Products for a Barrier-Free Home

A Roundup of 2012 Universal Design Offerings From the International Builders’ Show

• By Elisha Bury
• Mar 01, 2012

Orlando, Fla., was the place to be Feb. 8-11 as home builders from across the country gathered for the 2012 National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show. Among the offerings at this year’s show was a plethora of products centered on universal design.

Although the audience of this particular show is the home builder, many companies had plenty to choose from for the do-it-yourselfer. And if you’re in the market to hire a contractor to build your own accessible or universally designed space or upgrade your current space, it pays to be on top of the latest offerings in the market.

Here are some highlights from the show:

Elevate Your Life

Garaventa Lift announced the release of a new option for the Elvoron Home Elevator. The elevator, with customizable cab sizes, eliminates the need for a separate machine room to save space.

Harmar, a familiar face in the mobility industry, introduced a residential elevator. The Everest Elevator, which was featured in The New American Home 2012, incorporates green technology.

Bath and Beyond

Steam Planet introduced a line of walk-in tubs, featuring the company’s Sit in Tub. This 3-foot-wide tub features an out-opening door to allow the bather to sit into the tub rather than step in.

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures unveiled its Waveland Collection, a series of low-flow, water-conserving bathroom faucets and fittings in traditional styles. The collection, which is fully ADA compliant, features lever handles, which require less strength to operate.

HealthCraft Products, known for its bath safety series, premiered its Invisia collection. The series of luxury bathroom accessories seek to hide safety features such as grab bars in plain sight. Product choices include an accent ring that fits around the shower fixtures, a corner shelf, towel bar, toilet roll holder and a soap dish all with integrated support rails for added stability. The line also includes the SerenaSeat fold-down shower seat made from Brazilian walnut panels. Each product is offered in chrome, brushed nickel and powdercoated white.

Liners Direct released two new products: the Barrier-Free Shower and Rane Walk-in Tubs. The acrylic shower was designed to offer a quick installation in existing bathtub spaces without demolition. The upscale Rane Walk-in Tubs address safety needs by offering choices based on mobility need: high mobility, moderate mobility and nonambulatory.

Room With a View

Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork showcased its Heritage series tilt-turn windows and Garden-Aire sliding patio doors. The all-wood construction features brass hardware and energy efficient designs. The sliding door comes with a sill ramp kit and all of the products are equipped with motorized operators and lever handles.

For more information, check out Home Accessibility products.