Inspired by the basic 2133 model, this beautiful home has retained the curb appeal, the inviting porch and the symmetrical gable design of the original but the added projection to the right side not only enhances the dining area with well fenestrated square footage it also adds enough space to accommodate three bedrooms on the main floor.
There is a surprisingly large closet in the angled, brightly lit entrance foyer. The open activities area is functional, with its large lunch island, and well lit because of the many windows throughout the living/dining space.
The three bedrooms are arranged around a well appointed bathroom with separate bath and corner shower. A laundry area on the main floor is another convenient feature which is sure to please the occupants.

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The budget conscious construction of this home combined with its ample spaces both inside and out offer exceptional value

The depth of the garage permits outside access to the basement stairs and the “L” shaped, covered veranda adds balance. The inside of the home is arranged around a strategically located staircase to maximize the square footage of living space. The result is a first floor whose entrance foyer and kitchen/living/dining areas are bathed in natural light to create a truly beautiful floor plan. The addition of a shower to the first floor bathroom/laundry area is sure to please.

On the second floor, the placement of the stairs permits maximization of the space for the three bedrooms and a master bedroom complete with a walk-in closet. The full bathroom boasts a separate bath and shower which is much appreciated by many home owners.

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Inspired by numerous requests for the addition of a garage to our popular chalet, plan 2957, Drummond House Plans suggests this beautiful cottage with a revamped floor plan that moves the kitchen closer to an added garage.
From the outside, the addition of a garage gives plan 2957-V2 an appealing look to the front of the home while maintaining the same attractive features in back.
Significant changes have been brought to the inside appointment of the home from the relocation of the kitchen to the exceptional master suite with its private bathroom, double closets and view of the back through two glass doors.

The activities area with its ample fenestration and cathedral ceiling in the living room along with a fireplace in the living/dining rooms are features that are sure to please. The large kitchen island and a separate laundry area on the main level as well as a powder room just off of the main entrance also enhance the livability of this home.
Upstairs, two comfortable bedrooms and a separate bathroom with a shower and a hallway that opens onto a mezzanine and a bonus space that can be converted to a 4th bedroom if required.

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Inspired by the 3108 series of plans that features 3108-V1 with its finished basement and 3108-V2 that includes an attached garage, the designer has integrated the most popular features to offer a three bedroom version that is as functional as it is attractive.

It features a beautiful wrap around balcony, whose “L” shape shelters the two entrances to which it gives access. The service entrance, with its own closet, opens onto the kitchen and is practical in the summer months while the front entrance foyer off of the living room, with its separate door to help keep the cold out of the home, offers room to store coats and other winter accessories.

Inside, the open activities area has a central island in the kitchen. The dining room features a built in china cabinet and there is a built in entertainment unit in the living room. A triple patio door and a separate powder room /laundry are all is sure to please!

Three bedrooms on the main floor one of which, that could easily be used as a home office, has access doors to both the main entrance and the bedroom areas. The master bedroom boasts his and hers closets, one a walk-in, and a private entrance to the well appointed bathroom that includes a 5′ x 4′ shower, a double vanity and a freestanding bathtub.

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From the most popular modifications to plan 3235 has evolved model 3235-V2 which our designer has developed meet the needs of many of its future buyers.The main feature is the relocation of the staircase that adds almost two feet to the width of the garage and nearly three feet to the living room’s width thus permitting the addition of a corner fireplace.

The change from three bedrooms to two offers space for a laundry area on the main floor that’s complete with storage and a counter. The kitchen’s unique styling offers ample counter space and a full width island. The bathroom boasts a larger shower and the attractive covered terrace, accessible from the dining room, is sure to please.

The curb appeal of this home is enhanced by the addition of stone work on the front face and the darker shades of doors and windows add a dramatic touch.

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As we grow up, grow older or welcome new people into our homes, our needs as homeowners can change. A house that is designed, built or renovated according to the principles of universal design can help your home keep pace with changes in your family’s needs….and create a safer and more accessible environment for anyone who lives or visits there, regardless of their age or physical ability.

