Freewheeling Mountain Cabin

Front of cabin

The front of the cabin is level with the stabilized soil drive and entry walk. d

The front of the cabin is level with the drive for easy access. The natural look of a dirt path was maintained while making the surface firm in all weather conditions with the addition of a concrete mix. Stone edging the path serves as a guide curb for people with limited or no vision.

Back deck

From the deck at the rear of the cabin one gets a clear view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. d

The deck at the back overlooking the mountains is connected by a five-foot wide wrap-around walk, allowing entrance from either the front or back of the cabin. Although wood, it doubles as an emergency egress route.

General

View toward kitchen

View from the front door looking toward kitchen showing cathedral ceiling and large glassed-in gables. d

To give a more spacious feel to the cabin, traditional flat ceilings were omitted and cathedral-style ceilings created by covering the rafters with 1 X 6 pine.
By not over furnishing the cabin, the open floor space makes maneuvering in a wheelchair easier and works well for people with low vision by minimizing unexpected tripping hazards.
Wall plugs and light switches are set at convenient heights, within the range of 20 to 44 inches.

Doors and Windows

All doorways are at least 36-inches wide with level thresholds and lever hardware.
Large expanses of glass fill the gable ends of the roof and allow more natural light to fill the rooms than in traditional mountain cabins. The amount of light facilitates use of the cabin for people with reduced vision.
Casement windows are set low and are equipped with easy-to-turn crank handles and low-mounted locks.
A pass-through window from the kitchen facilitates dining on the deck.

Living and Kitchen Area

Interior view of bay window

Bay window adds to the interior square footage and increases the level of natural light. d

A large bay window replaces the original cabin doorway, adds to the available maneuvering space just inside the new front door, and creates a well-lighted sitting area.

Gas fireplace

Gas fireplace on wall between the living area and bedroom heats both rooms. d

A gas fireplace adds to the ambience and eliminates the necessity of chopping and hauling firewood. It sits on a stone slab with edges chiseled back so as not to interfere with maneuvering within the room and access to the door. The thermostat is positioned within easy reach on the doorframe and set at 44 inches above the floor.

Woman in wheelchair at cooktop

Cooktop with knee space and up-front controls in 34-inch high counter allows standing and seated people to cook. d

The cooktop has up-front easy-to-reach controls and knee space below. The countertop oven is usable by all--standing, seated, children, and people with limited reach.

Woman at sink

The corner sink has a lever faucet and usable counter space on both sides. The hand pump is a sculpture.d

Counter heights are 34 inches with a 7-inch toe space below base cabinets. The corner sink is shallow with a lever faucet. Its location in the corner places more counter space within easy reach of a person in a fixed position in front of the sink. This location reduces required movements and facilitates food flow from preparation area to the cooktop.
The overhead cabinet is reachable from a seated position with one open side.

Woman at washer/dryer

Stacking washer and dryer with easy access into the washer and controls for both within reach. d

As the cabin is intended to be a weekly rental, it is expected that only minimal laundry will be done. The stacking washer and dryer are just off the kitchen--a wheelchair user can reach into the washer as well as reach the controls for both washer and dryer.

Bedroom

Carefully selected and placed furniture allows all users full access to the bedroom. d

Furniture is placed to avoid overcrowding and allow access and transfer from either side of the bed.
The antique dresser was selected because it has a high toe space and the mirror tilts to allow viewing by seated and standing users.

Bathroom

Bathroom lavatory

The lavatory with ample knee space allows close approach to the sink basin and lever faucet control. d

Access to the bathroom is via a 3-foot wide pocket door from the bedroom. The pocket door eliminates a swinging door that would obstruct valuable floor space.
The lavatory knee space is 3-feet 6-inches wide because the minimum of 2-feet 6- inches specified in many codes and standards is too narrow and confining for comfortable use. Supply and drain lines are insulated. The mirror accommodates both standing and seated users.

Shower area

Curbless shower area is equipped with both a fixed overhead shower and a hand-held showerhead on 5-foot flexible hose. d

A waterproof membrane is under the entire shower and bathing area making it possible to have a curbless shower. Water temperature and flow controls are set at 34 inches. A hand-held shower is provided in addition to the fixed overhead shower. Shower seat and grab bars are planned for future installation.
The electric heater for the room also warms the towels.
Unobstructed clear floor space around the toilet provides users of mobility devices the opportunity to execute the kind of approach and transfer that is the most familiar, easiest, and safest to complete. When the maneuvering space is not needed, decorative or storage elements can be placed in the bathroom.
Walls are sufficiently constructed to locate grab bars where desired.

Features

Entrance and Deck

General

Doors and Windows

Living and Kitchen Area

Bedroom

Bathroom

Entrance and Deck

General

Doors and Windows

Living and Kitchen Area

Bedroom

Bathroom