Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland's homes: consultation

Annex I – Section 9 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide: Entrance doors to individual houses or flats

The clauses within Section 9 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide are set out in the table starting on the next page. Where a clause relates to dwellings specifically for older or ambulant disabled people, dwellings for wheelchair users, dwellings specifically for older or disabled people, dwellings specifically for older people, or dwellings specifically for older and ambulant disabled people, this is highlighted within the table.

Column 3 of the table shows our proposal for each clause for the update to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide. In the case of the clauses that we are proposing to retain within the updated guide, the design criteria that we are proposing to include ‘as standard’ in future dwellings delivered to Housing for Varying Needs standards through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for each category of need – and to accommodation delivered through the Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund (or subsequent funding) where the standard is relevant in Gypsy/Traveller accommodation – are highlighted in the third column of the table.

Informed by the proposals detailed in Chapter 3, column 4 shows which clauses are proposed to be introduced into building standards and guidance to implement the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard, along with those that are not applicable for inclusion.

It is important to note that the final proposals contained in the table will be subject to change based upon the outcome of the consultation.

9 Entrance doors to individual houses or flats

9.1 The needs

9.1.1 Entrance doors must allow easy and convenient passage to and from the dwelling and provide good security.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

9.2 The door and frame

9.2.1 Entrance doors must have a clear opening width that allows a wheelchair to pass through. They should therefore have a minimum clear width of 800mm between the door face on one side and the door stop, or second door, on the other. Any weather moulding at the base of the door may intrude into this clear width (see also 2.6).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

9.2 The door and frame

9.2.2 For external doors a standard 900mm overall door frame with a 807mm wide, 44mm thick door will not give a 800mm clear opening. Even with a door of the readily available width of 838mm this will not be possible. Any standard door meeting this requirement is likely to be a door leaf of 907mm, made by some manufacturers for use with a 1000mm overall frame, giving a clear opening width of approximately 840mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – this clause would not be included in the updated guide as specific door set sizes will be determined by individual manufacturers.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

9.2 The door and frame

9.2.3 Dwellings specifically for older or ambulant disabled people: Entrance doors to dwellings should preferably have a minimum clear opening width of 840mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.2 The door and frame

9.2.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Entrance doors to dwellings for wheelchair users must have a minimum clear opening width of 840mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.2 The door and frame

9.2.5 All entrance doors should be of robust construction with a minimum thickness of 44mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception B Clause falls out of scope of building regulations.

9.2 The door and frame

Fig 9.1 External door frame

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although this figure would be updated to show a minimum clear opening width of 850mm, in line with the proposals to update clauses 9.2.1, 9.2.3 and 9.2.4 of the current guide, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

9.3 Entrance door thresholds

9.3.1 Doors with step-free access must have a threshold that can be negotiated by someone in a wheelchair. Any upstand must be no greater than 15mm but thresholds should preferably use threshold plates with no vertical surface.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – the proposed update to section 7.5, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper, refers.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

9.3 Entrance door thresholds

9.3.2 Thresholds without a step or upstand need very careful designing if there is to be no water penetration. A drainage channel covered with a grating on the outside helps to divert water. An extensive canopy will assist in avoiding water penetration but in exposed locations full protection from a porch will be needed.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.9.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

9.3 Entrance door thresholds

9.3.3 At entrances where the access includes steps the threshold should not incorporate weather bars with an upstand of more than 25mm to prevent tripping. A high upstand is particularly dangerous at the top of a step, as this involves negotiating the step and the upstand simultaneously which is difficult for less agile people.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – the proposed update to section 7.5, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper, refers.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria

9.3 Entrance door thresholds

9.3.4 Dwellings for older or disabled people: There will be a need for a doormat or other floor covering on the inside to take dirt from shoes and wheels. Allowance should be made in the detailing of the threshold for a recessed doormat to avoid the likelihood of tripping and the mat obstructing a wheelchair. The thickness of a doormat may be as great as 30mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that the design criteria in the first and second sentences would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for older or disabled people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.3 Entrance door thresholds