To help you make sure your is accessible to everyone, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following tips on what you should consider when creating or renovating your living space:

If you’re designing a new home or planning significant renovations, open-concept floor plans are generally more accessible than floor plans with smaller enclosed rooms.

Consideration should also be given to the location of each room. For example, it’s a good idea to keep the kitchen close to the dining area, and noisy spaces (such as a TV or recreation room) away from quiet spaces (such as bedrooms).

To make your home easier to access by people with mobility impairments, install a zerostep entry and make at least one half-bathroom accessible to someone in a wheelchair. You should also consider whether you need doors in all rooms and, where they are needed, and what type they should be. All main interior doors should have an opening width of at least 810 mm (32 inches).

If someone in a wheelchair, walker or scooter lives in or regularly visits your home, your hallways should be at least 1220 mm (48 inches) wide, with a turn-around space at all entrance areas, foyers and at the ends of hallways. Ideally, a path at least 915 mm (36 inches) wide should be provided into and through all living spaces.

When planning shelving or storage units, consider the different reaching abilities of your family members, as well as how those abilities might change over time. Adjustable shelves can always be changed as needed.

Lighting can also contribute to both the ambiance and safety of your home. To enhance safety, the lighting should be bright and consistent, especially along hallways and stairs. Permanent night-lights next to bedrooms and bathrooms can also be a good idea.

The choice of materials and finishes in your home will depend on your taste, budget and personal preferences. But remember that these choices may affect the usability of your home. For example, contrasting colours and textures in wall may help people with low vision identify primary routes and functional areas.

When buying furniture, choose pieces that are sturdy and stable. If someone in your family has difficulty getting up from a seated position, consider providing at least one chair with a firm cushion, stable arm rests and a seat height of at least 450 mm (18 inches).

To improve the acoustic quality of a room and reduce background noises for anyone who is hearing-impaired, you can add “soft” elements to the room such as carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture and acoustic ceiling tiles. For people who are visually-impaired, “hard” surfaces such as ceramic flooring or metal paneling can help enhance reflected sounds and assist with orientation needs, make a living area more “acoustically alive”.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is the Government of Canada’s national housing agency. They help Canadians gain access to a wide choice of quality, affordable homes.

You can access our CMHC information through retail outlets and CMHC’s regional offices… or visit www.cmhc.ca. You’ll find a wealth of information on the website and it is constantly being updated.

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www.DrummondHousePlans.com – Plan # 3276, The Tidewell

Following a survey on our website with close to 500 respondents, consensus was a desire for available universal access or wheelchair-modified plans. We are pleased to unveil a second accessible plan. Accessible homes are not only for the comfort of the residents but also ensure visitability of the home, allowing enjoyment of the home by all!

Like plan 3275, it proposes easy access via gentle ramps at the front and rear and barrier-free thresholds. A sheltered rear 12ft x 18ft terrace is sure to extend the season for outdoor enjoyment.

Inside, the house is characterized by pleasing in-floor heating of the concrete slab floor, abundant natural light in the activities areas and 9ft ceilings throughout the ground floor. A dual-height kitchen island allows inclusive casual meals and kitchen prep areas. The bathroom is similarly appointed with dual-height vanities. Even the toilet and bathtub and shower have been carefully considered, allowing space for a wheelchair or walker and reinforced points for grab-rail support. All halls are 5 feet wide and wider doors facilitate access and movement in different rooms.

The key differences between this model and 3275: three bedrooms instead of two with bedroom one and two being larger, a larger attached garage and classical exterior rather than contemporary treatment. 

Barrier-free homes like this are exceptionally comfortable for all residents and sure to provide a home for graceful aging-in-place.

For full details on this plan, click here…

Looking for other Wheelchair Accessible,  or Single-Storey House Plans? Check our Accessible Design Collection,  Bungalow and One-Level Design Collection, or use our Advanced Plan Search to find homes with specific features.

