When Rosemarie Rossetti lost the use of her legs in a 1998 accident, she and her husband Mark Leder focused on getting her well. But beyond the challenge of learning to use a wheelchair, Rosemarie had to re-learn how to live in their home. With too many issues to try a remodel, Rosemarie and Mark looked to local builders but were discouraged by the dearth of universal design solutions they offered. Ultimately, the couple embarked on building the ultimate universal design custom home. Their experience has become a critique on traditional homebuilding and an impressive exercise in true universal design.
Today, the 3,500-square-foot Universal Design Living Laboratory is Rosemarie and Mark's home and office. Thanks to the couple's thought leadership, the UDLL also serves as an education center for builders, architects, and the public to learn how to create homes that work for all of their residents, no matter their age or ability. Products editor Lauren Hunter recently toured the UDLL and found a number of details worth sharing. Flip through the slideshow at left to see nine of her favorites.
