Accessible Architecture: A Guide to Inclusive Design

Architectural design is a craft that is ever-evolving, and within this evolution is the movement to create spaces that cater to diverse needs. Inclusive design is all about ensuring that everybody, regardless of their physical ability, has easy access to accommodation and other premises - whether the solutions are retrofitted, or even integrated into new-build properties to make them sustainable for future use.

While the current housing market offers very few inclusive design solutions for those who are physically impaired or in a wheelchair - with only 10% of UK households having 1 of the 4 adaptations required to consider a property accessible - there are nevertheless several adaptations that can be made to ensure that physically impaired homeowners can be comfortably accommodated. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the basics of inclusive design.

Widened Doorways

As one of the four adaptations required to qualify a home as accessible that we mentioned above, widening doorways allows wheelchair and other mobility assistance tools to easily move and turn through thresholds, reducing any difficult bottlenecks.

Wet Rooms

Bathrooms present many difficulties for people with reduced mobility, so a ground floor level wet room and shower with a suitable amount of handles can make a huge difference to someone’s hygiene and overall well being.

Adapted Kitchen

An adapted kitchen is one of the most effective investments for improving the home lives of wheelchair users. Counters and tables that have sufficient space for a wheelchair to pull into, as well as appliances that are at the correct height for someone that’s seated, are two adjustments that can make a world of difference. The general layout of the kitchen can also be altered to accommodate a wheelchair properly and safely.

Stairlifts & Floor Lifts

If the home is split across multiple floors, integrating a stair or floor lift into the property’s design is a particularly handy investment to make the lives of wheelchair users or those with mobility issues that much easier by providing them with convenient transportation between floors.



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Inclusive architecture goes beyond complying with regulations; it is about creating spaces that are usable, enjoyable and safe for people of all abilities. This approach ensures that everyone, regardless of age, physical ability or cognitive condition, can navigate and utilise the designed environment with ease.

If you or someone you know requires accessible accommodations made at their property, our experienced design engineers can help. Get the results you need with ease by getting in touch with our expert team.