Want to receive all of our newest designs directly by email? Create  a “New House Plans – Latest Trends” Alert  and be the first to see all of our new releases!

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www.DrummondHousePlans.com – Plan # 3275, The Aurora

Following a survey on our website and through the participation of nearly 500 respondents, we are pleased to introduce the first of two plans designed for people with limited mobility or confined to a wheelchair. This design in not only ideal for the residents but also allows the home to easily accommodate guests or visitors of all abilities.

A slight exterior ramp is aesthetically pleasing and a door sill set into the floor allows barrier-free access. This also applies to the back of the house where we find a beautiful sheltered terrace of approximately 18 ft x 12 ft.

Inside, this house is characterized by 5-foot wide corridors, and the particular care given to enlarge spaces and include widened doors for easy access and movement in different rooms. The interior also features a kitchen with dual-level bar for inclusive meal-times, an adapted bathroom with laundry included, double vanity and adjustable shower combined with a bath with lots of storage and integrated grab-bars. For further comfort, note the presence of heated concrete slab floors, additional care to the lighting of activities areas and 9 ft ceilings throughout.

For more details on this plan, click here…

Looking for other Wheelchair Accessible,  Single-Storey or Modern Contemporary House Plans? Check our Accessible Design Collection,  Bungalow and One-Level Design Collection, Modern Contemporary Design Collection, or use our Advanced Plan Search to find homes with specific features.

Want to receive all of our newest designs directly by email? Create  a “New House Plans – Latest Trends” Alert  and be the first to see all of our new releases!

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People who inhabit and visit the houses we live in come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from infants to seniors, with various ever-changing abilities and skills. As we grow up, grow old and welcome new people to our homes, our housing needs change. A house or dwelling that is designed and constructed to reflect the principles of universal design will be safer and more accommodating to the diverse range of ages and abilities of people who live in and visit these homes.

When Should You Consider Using a Ramp?

A ramp can be used to overcome changes in level, either on the inside or outside of a home, as an alternative to using stairs.

A ramp is ideal for people who are having difficulty negotiating stairs for various reasons, be it the need to carry heavy objects between levels, move a child in a stroller, or because of a disabling condition. Providing both stairs and a ramp at changes in level will allow people to choose the option that best suits their needs, resulting in a flexible and more universally accessible design.

Ramps are particularly useful for overcoming changes in level up to about 760 mm (30 in.), from the ground level to the level of an entrance for example. Using ramps for greater changes in level requires a great deal of space — which may or may not be practical. If you are faced with a big change in level, installing a lift or residential elevator may be a better strategy than constructing a ramp (see Accessible Housing by Design — Lifts and Residential Elevators). The physical and monetary costs associated with both options should be fully explored when deciding which option will accommodate the greatest number of users.

Ramp Design Strategies

There are typically two strategies used for ramp design: a landscape approach and a structural approach.

Landscape Approach

This approach incorporates landscaping, gently sloping walkways and grading to overcome changes in level (see Figure 2). A safe path with a gentle slope can be built without railings (unless there are abrupt drop-offs on either side, or users need them), resulting in an integrated, low-key design that does not look like a traditional ramp.

The landscape approach is generally limited to smaller changes in level.

Structural Approach

The structural approach involves building a ramp structure — usually using wood-framing construction (see Figures 3 and 4). This results in a more noticeable structure, although its visual impact can be minimized through creative design, landscaping and finishes.

The most common ramp configurations are:

• Straight
• Switch-back 
• U-shaped 
• L-shaped 

Angled ramps may also be used, but remember that the start and finish of the ramp must incorporate a straight approach. Curved ramps are not recommended as they make steering a wheelchair, walker or scooter very difficult. In some cases, depending on the length of the ramp, landings may be required as resting points.

