Page 41 - Build 151

DESIGN
Accessible building access
This penultimate article in the accessible design series looks at how to ensure access in and out of buildings meets universal design criteria.
RIGHT
UNIVERSAL DESIGN CRITERIA FOR ACCESS IN AND OUT OF BUILDINGS
BY ALIDE ELKINK,
FREELANCE TECHNICAL WRITER, WELLINGTON
NEW ZEALAND BUILDING CODE clause D1 Access routes requires that people with disabilities can enter buildings and carry out normal activities within the building. Acceptable Solution D1/AS1 provides the means of compliance.
D1.3.2 says that ‘at least one access route shall have features to enable people with disabilities to ... approach the building from the street boundary ... [and] have access ...’.
However, the Building Act also states that the performance requirement of D1.3.2 does not apply to private houses, apartments and small industrial buildings. Nevertheless, D1/AS1 provides guidelines for accessible design of outdoor spaces that can be usefully followed for residential dwellings.
Access to public buildings
D1/AS1 cites NZS 4121:2001 Design for access and mobility – Buildings and associated facilities, which provides additional accessible design detail.
An accessible route is from a car park, drop-o point or street boundary
to the main entry into a building. It may include vehicle access and space to manoeuvre, car parking, paths, ramps, stairs, decks and the building entrance.
Su cient space is needed for vehicle access and circulation. NZS 4121:2001 sets out how many car parks must be provided for people with disabilities and the dimensions of the car parks for particular buildings.
The design of ramps and kerb ramps needs to include gradient, width, upstands, surface nish, landings, barriers and handrails. Kerb ramps to vehicle crossings need tactile indicators. Stair design must consider tread and riser dimensions, width, surface nish, landings, barriers and handrails.
Entry into the building should have a level threshold and, where required, a slope or ramp.
Accessible route requirements
Accessible routes are required to have:
● ● ● ●
a sealed, slip-resistant surface with any butted pavers laid even
a minimum clear width of 1,200 mm
a transverse gradient of no more than 1:50
openings between bollards and similar barriers wide enough for wheel- chairs and guide dog users. Barriers should visually contrast with the background to assist visually impaired pedestrians.
possible positions of access door
to house
automatic door 3,000 mm minimum width
• 3,500 mm if wheelchair user is the driver
• 4,000 mm if access is required for a driver and a passenger is using a wheelchair
possible positions of access door to house
5,700 mm for access behind vehicle
Figure 1
Garage layout for wheelchair user.
Build 13519—Decemberr201153//JJanuarry201164 — 39