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

Annex O – Section 15 of Part 1 of the current Housing for Varying Needs design guide: Interior finishes

The clauses within Section 15 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, or dwellings specifically for older and 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.

Informed by the proposals detailed in Chapter 3, column 4 shows whether any of these clauses are proposed to be introduced into building standards and guidance to implement the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard.

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.

15 Interior finishes

15.1 Wall finishes

15.1.1 Dwellings for wheelchair users: External corners of walls with a plastered or plasterboard finish may be vulnerable to damage. Such corners should be avoided if possible, particularly in circulation areas. Where there are external corners a small splay within the thickness of the partition helps prevent damage and a larger splay of 300mm, or so, also makes negotiating the corner easier. Where external corners are unavoidable within a dwelling, the plaster should be reinforced, or unobtrusive protection, such as clear plastic sections, should be applied to the finished surface.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs updates

Retain

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

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

15.1 Wall finishes

15.1.2 Dwellings for wheelchair users: Where an impermeable wall finish is required this will usually be of ceramic tiles or alternatively sheet metal. The location of impermeable finishes is described in Sections 13.11, 14.6 and 14.16.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs updates

Retain – although the reference to ‘sheet metal’ would be replaced with ‘proprietary wet wall system with suitable seals’ in the updated guide.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

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

15.2 Floor coverings and finishes

15.2.1 Dwellings specifically for older and disabled people: A slip-resistant floor finish or covering should be provided in any area that may have water spillage on the floor. However, responsibility for the provision of floor coverings will vary. In some cases they will be the responsibility of the occupant and be of their choice, while in others the landlord will provide coverings, at least in the bathroom and kitchen. Where a bathroom is designed to be ‘wet’, to give a fully sealed floor the floor finish will be part of the building work.

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.

15.2 Floor coverings and finishes

15.2.2 Dwellings specifically for older and disabled people: The form of slip-resistant finishes ranges from proprietary slip-resistant vinyl sheet with welded joints through other sheet or tiled materials such as cork and various forms of matting, to carpeting suited to kitchen or bathroom use. Impervious slip resistant finishes with sealed joints serve an essential purpose in ‘wet’ bathrooms, but in selecting such finishes for other areas it should be remembered that their appearance tends to be ‘institutional’ and not what people would otherwise choose. The preference should be for more domestic type covering, though it may be thought preferable and more hygienic that this is a hard covering that is easily cleaned.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the reference to ‘carpeting’ would not be included in the updated guide.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

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

15.2 Floor coverings and finishes

15.2.3 Dwellings specifically for older and disabled people: For the benefit of people with visual impairment floor surfaces should not be heavily patterned or of a gloss finish as this causes glare.

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although this clause would be updated to make clear that (a) this requirement may also be of benefit to people with dementia and (b) the colour of surfaces should contrast with the immediate surrounds. It would also be made clear that floor surfaces should be non-patterned.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

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

15.3 Interior decoration

In dwellings that are to be occupied by people with visual impairment reference should be made to Building Sight [7].

Proposed Housing for Varying Needs update

Retain – although the text would be updated to require that consideration be given to using matt finishes to avoid glare, to using pale colours to reflect light, and to avoiding the use of boldly patterned surfaces.

Proposals for the Scottish Accessible Homes Standard

Not applicable

Exception B Clause falls out of scope of building regulations.