Multigenerational kitchens | PRODUCT FEATURE
CookingRAK by RAK Ceramics is an induction hob/worktop designed to create a multifunctional kitchen space ideal for multigenerational homes
kitchens should ideally be wheelchair- friendly, as he believes that this is the most user-friendly and practical option to suit everybody. He collaborated on the design of Sym phony Kitchens’ Freedom range, which addresses safety, flexibility and storage, while being fully accessible for a wheelchair user. It “continues to go from strength to strength”, Thomas explains, and this has been helped by Sym - phony’s positioning of the range, which
integrates it with the ‘standard’ ranges. Häfele’s product group manager Jo
You can’t design a space for a family you don’t know or don’t understand. Who uses the space, when, and for what? Not only now, but in the future
Amanda Hughes, ageing and ergonomics specialist, Blum UK
Cole says: “Flexibility and usability should be considered by whoever is using a space and wherever it’s located. Often, we focus on physical disability when we consider inclusive design. While we must create spaces that remove barriers for the 46% of disabled people who have sustainable and long-term mobility issues, inclusive design needs to be focused on every individual who uses a home. “In a survey of 2,000 home- owners, 16% of
respondents said kitchen storage is too high for them to reach. While these
The Smufhouse Project, Day True CASE STUDY:
“The Smufhouse project was designed to be completely inclusive. In the kitchen, we combined tall and low kitchen base units, allowing a dropped height island countertop to provide different heights of social seating. We used
lever handles on taps, appliances were positioned to ensure easy accessibility and opening and we created wider walkways around the kitchen to allow plenty of space for movement. The ‘Compac’ worktop provided a durable, easy-to-maintain surface. With this, the design ensures that everyone can cook, enjoy and socialise together.”
December 2023 •
The Ropox height-adjustable worktop available at Häfele uses FlexiElectric technology
respondents may not necessarily have mobility issues, ultimately, their kitchen is not designed to meet their needs. ” In each case, retailers need to make sure they ask the right questions to determine the level of current and future need. As Blum’s Hughes comments: “You can’t design a space for a family you don’t know or don’t understand. Who uses the space, when, and for what? Not only now, but in the future. How do they see things changing in five or 10 years?”
Open-plan
In terms of layout, the design should be as open-plan as possible, but, ideally, with laundry appliances stacked in a utility room, or side-by- side but elevated from the floor so older people don’t have to bend, and so that they are more accessible to a wheelchair user, for example. And, as KBBG’s managing director Bill Miller says: “Breaking down walls encou- rages interaction and communication
between family members and also allows parents to keep an eye on children while cooking meals, creating a safe and nurturing environment.” He also advocates having different for different activities –
zones a
homework station, desk zone, breakfast bar or kitchen island or peninsula, and a technology hub for charging and storing devices. Easily-accessible pull-down or pull- out storage is essential for promoting independence and of course safety is a primary concern in any kitchen, but even more important in this case, where more vulnerable people are likely to be present. Quooker’s managing director Stephen Johnson says that multigenerational considerations should be fundamental to kitchen design and that “good, thoughtful design that is functional, accessible and adaptable is key”.
He adds: “In a multigenerational kitchen, practical appliances are
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