Design of accessible student accommodation and the particular challenges it can pose
The team at OHAC are currently working on a number of student accommodation projects, throughout the country, where we are assisting design teams on accessibility issues right through from initial design review, planning review, disability access certification, detailed design, tendering/specification reviews including on-site inspections and compliance certification.
The design of student accommodation can pose challenges in relation to accessibility and universal design. In order to ensure adequate provision is made for people to access and use the student accommodation a proportion of the rooms provided need to be both accessible and functional for persons of limited ability including wheelchair users.
To cater for all student’s designer’s need to include adequate provisions within student apartments containing accessible bedrooms. Designers also need to cater for users with the widest range of needs possible including wheelchair users. To achieve this designers, have to design beyond the minimum level of provision contained within Technical Guidance Document M 2010, Access and Use.
Below are some design criteria that have been incorporated into the design of student apartments/studio facilities that contain accessible bedrooms catering for disabled student needs:
- A minimum 1500x1500mm clear maneuvering space clear of door swing is provided at the accessible apartment entrance.
- All corridors achieve a minimum clear width of 1200mm, adequate turning spaces are also provided and a minimum 300mm leading edge is provided on all doors to accessible areas.
- Accessible bedrooms provide a minimum 1500/1800mm clear maneuvering space on one side of the bed and 700mm on the other. Furniture is designed and carefully located to maximise accessibility – wheelchair accessible study desk, wardrobe etc. An emergency alarm is provided and is accessible from both the bed and the clear space next to the bed.
- Accessible en-suites are designed in accordance with TGD Part M 2010 diagrams 21 & 22 and where more than one is provided a choice in the handing is also provided.
- In addition to provisions for fire detection the fire alarm includes both visual and audible indicators.
- Openable window controls, located between 800-100mm above the finished floor level, are accessible and operable without using both hands.
- Kitchens include a clear unobstructed space of at least 1500x1500mm. Key task areas such as the sink, hob and food preparation space is provided with a knee recess. Oven units are designed to be accessible as is the dining area. Kitchen switches are carefully positioned and accessible including hob, extractor fans, sockets and isolators. The height of work surfaces allows for use by both ambulant and wheelchair users and floor mounted storage units include banks of drawers.
- An appropriately sized wheelchair charging space is provided in either the accessible apartment living space or accessible bedroom.
To find out more on how OHAC can assist you to improve the accessibility of your design, including student accommodation projects, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01 – 4151285 or e-mail [email protected]
