have special regulations governing stepped housing.

Stepped houses offer open space for relaxation and children's play similar to a conventional house with a garden. Plants on the terrace wall further improve living quality. These advantages have led to stepped housing being built on flat sites (10) – (13) and projects to provide large internal spaces also invite the integration of stepped housing (13).

Privacy can be improved by using an overhang (2) - (5) or progressively setting back each floor - (9). However, the key factor can be the width of the terrace wall, which can be calculated using the following equation: (1)

Building for Disabled People. An environment for disabled people needs to be designed to accommodate wheelchairs and allow sufficient space for moving around in safety (see (1) - (4) and (9) - (12) for dimensions and area requirements). Example door and corridor widths are given in (13) – (16). All switches, handles, window fittings, telephone points, paper roll or towel holders, lift controls, etc. must be within reach of an outstretched arm (9) – (12). The layout of the WC, in particular, requires careful planning: assess how many doors, light switches etc. are needed. Consider technical aids (e.g. magnetic catches on doors and remote controls).

Access paths to the building should be 1.20-2.00 m wide and be as short as possible. Ramps should ideally be straight, with a maximum incline of 5-7%, and should be no longer than 6 m (5).

The ramp width between the handrails should be 1.20 m. Corridors should be at least 1.30 m (preferably 2.00 m) wide; clear opening of doors, 0.95 m; height of light switches and electrical sockets, 1.00-1.05 m (use switches and control devices which have large buttons or surfaces).

During urban planning, consideration should also be given to providing wheelchair users with easy access to general amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, post offices, pharmacies, doctors' surgeries, car parks, public transport etc.

Some key issues affecting design. When considering building layout, measures will be required to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Changes in level are best avoided but if this is not possible, ramps must be provided inside and outside building. Circulation distances for residents should be kept to a minimum and all main routes will need handrails. Corridors must be wide enough to allow two people in wheelchairs or walking with frames to pass each other comfortably.

Careful interior design is necessary. Doors must not restrict the residents' ability to get around; automatic opening may be required. Furniture and fittings must be suitable for older people.

Consistent temperatures are required and contingency plans for providing heating in the event of power failures should be considered. The ability to control temperature and sunlight penetration, particularly in bedrooms and sitting rooms, is important to residents. Hot pipes and heaters must be protected: the maximum acceptable surface temperature is around 43°C.

Hot water systems must be designed to resist infection such as that causing Legionnaire's disease.