Internal Design

Communal Space

Communal Space

Circulation areas within a building should be designed to be Accessible, Beautiful, Connected and useable by as wide a range of people as possible, including use by a person in a wheelchair allowing occupants to move around freely and without difficulty, to the best of their ability.

The entrance to communal access areas should be step free with level thresholds for easy accessibility. The areas immediately to either side of the main entrance door as well as internal circulation of the communal space should allow for spacious wheelchair turning and manoeuvring.

To allow unhindered, Accessible access to upper floors, the inclusion of a lift should be utilised that is fully usable by disabled people and have clear and simple operating instructions.

Access stairs should be designed to be suited for use by people with impaired mobility or sight along with suitable signage or people with visual impairment. Handrails provide support for older and disabled people and also act as a guide for people with impaired sight and should be provided to both sides of access stairs.

Within the communal space, flexible shared storage and charging space for mobility scooters should be provided alongside space for wheelchair storage and transfer. Space for bicycle storage racks should also be considered if there is no space externally. This can reduce visual clutter outside of the development however care should be taken to ensure any bicycle storage space is well placed, Accessible and does not hinder the internal manoeuvring space for wheelchair users.

Communal space should be designed within the main curtilage of the building footprint for secure enclosed access; however, an open deck approach can be utilised to front entrance doors to provide Accessible access depending on orientation and layout of units unique to each development and dependant on each local authority approach to open deck design.

Design Principles

  • Level Threshold entrance with a level platform of atleast 1500 x 1500mm at the main entrance door, clear of any door swing
  • Canopy over the entrance doorway to provide shelter against the elements that also increases the feeling of security and safety.
  • A clear area of 1500 x 1500mm inside entrance doors and circulation areas allow for wheelchair turning and manoeuvring.
  • A clear circulation route must allow for wheelchair use and be atleast 1800mm to allow two wheelchairs to pass
  • Lifts should have a clear door opening of width of atleast 800mm
  • Accessible controls, audible & visual cues for easy access and control by those with a range of disabilities.
  • Any lift is fully usable by disabled people and have a desirable internal dimension of atleast 1400 x 1600mm for users with walking aids and wheelchairs
  • Stairs should be designed to have a rise no greater than 170mm and a going no less than 250mm with highlighted nosings
  • Handrails on both sides of circulation area that comply with the technical standards. The design should be easy to grasp with a diameter of 45-50mm and have a clear space of 50mm from the back of the rail extending 300mm past the top and bottom stair nosing.
  • Shared storage and charging space for mobility scooters, 1 position for every 2 flats. There should also be space for wheelchair storage and transfer within this space using approx. the same ratio to ensure there is a scooter or wheelchair space provided for each flat.

Requirements

  • Level Threshold entrance with a level platform of atleast 1500 x 1500mm at the door, clear of any door swing
  • Entrance door clear opening width of atleast 840mm and partially glazed to allow customers to see through
  • Canopy over the entrance doorway to provide shelter against the elements and also increase the feeling of security
  • Door ironmongery that is robust, easy to grasp and operate for each doorway including magnetic or automatic assisted opening & closing.
  • Door viewer installed at a height of 1200mm for wheelchair users
  • A clear area of 1500 x 1500mm inside entrance doors and circulation areas allow for wheelchair turning and manoeuvring.
  • Entrance door positioned with a space of at-least 550mm beyond the handle edge
  • A clear circulation route must allow for wheelchair use and be atleast 1800mm to allow two wheelchairs to pass
  • Handrails on both sides of circulation area that comply with the technical standards. The design should be easy to grasp with a diameter of 45-50mm and have a clear space of 50mm from the back of the rail.
  • Any lift is fully usable by disabled people and have internal dimensions of 1400 x 1600mm for users with walking aids and wheelchairs
  • Access stairs suited to use by people with impaired mobility or sight and suitable signage to people with visual impairment. Stairs should be designed to have a rise no greater than 170mm and a going no less than 250mm with highlighted nosings
  • Shared storage and charging space for mobility scooters, 2 positions per 4 flats. There should also be space for wheelchair storage and transfer within this space using approx the same ratio to ensure there is a scooter or wheelchair space provided for each flat.