Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland's homes: consultation
This consultation aims to improve housing accessibility through the review of Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide and by introducing a Scottish Accessible Homes Standard through updates to building standards and guidance.
Annex J – Section 10 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide: Circulation spaces and internal doors
The clauses within Section 10 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 for wheelchair users, dwellings specifically for older or disabled people, or dwellings specifically for older 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.
10 Circulation spaces and internal doors
10.1 The needs
10.1.1 Circulation areas must allow the occupants easy movement around the dwelling. Square halls are best and long passages should be avoided. Passages and pass doors at all floor levels should be designed to allow for possible use by a person in a wheelchair. For people who are easily confused, such as with dementia, it may be necessary for doors to be visually differentiated.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – although the word ‘possible’ would be removed from the third sentence, and the words ‘easily confused’ would be removed from the final sentence.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Not standard design criteria.
10.2 Passages
10.2.1 Passages must be at least 900mm wide and preferably wider. If a passage has a right angle turn a splay of 200mm to 300mm at the corner will allow easier circulation.
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).
10.2 Passages
10.2.2 Radiators or heaters should preferably not be positioned in passages unless they are recessed. If there has to be a radiator or heater in a passageway it should be positioned where it does not hamper wheelchair turning into a doorway nor reduce the clear width of a passage to less than 750mm and then for a distance of no more than 900mm.
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).
10.2 Passages
10.2.3 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Passages and pass doors must be designed to allow a wheelchair user to have access to all parts of the dwelling. Passages should generally be at least 1200mm wide, but a width of 1000mm is adequate for lengths of up to 900mm, provided there is no door opening at a right angle to the direction of the passage. External corners in circulation areas should generally be splayed (see also 2.5.4).
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.
10.3 Circulation within two-storey houses
10.3.1 Stairs in two storey houses should allow the addition of a stair lift if needed. A stair lift is most economically installed on a straight flight staircase, but dog-leg stairs have the benefit of providing a resting space on a half landing for a person who finds climbing stairs difficult. Also they are safer if someone should fall.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.2.8.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.
10.3 Circulation within two-storey houses
10.3.2 Tapered treads must be avoided in the design of stairs, particularly at the top of a flight, as these are an added hazard to people who have impaired mobility, or are visually impaired, or carrying young children, as well as to young children themselves.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – although reference to ‘particularly at the top of a flight’ would not be included in the updated guide.
Please note that this design criterion should be adhered to in future when designing stairs within houses containing two storeys or more.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).
10.3 Circulation within two-storey houses
10.3.3 Handrails should provide firm support, be easy to grasp and be 45mm – 50mm wide.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Not standard design criteria.
10.3 Circulation within two-storey houses
10.3.4 If a house has to be adapted for a disabled person who cannot use a stair lift, a through floor lift may be required. This needs a corresponding area of approximately 1200mm by 800mm on each floor, preferably in the corner of a room.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Not standard design criteria.
10.4 Door positions
10.4.1 Doors must be positioned to assist easy circulation. Doors should be hung with hinges adjacent to the corner of the room into which they open, or with a clear space of at least 300mm between the opening edge of the door and the return wall. The former of these arrangements also help people who are easily confused to see where the door leads.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – although the words ‘who are easily confused’ would not be included in the final sentence within the updated guide.
Please note that the design criterion set out in the second sentence would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Include (see Chapter 3, Table 1).
10.4 Door positions
Fig 10.1 Position of doors
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Figure only.
10.4 Door positions
10.4.2 Doors opening off opposite sides of a passage should be directly opposite each other. Where this is not possible it is beneficial to have the doors hung so that distance between the handle edges is as short as possible.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Not standard design criteria.
10.4 Door positions
10.4.3 Doors opening at right angles to a 900mm wide corridor are difficult when a wheelchair is being used. Therefore if the entrance to rooms involves a sharp turn, the corridor width at that point should be at least 1200mm wide. This may be achieved by the use of space under a stair provided the clear height is at least 1500mm.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Remove – this clause would be superseded by the proposed updates to clauses 10.2.1, 10.2.2 and 10.2.3, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Not standard design criteria.
10.4 Door positions
Fig 10.2 Door positions off corridors
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – this figure would be updated however to reflect the proposed updates to clauses 10.2.1, 10.2.2 and 10.2.3, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Figure only.
10.4 Door positions
10.4.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: All pass doors must be positioned with a clear space of at least 300mm adjacent to the handle edge on the pull side of the door and preferably on the push side as well. When housing is being provided to suit the needs of severely disabled people who have very limited movement, the clear space should be 550mm, particularly on the pull side, to allow access alongside the handle (see 2.5.3). In some cases automatic door controls may be necessary (see 18.5.4).
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – although the words ‘severely disabled’ would not be included in the updated guide, and reference to clause 2.5.3 would not be included in the updated guide given the proposal for Section 2 of the current guide, as set out in Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.
Except when providing homes to suit the needs of people who have very limited movement, the requirement for all pass doors to be positioned with a clear space of at least 300mm adjacent to the handle edge on the pull side of the door would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ in future in dwellings for wheelchair users.
When providing homes to suit the needs of people who have very limited movement, a clear space of 550mm, particularly on the pull side, would require to be delivered ‘as standard’ 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.
10.4 Door positions
10.4.5 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Pass doors at right angles to each other should both be at least 400mm from the corner to the opening.
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.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.
