A pioneering project in the practical application of universal design principles is purported to be the first of its kind in Australia.
Initiated on a Merimbula beach house by Sydneysider Alex Cochran after his partner became wheelchair bound, the project consolidates and applies all seven universal design principles.
The home, currently in week 36 of renovations, followed some 18 months of exhaustive research during which Cochran became overwhelmed by the volume of universal design theory available, and exasperated by the void of practical application case studies.
He launched an online resource capturing his research, relevant products and services, networks and even a regular diary detailing the renovation progress.
Cochran was quickly supported by Dulux Australia in which Dulux paints were selected to minimise wall marking from the occasional bump from a wheel chair.
Intergrain Ultragrip was used on the external decking to reduce the risk of slips and Dulux AcraTex was chosen as an exterior finish that is less likely to cause injury when brushed against than other exterior options with rough or sharp protrusions and edges.
