Floor plan for age-appropriate living (new construction) in an old courtyard complex

Great discussion, thank you all!

The floor plan, door widths, light switches can be planned now.

That’s exactly what it’s about. I have actually often wondered why this is not the basis of every floor plan. And what I see instead are retrofitted stairlifts that you have to maneuver around, and raised toilet seats on the WCs, where you reconsider whether the business is really that urgent. Of course, if space is lacking, that’s how it is. And it’s not about building nursing homes everywhere either.

I would make the two storage rooms into one. The two doors are not good for the bathroom.

I will think about that. Of course, it’s about the "laundry room" and "utility room". The wall in between has the advantage that something can be mounted there. Do I have more usable space in one larger room, or in two smaller ones? I immediately see the advantage in the bathroom, it would be great if the door could be removed.

Before I install an adjustable-height washbasin, I would rather plan for 2 bedrooms.

The two rooms labeled "office" are of course flexible in use. Both as guest rooms and as second bedrooms. I will reconsider a care-bed-friendly door width for an office. And regarding the adjustable-height washbasin: that is of course not planned (for cost reasons). But I will see if something can be taken into account regarding the installation planning.

Because of this discussion here, I will also send the plan to a care service. They should know best the typical sticking points of a classic apartment.

And regarding the height-adjustable washbasin: that is of course not planned (for cost reasons).

Depending on your current height, you may already benefit from a higher washbasin, higher kitchen unit, etc. immediately and avoid back problems in the future.

Depending on your current height, you may already benefit from a higher washbasin, higher kitchen countertop, etc. and avoid back problems in the future.

A very good point, thanks . The DIN standard is usually extremely rigid in this regard. Does anyone know a reputable study that links these heights to body height? For this reason, we have already raised all the appliances in the kitchen by 5 cm. My wife and I are 169 and 189 cm tall, respectively.

Our bungalow also has some points of accessibility, e.g. doors 1m wide and 2.1m high. This was immediately noticed by only one visitor, who was a long-time emergency paramedic. Our architect said that if a circle of 1m can pass everywhere, a lot is already prepared and if not needed, comfortable living without tight spots.

and toilet seat risers where you reconsider whether the business is really that urgent.

I quote:

[*]The standard seat height of toilets is between 40 and 42 centimeters.
[*]For seniors, people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users, raised toilets of about 48 centimeters are usually more comfortable than standard height toilets.

So, those are then the uncomfortable toilets that you now want to plan ;)

In fact, for this reason, we have already raised all appliances in the kitchen by 5cm. My wife and I are 169…

For example, I have noticed that at 165cm height, when the worktop is over 75cm I pull my shoulders up, which isn’t really good for them. My parents’ old low kitchen is more comfortable for me, even though a higher worktop is always recommended…

Of course, it’s about "washroom" and "technical room." The wall in between has the advantage that you can attach something there.

That is not obvious. I thought that TK in your buildings is rather outsourced and that these are purely pantry/laundry rooms.
If one of those (which one?) is a TK room, I find the storage areas too small.

Also, those are then the uncomfortable toilets that you want to plan now

That is not quite right. Uncomfortable are these plastic constructions that are placed on "normal" toilets when the need arises.

If that one (which one?) is a cold storage room,

The room next to the bathroom would be for the washing machine and dryer, the (smaller) enclosed room for technology and storage / drinks. Although I am still unsure what "technology" means. Surely telephone network and fuse box as well as distribution of the underfloor heating. Maybe controlled residential ventilation. "Smart Home" ideas are currently fading a bit...