Advice...
Work areas
Design criteria and solutions for Skyline_lab
This section offers practical advice on designing a Skyline_lab
layout together with technical information on the features of this kitchen, which was mainly designed to overcome the obstacles connected with physical disability.
Worktop 80 cm from floor
This height has proved to be best for a person sitting in a wheelchair; all the while, it is not too low for people standing up, especially the elderly. The same kitchen can therefore be used both by disabled and normally able people.
Worktops shaped to completely eliminate sharp edges
This is important in order to prevent people from hitting or getting caught on sharp edges, which could cause damage or injury.
Electrical appliances positioned on the worktop
To make it easier to move saucepans or heavy objects along the laminated worktop between the sink and the hob, a layered laminate panel (shuttle) is fitted at the same level as the electrical appliances in order to make sure users do not have to lift objects rather than push them sideways. When using a stainless steel worktop the electrical appliances should be installed flush with the worktop.
Carousel containing frequently used objects
The carousel is positioned on the worktop in order to keep frequently used objects within easy reach. It comprises a layered laminate disk fixed to the waterproof worktop, a rotating disk made from the same material placed on top of it and surrounded by a retainer which prevents objects from falling out from behind and lastly another rotating disk made from safety glass positioned at a height that can be adjusted according to user requirements. The last disk is also surrounded by a retainer which prevents objects from falling out from behind.
The glass also makes it easier to see the objects and allows the light from the spots to illuminate the worktop. It should be remembered that the radius of action of many disabled people is much smaller than that of a normally able person and it is therefore fundamental to be able to bring objects closer before grasping them.
There are two types of carousel: a round one for general purposes and a shaped one for installation behind the sink.
Working or dining area on the worktop
It is important to have enough space on the worktop for preparing and eating food without having to move around all the time. The proposed solutions therefore optimise such a space, reduce distances and provide access by simply rotating the wheelchair.
Free space under the worktop
For wheelchair users, there must be no furniture or other fixed objects under the worktop. Trolleys and garbage bins on wheels can be housed under the worktop and then moved easily if required. To cover the water and electricity connections are used back panels. These panels can also be shaped on site depending on the type and position of the utilities.
Upper panel between worktop and shelf.
It is important to use laminate or stainless steel upper panels between the back of the worktop and the shelves both to protect the wall and to allow the cables powering the spots and extractor hood to pass from the upper shelf to under the worktop where it is easy to make the connections and then cover them with the back panels. The upper panel, in fact, leaves a 1 cm gap to let the cables through .
Upper shelf
The shelf is positioned with its upper side at 145 cm from the floor. Though this height is difficult to reach for a person sitting in a wheelchair, it is very handy for people standing up and is also the correct level for positioning the extractor hood in relation to the worktop. The shelf also has a considerable load-bearing capacity and can be used to store heavier and less frequently used objects. To increase the safety and ease of use of the work area halogen spots are recessed in the shelf together with the ones fitted in the extractor hood.
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