10.4 Door positions
10.4.6 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Turning into a door which involves a right angled turn at the end of a corridor is awkward but is helped if there is a space of 200mm beyond the door whether or not this is at the opening edge.
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.
10.4 Door positions
Fig 10.3 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Position of doors for wheelchair users
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Figure only.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.1 Pass doors, including doors to walk-in cupboards, must have a clear opening width of at least 750mm. Door frames should not have threshold plates as these hamper the use of walking aids, trollies and wheelchairs.
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).
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.2 For internal doors a 900mm overall door frame with a standard door leaf of 826mm gives a clear opening of about 770mm for doors in general and 755mm for fire doors. Such doors are therefore adequate for general use. (See also Section 2.6)
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
10.5 Internal doors and frames
Fig 10.4 Internal door frame
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – this would be updated however to reflect the proposed updates to clauses 10.5.1 and 10.5.7, as set out within Chapter 2 of this consultation paper.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Figure only.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.3 Bathroom doors that do not open outwards should have easily removable stops in case someone collapses against the inside of the door.
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).
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.4 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: Bathroom doors should open outwards to allow access if someone collapses against the inside of the door and to provide more clear space in the bathroom.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – although the text would be updated to also refer to the possible use of sliding or pocket doors, but only in cases where this would be appropriate for the needs of the household.
Please note that this updated design criterion 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.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.5 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: For people who are easily confused, such as those with dementia, it is important that the bathroom door in particular is visually differentiated. This may be done by bold symbols or colours of different tones.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – although the introduction to the clause would be updated to read ‘For some people, such as those with dementia, it is important that …’.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.6 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: For some people it may be necessary to provide automatic door controls (see 18.5.4).
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.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.7 Dwellings for wheelchair users: The clear opening width of pass doors must be at least 800mm, though there is obviously some benefit in having doors even wider to enable easier circulation. A 900mm door frame as described in 10.5.2 is therefore inadequate. A 926mm wide door leaf, now included in the range of most door manufacturers, for use with a 1000mm overall frame, gives a clear width of 870mm or so, but the space taken up by the door swing within the room may then become obtrusive. A door of 950mm overall width and an 876mm wide door leaf giving a clear opening width of about 820mm is a good compromise and manufacturers should be encouraged to add this to their range.
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.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.8 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Door frames should have bevelled arises to minimise damage and must not have threshold plates. Doors should open to an angle greater than 90o to give maximum clearance from the handle as a person passes through.
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.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.9 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Doors should preferably be of solid core construction but if not must at least be blocked to allow the fixing of pull handles at any height between 750mm and 1050mm from the floor.
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.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.
10.5 Internal doors and frames
10.5.10 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Sliding doors or sliding-folding doors may be of benefit in some instances, particularly for shallow storage space where hinged doors can obstruct wheelchair access. As pass doors they are liked by some and strongly disliked by others. Though they eliminate the problems of manoeuvring round a hinged door they have the disadvantage of using wall space and interfering with the positioning of light switches, power sockets, etc and their mechanism is often found to fail. Where sliding doors are used good quality gear is essential to avoid problems in use and high maintenance costs.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain – although the words ‘and their mechanism is often found to fail’ would not be included in the updated guide. The text would also be updated to refer to the possible use of pocket doors, but only in cases where this would be appropriate for the needs of the household.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.
10.6 Fire doors
10.6.1 Fire doors, which require to be self-closing, are a considerable inconvenience to older and disabled people on a day to day basis, but in most flats they will be a mandatory requirement (see 6.3.5).
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Standards 2.2 and 2.9.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception A Clause already identified as being included in or superseded by building standards.
10.6 Fire doors
10.6.2 Dwellings specifically for older or disabled people: The closer should be of a type that gives the minimum acceptable closing force which preferably should be a resistance of no more than 8N/m. 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, Clause 4.2.4.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.
10.6 Fire doors
10.6.3 Dwellings for wheelchair users: If a flat is occupied by a person in a wheelchair delayed action closers should be used.
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Remove – superseded by Building Standards Technical Handbook: Domestic, Clause 4.2.4.
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Not applicable
Exception C Clause applies to housing designed for specific user group.
10.7 Internal door ironmongery
10.7.1 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).
10.7 Internal door ironmongery
10.7.2 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 in 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.
10.7 Internal door ironmongery
10.7.3 Lock turns on bathroom or other doors should be at least 50mm long and well clear of the door jamb so that they are easy to manipulate. Locks on bathroom doors should be capable of being released from the outside in case of emergency.
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).
10.7 Internal door ironmongery
10.7.4 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Doors may also need to be fitted with a wide pull handle on the trailing face. This is more easily reached than the lever handle to pull the door shut. The pull handle should be approximately 200mm long and fixed 100mm in from the hinged edge 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.
10.7 Internal door ironmongery
10.7.5 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Some wheelchair users may find doors with roller catches easier to operate than those with latches. This will require an adjustable ball catch with pull handles on both sides of the door.
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.
10.7 Internal door ironmongery
10.7.6 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Doors used by people in wheelchairs can become damaged and it may be thought desirable to fit kicking plates. These should be 300mm high and blend with the door finish to be as unobtrusive as possible. However, some occupants may consider any plates to be unsightly and unsuited to a domestic environment. Kicking plates should therefore only be fitted when the occupier or landlord considers them necessary.
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.
10.7 Internal door ironmongery
Fig 10.5 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Door ironmongery for wheelchair user
Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update
Retain
Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard
Figure only.
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