habitat rehab

Before proposing a new model for new-build Habitat for Humanity houses, the inclusive design studio first experimented in designing the rehabilitation of an existing home owned by Habitat. The goal was to promote inclusive design in an affordable way through the use of adaptability. This means that the house is not a lifespan design from the start, but, due to foresight in design, can be easily adapted to accommodate limited mobility later.

It is notoriously more difficult to retrofit existing buildings to be inclusive than it is to design new-builds to be inclusive from the start. The strategy of this design, which was ultimately chosen for construction, was to save money for the big alterations by changing little else. Existing wall openings were expanded, but no existing walls were removed. Only three walls were added. The basement stair was relocated to under the main stair to allow for a larger kitchen. The height of the first floor necessitated the addition of a back deck, which can be used to create a zero-step entry with a lift, if needed later.

Project Type: Studio

Role: Designer

Professor: Dr. Edward Steinfeld

Client: Habitat for Humanity Buffalo