Mobility Management

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Automotive Mobility
    • Billing / Reimbursement
    • Government / Legislation
    • Home Accessibility
    • Pediatrics
    • Power Chairs
    • Seating & Positioning
    • Ultralightweights
  • News
  • Featured
  • Podcasts
  • Request Media Kit
  • Webinars
  • Subscribe
  • Digital Edition
  • Awards
  • Advertise

BASF Better Planet House Highlights Universal Design Possibilities

September 1, 2006 by Mobility Management

Universal design seems to be going&#133 well, universal.

While people with disabilities have long had to fight for wheelchair-friendly doorway widths and roll-in showers, more mainstream architects and designers are starting to take interest in universal design thanks to the concept’s ability to make just about anyone feel more at home.


Case in point: BASF &#151 a New Jersey-based chemical company producing polymers, automotive and industrial coatings, and agricultural products &#151 created the Better Home project while partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Energy, in addition to manufacturers of environmentally friendly and accessible products.


The “Better Planet” house in Paterson, N.J., is a 2,900-square-foot prototype of how a home can be universally welcoming, while leaving a smaller-than-usual imprint on its environment. The home, for instance, heats water via solar power, has improved insulation so heating and air conditioning units can be downsized, and uses significant amounts of recycled materials.


Inside, the home &#151 which originally was open for private tours by architects and builders, but will eventually be used by a family who has a disabled teen &#151 includes a ceiling-mounted patient lift from bedroom to bathroom, and a Best Bath Systems wheelchair-accessible shower with grab bars and handheld shower head. The house features an elevator, widened hallways, and kitchen appliances with controls mounted in easy-to-reach locations. Appliances can also be mounted on pedestals or fitted with larger, easier-to-read visual cues so seniors can avoid bending over or squinting while operating the oven or dishwasher.


For details on the Better Planet home, which is being turned over to its new owners this summer, go to www.betterhomebetterplanet.com or www.best-bath.com.

Related Articles Read More >

Briefly: Survey Seeks Input on Rear Anti-Tips; Bryan Anderson Honored with Statue
Featuring Dalhousie University and the La Verne Veterans Memorial.
Collaboration Between Freedom Designs, Motion Concepts to Streamline Provision Process
Invacare America announces a new workflow between two of its divisions.
Kalogon Launches Bondar 3D-Printed Custom Backrest
The new back complements the company’s Orbiter Med wheelchair seat cushion.
Motion Composites Celebrates Opening of New York Assembly Facility
The new facility will start with the assembly of select ultralightweight wheelchair models.

GET THE FREE NEWSLETTER

Mobility Management Newsletter

Subscribe to Mobility Management's newsletter for industry & product news, trends and resources. Click here.
podcasts
Mobility Management
  • HME Business
  • Senior Housing News
  • Home Health Care News
  • Skilled Nursing News
  • Hospice News
  • Behavioral Health Business
  • Contact Us
  • About Us

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Mobility Management

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Automotive Mobility
    • Billing / Reimbursement
    • Government / Legislation
    • Home Accessibility
    • Pediatrics
    • Power Chairs
    • Seating & Positioning
    • Ultralightweights
  • News
  • Featured
  • Podcasts
  • Request Media Kit
  • Webinars
  • Subscribe
  • Digital Edition
  • Awards
  • Advertise