
Remodeled Universal Design kitchen in Appleton, WI: The NARI judges agreed that the biggest success of this project can be found in what is unseen: outstanding universal design as well as good, practical design work for all users."


Challenge: Create a Universal Design kitchen without appearing to be handicapped accessible, yet useful to entire family.

Left: Indented base cabinet allows wheelchair to comfortably fit under the to sink. Right: Garbage and recycling center pulls out next to sink for easy access.

Limited space demanded a creative, easy-to-reach storage solution.

Left: Limited under counter space maximized with flip out shelving and rolling shelves. Right: Corner cabinet has a flip out shelving unit allows access to the rolling shelves tucked inside.

Left: Drop-down drawer front cleverly hides a butcher block cutting board. Right: The knife drawer is tucked above the cutting board for convenience.

Upper cabinets were hung slightly lower to keep frequently used items within reach.

Left: Angled cabinet front provides clearance for wheelchair entry into the kitchen. Right: Diagonal corner hinges allows doors to fold for access to contents on roll-out shelves.

Challenge met! Universal design in Maple with modern amenities maintains the traditional style of the home.
"The success of this project can be found in what is unseen; its accessibility for all family members."
2013 NARI Judges' Choice Award
Universal Design kitchen remodel; Appleton, Wisconsin: Timber Innovations took on the challenge of creating a kitchen that was accessible to all members of the family without altering the traditional style of the home.
The owner of this home was injured in an accident which left him confined to a wheelchair. He took over many household duties including the preparation of family meals, but the existing kitchen was not designed for accessibility:
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An obtrusive island cabinet extended too far into the floor plan to clear with a wheelchair.
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A narrow sink alcove made access difficult.
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The existing cabinets limited access to stored items and countertop workspaces.
Timber Innovations' remodeled kitchen is easily navigable for a wheelchair, while still being functional for the whole family:
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The sink was moved to an adjacent wall, which allowed for uninterrupted counter space, creating a more open floor plan.
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Rollout shelving was incorporated in the pantry and corner cabinets to store cooking necessities within easy reach.
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Upper cabinets were kept low for reachability.
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A drop-down drawer front hides a knife drawer and butcher block designed to roll out over a wheelchair for easy cutting and chopping.
The NARI judges agreed that the biggest success of this project can be found in what is unseen: its accessibility for all members of the family. "It's the best overall [2013 NARI Judges' Choice] because it showed outstanding universal design as well as good, practical design work for all users."
This project received the following awards and recognitions:
2013 NARI Judge’s Choice Award, Fox Valley Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
This project appeared in the March 2013 issue of Fox Cities Magazine.
Award-winning Universal Design Kitchen
See more Timber Innovations projects: