What's Behind The Rising Demand For Universal Design?

Watch now to learn how the designer and builder incorporated barrier-free entries, curbless showers, and wider hallways, among other amenities, in this first-of-its-kind accessible home.

If the concept of universal design brings to mind images of a slab-on-grade house with medical-grade adaptations, then the 2021 Southern Living Showcase Home might surprise you.

The stately, two-story property in Pittsboro, North Carolina, features an elevator, wider doorways, larger turning radiuses, and an expansive outdoor living space. It’s the first of its kind to be fully inclusive and accessible.

In this Studio Session, ARCHITECT Editor-in-Chief Paul Makovsky discusses practical applications of universal design with Josh Mauney, president of Paragon Building Group, and Mark Beard, principal designer at LifeStage Home Designs.

The discussion covers the how the rise of multigenerational homes and the desire to age in place are prompting designers and builders to meet growing demand for accessible homes. You’ll also learn how to integrate accessible features, such as stepless entrances and curbless showers, into an aesthetically pleasing design.