9.3.5 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Mats will need to extend 2 metres to catch the full circumference of most chair wheels and should have a dense pile to prevent wheels sinking into it.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.3 Entrance door thresholds

Fig 9.2 Level threshold

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.9.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

9.4 Ironmongery for external doors

9.4.1 The lock specification should comply with BS 3621 [12]. The main entrance door should be fitted with an opening limitation device and a door viewer or other viewing facility. However, though good security is important, it should always be remembered that the occupants' escape in case of fire is of overriding importance and also that there may be a need for someone to gain entry to assist a lone occupant in an emergency. Entrance doors should therefore always be readily openable from the inside and the use of internally operated bolts should be discouraged when people live alone.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clauses 4.13.2 and 4.13.4.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

9.4 Ironmongery for external doors

9.4.2 Handles should be lever type, robust and easy to grasp and operate. They should be at least 100mm in length and with a thickness or diameter of at least 25mm. They should have a return at their end to give hand support and prevent them catching in clothing and have a clearance of at least 45mm from the face of the door. A colour to contrast with the door finish helps people with impaired sight. Handles should be set level with light switches at a height of 900mm – 1050mm from the floor.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

9.4 Ironmongery for external doors

9.4.3 Dwellings specifically for older people: Door handles should be of a design that is recognisable as such to a person with dementia or other cognitive impairment.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future to dwellings specifically for older people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.4 Ironmongery for external doors

9.4.4 Lock turns and keys should be easy to grasp and positioned well clear of the door jamb to allow space for less dextrous fingers.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the wording ‘to allow space for less dextrous fingers’ would not be included in the updated guide.

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

9.4 Ironmongery for external doors

9.4.5 Door viewers should be set at a height of 1500mm – 1550mm to suit the eye level of the majority of people.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although reference to ‘to suit the eye level of the majority of people’ would not be included in the updated guide.

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in cases where door viewers are provided.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

9.4 Ironmongery for external doors

9.4.6 Dwellings for wheelchair users: A wide pull handle may also be needed on the inside of the door. This is more easily reached than the latch handle to pull the door shut. The pull handle should be approximately 200mm long and fixed 100mm in from the hinged edge and level with the other handle or at the height best suited to the user.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.4 Ironmongery for external doors

9.4.7 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Door viewers should be set at a height of 1200mm for use from a wheelchair.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users in cases where door viewers are provided.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.5 Door operation

9.5.1 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: Some occupants may need the addition of electrically operated door opening devices, either because they lack the dexterity to operate the door handle and lock and/ or because it is more convenient for them to deal with callers without travelling to the door (see 18.5).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.5 Door operation

9.5.2 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: Entrance doors to dwellings that open off communal areas will require to be self-closing.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Standard 2.2.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.5 Door operation

Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: Door closer should be of a type that gives the minimum acceptable closing force which preferably should be a resistance of no more than 8N/m². This aspect should be discussed with the Building Control Department of the local authority.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Standard 2.2 and Clause 4.1.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.1 All main entrance doors should open into a circulation area and not a room. This area must have a width of at least 900mm and preferably of at least 1200mm. If it is a small space it should meet the requirements given for draught lobbies (see 9.7).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.2 Where the entrance is step free it is beneficial if the door is positioned so that there is a return of at least 300mm at the handle edge to allow a wheelchair user to reach this.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.3 In family houses it is important that there is adequate space to store a pram so that it does not cause an obstruction in circulation areas.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that this design criterion would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.4 Dwellings specifically for older and ambulant disabled people: The door should open into a space at least 1200mm by 1200mm to allow room for manoeuvre with a walking aid. There should be space for a wheelchair beyond the door swing and the area should extend for at least a further 600mm with a minimum width of 900mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.5 Dwellings specifically for older and ambulant disabled people: There should be a 300mm return on the handle edge of the door to allow for possible wheelchair use and this will also allow space for the possible provision of a shelf, see 9.6.10.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.1.7.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