Read the full CMHC fact sheet on ramps for design considerations and construction options for adding a ramp to your existing property or new home. 

(Source: CMHC – About Your House – General Series)

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Designing a kid-friendly bathroom can be a challenge. Color and pattern are great in small doses, but too much whimsy, and the room runs the risk of being quickly outgrown. We asked designer Christopher Coleman to share some of his trade secrets on designing a kid-friendly bathroom that’s both fun and enduring.

Splash of color

Kids love color, and it might be tempting to wash every wall in bright tones and primary hues. However, it’s important to remember that too much color can be distracting.

“Color is a thing for everybody, you just need to find the right dosage” says Coleman. “Introduce color in the fixtures, like the sink or shower curtain, or even a wall mural.”

Keep the walls and floor basic by using beige or white, and add splashes of color with tiles, towels, and other fixtures and accessories. A green or blue sink will stand out if the surrounding walls are white or neutral. Greens, yellows, blues, and tans work great in a kid’s bath, and they are not overbearing, like pink or orange can be.

Patterns are just as important as color. A painted sink adds playful surprise to the standard fixture. Horizontal and vertical stripes are also great ways to add whimsy to a room without going overboard. They’re mature enough for any room, and they introduce another hint of color to the space.

Toy box

With the abundance of toys and trinkets that naturally accompany kids, storage is important in a kid’s bath. If your bathroom doesn’t already have ample storage space, get creative. Keep a wicker basket on the toilet tank, or purchase a plastic shoe holder to hang on the shower rod for toy storage. The key to making any space look nice is to contain the clutter.

“If you have the luxury of space in the wall, it’s always great to create niches” says Coleman. “Rolling cars are always nice, like a floating vanity. They can hide extra toiletries, and are easy to move around the space.”

Sticks and stones

Kids love to touch and feel everything; give them some variety in the bathroom. Stone tiles make a great backsplash, and glass tiles work well around the mirror or in the shower. Vary materials and textures.  

“Bathrooms don’t always have to be marble and tile” says Coleman. “I use more natural materials, like concrete and wood. Natural materials have nice textures, and are actually safer because they provide more friction.”

Growing up

Unfortunately, all kids must grow up sometime. While they’re still young, it’s important to create a space in which they can maneuver.

 For the sink, consider a step stool that can be easily tucked away when not in use. Touchless faucets are easy to reach without needing to turn a handle, and can be set to a comfortable temperature, ensuring the water never gets too hot.

For the toilet, consider a toilet training seat. It fits over any regular size seat, but creates a comfortable and safe place to sit for younger, smaller children. The Transitions seat also frees up space by removing the need for a tot toilet.

In the shower or bath, install adjustable showerheads and handshowers. This will allow you to direct water to any height. Handshowers are great when for washing kids who won’t sit still.

Throughout the room, consider light switches placed at a lower height, or even motion-sensors for those too short to reach the switch.

Safety first

Making a bathroom kid-friendly invoves taking a few extra steps in safety. There are a number of things you can do to reduce risks in the restroom.

1. Install quiet-close toilet seats to keep tiny fingers from getting pinched.
2. Use toilet and cabinet clamps to keep kids from reaching in the toilet, and to lock up bathroom cleaners.
3. Plug all outlets with safety guards.
4. Use shower mats to avoid slippery floors.
5. Install grab bars near the tub or toilet to make it easy for kids to get in and out.
6. Use drain covers to keep kids from reaching in, and to keep the toys out.
7. Install touchless faucets for both preset, safe temperatures and easy-to-reach fixtures.

Can I help?

Let the kids give input on some of the design decisions. “Not everything has to match” says Coleman. “Remember, it’s for a child, it should have some sort of fun and adventure.”

Put up kids artwork in the bathroom to make the space both personal and fun. Let the kids paint a tile for the backsplash, or let them decorate a mirror frame. The best way to design a kids bathroom, is to get their input. Just remember, they grow up fast!

Source: Kohler Canada

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