What is Universal Design?

Universal design is an approach to creating products, environments, and communication that are accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance. The aim is to ensure that everyone, whether young or old, with or without disabilities can use and enjoy the things we encounter in our daily lives.

This design philosophy is particularly relevant in the world of housing, where inclusivity and adaptability are key. At ADU Homes, we believe that designing spaces that are accessible to all isn’t just about meeting regulations, it’s about creating homes that truly meet the needs of the people living in them, today and in the future.

The History of Universal Design

Universal design isn’t a new concept. Its roots go back to the mid-20th century in the fields of architecture and urban planning. The term was coined by architect Ronald Mace in the 1970s, who initially focused on making buildings accessible to people with disabilities. Mace’s ideas about accessible design gradually evolved into the broader concept of universal design, emphasizing inclusivity for all people, not just those with disabilities.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in universal design, partly due to the aging Baby Boomer generation. As more people reach retirement age, the demand for accessible housing and products has grown significantly. At ADU Homes, we see this trend reflected in the increasing number of clients who are planning for the future by incorporating aging in place features into their ADUs. The desire for independent living, combined with the flexibility of ADUs, makes them a perfect match for universal design principles.

The Role of Aging in Place

One of the most important aspects of universal design in housing is aging in place design. This approach accounts for the fact that as we age, our physical abilities and needs change. By incorporating thoughtful design elements that cater to these evolving needs, we can allow seniors to live independently in their homes for longer periods, avoiding the need for costly and sometimes unwanted relocation to assisted living facilities.

At ADU Homes, we work closely with clients who are looking to incorporate aging in place features into their accessory dwelling units. Whether you’re planning to house an elderly relative in an ADU or thinking ahead for your own future, there are numerous design features that can make a home safer, more comfortable, and more accessible as mobility decreases. These features don’t just apply to seniors, they can benefit everyone, from families with young children to individuals recovering from surgery or injury.

Practical Applications of Aging in Place Design

Aging in place design often includes features such as:

• Wider doorways and hallways: Ensuring there is enough space for walkers or wheelchairs to pass through easily.

• Lever handles on doors: These are easier to operate than traditional knobs, particularly for those with arthritis or reduced hand strength.

• Grab bars in bathrooms: Strategically placed grab bars can prevent falls, which are one of the most common hazards for elderly individuals.

• Step-free entrances: Ramps or level entrances make homes more accessible for people with mobility challenges, ensuring they don’t have to navigate stairs to enter or exit.

• Lower countertops: In kitchens and bathrooms, lowering countertops can make tasks easier for those in wheelchairs or those who have difficulty standing for long periods.

At ADU Homes, we offer custom designs that can seamlessly integrate these features into your ADU project, ensuring that your space is not only functional but also stylish and welcoming. You won’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality—our ADU design team knows how to blend universal design principles with modern, appealing architecture.

Benefits of Universal Design

The benefits of universal design extend far beyond accessibility. Incorporating universal design features can have positive outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole. Some of the key benefits include:

• Greater independence for people with disabilities or chronic health conditions: Features like step-free access, wide hallways, and accessible bathrooms allow individuals to live comfortably in their own homes without the need for specialized care.

• More livable communities for everyone: Homes and communities built with universal design principles in mind are more inclusive, fostering environments where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully in daily life.

• An environment usable by all: By designing spaces that work for everyone, we can create homes that don’t require costly modifications as people age or if their circumstances change.

• Increased social inclusion: Universal design encourages greater participation by people with disabilities, improving overall social inclusion.

• Aging in place: By allowing individuals to live in their homes longer, universal design can improve the quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.

• Cost savings: Incorporating universal design elements early in a construction project is often more cost-effective than retrofitting a home later on.

At ADU Homes, we understand that building for the future isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating homes that enhance the quality of life for everyone. That’s why we encourage our clients to consider adding universal design elements to their ADUs, whether for immediate use or for future planning.

Universal Design in ADU Homes

As specialists in ADU construction, ADU Homes is uniquely positioned to integrate universal design into the homes we build. Our experience in designing and building ADUs in Southern California has given us valuable insights into what works best for homeowners who want to age in place, house elderly relatives, or simply make their homes more accessible and adaptable for the future.

Here are some examples of how we apply universal design principles in our ADU projects:

• Step-free ADU entrances: Whether through a gently sloped pathway or a direct entrance from the main house, we ensure that your ADU is easily accessible for people of all abilities.

• Accessible bathrooms and kitchens: By incorporating features like walk-in showers, grab bars, and adjustable countertops, we create spaces that are safe, functional, and comfortable for everyone.

• Wider doorways and hallways: We design ADUs with extra space to accommodate mobility devices, ensuring that your ADU is future-proofed for any changes in physical ability.

• Thoughtful lighting and acoustics: Universal design goes beyond physical accessibility. We also consider the importance of lighting and sound, creating spaces that are comfortable for people with visual or auditory impairments.

ADU Homes takes pride in offering flexible, customizable ADU designs that reflect the needs and preferences of our clients. Whether you’re looking to add an aging-in-place ADU for a family member or want to create a more inclusive living environment for future tenants, we’re here to help.

Universal Design is the Future of Housing

Universal design isn’t just a trend—it’s a design philosophy that has the potential to transform our homes and communities. By incorporating universal design principles into your ADU, you’re not only making your home more accessible and functional but also future-proofing it for changes in your family’s needs.



At ADU Homes, we believe that building homes that work for everyone is the future of housing. By offering custom ADU designs that blend universal design principles with modern aesthetics, we’re helping homeowners create spaces that are adaptable, inclusive, and built to last.