Dwellings specifically for older and ambulant disabled people: However with 1000mm wide door frame, see 9.2.2, this will result in the entrance area with a width slightly in excess of 1200mm.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

Fig 9.3 Dwellings specifically for older and ambulant disabled people: Entrance area for older and ambulant disabled people

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – this figure would be updated however to reflect the proposed update to clause 9.6.4, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.6 Dwellings for wheelchair users: The circulation space immediately inside the door should allow for a person in a wheelchair to turn through 180^o. It must therefore have a minimum width of 1500mm extending at least 1500mm back from the face of the door. There should be space for a wheelchair beyond the door swing and the area should either extend for at least a further 500mm with a minimum width of 1200mm, or have the dimensions required for draught lobbies (see section 9.7).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

See Chapter 2 for key proposed update.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.7 Dwellings for wheelchair users: There should be a return of at least 300mm and preferably 550mm on the handle edge of the door to allow access to the lock and handle.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the text ‘at least 300mm and’ would not be included in the updated guide given Clause 4.1.7 of the Building Standards Technical Handbook.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.8 Dwellings for wheelchair users: There should be storage space for an outdoor wheelchair and space alongside this for transferring to and from an indoor chair. This will require an area 1100mm by 1700mm, with adjacent circulation space (see also Section 13.13).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that these design criteria would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

Fig 9.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Entrance area for wheelchair dwelling

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – this figure would be updated however to reflect the proposed update to clause 9.6.6, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

9.6 The area inside the door

Fig 9.5 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Wheelchair transfer space

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.9 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: There should be a box or bag behind the letter plate to prevent mail falling to the floor. Where there is a box at the back of a door, space must be allowed for this when the door opens against an adjacent wall; for this reason it may be preferable for the letter plate to be in a panel at the side of the door. The letter plate should be 650mm – 750mm from the floor.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that the stated design criteria for the box or bag behind the letter plate, and for the height of the letter plate, would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings specifically for older or disabled people.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.10 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: A shelf adjacent to the door at the opening edge, both inside and out, where items can be laid while opening and closing the door should be incorporated where possible. Each shelf should be at least 300mm in depth and width but any exposed corner should be splayed or rounded. The shelf should be at a height 750mm – 800mm from the floor and have clear space below.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.6 The area inside the door

9.6.11 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: In dwellings for wheelchair users a shelf, as described above, should always be provided.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain

Please note that the design criteria specified at clause 9.6.10 would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.7 Draught lobbies

9.7.1 Lobbies at external doors are of benefit in preventing heat loss. However, doors in close proximity to each other can be difficult for a person with impaired mobility unless there is space within the lobby, clear of the swing of the door that is being passed through, for them to stand before opening the second door. Lobbies should preferably also allow for wheelchair use.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – the proposed updates to clauses 9.6.1, 9.6.4 and 9.6.6 would determine the minimum area size inside the door, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Not standard design criteria.

9.7 Draught lobbies

Fig 9.6 Draught lobby for general use

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – the proposed updates to clauses 9.6.1, 9.6.4 and 9.6.6 would determine the minimum area size inside the door, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.

9.7 Draught lobbies

9.7.2 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Any lobby must allow space for wheelchair manoeuvre between the doors.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – the proposed update to clause 9.6.6 would determine the minimum area size inside the door, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.7 Draught lobbies

9.7.3 Dwellings for wheelchair users: It can be beneficial to provide an entrance lobby that also serves as a storage/ charging space for an electric chair and possibly also a utility area (see 13.13).

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – clause 9.6.8 above refers.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.

9.7 Draught lobbies

Fig 9.7 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Draught lobbies in dwellings for wheelchair users.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Remove – the proposed updates to clauses 9.6.1, 9.6.4 and 9.6.6 would determine the minimum area size inside the door, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Figure only.