The initial assignment of Michael Graves Architecture & Design is to develop two prototypes: the Patriot Home and the Freedom Home at Fort Belvoir. Wounded Warrior Home an ongoing project of military housing by considering disabilities such as sight, auditory, cognitive, and post-traumatic stress among others. The design of this project has human-focused features to give a lot of easy ways in daily activities.
Overview
The goal of this project is to create accessible homes that can improve the life quality for servicemen and women or family members with disabilities. This project also launches a wider conversation about what makes a site and building is accessible. Other disabilities like sight, auditory, cognitive, and post-traumatic stress among others are also need to be considered too.
Design
For the designs and other houses, the architect takes subsequently undertook post-occupancy evaluations to improve the cost, efficiency, and size of the prototypes for the next rollout at Fort Belvoir and elsewhere. The design also incorporates many best practices for accessibility, including fully accessible garages and yards that accommodate vans with lifts to the internal floor plans.
These floor plans are spacious and also allow easy wheelchair passage throughout, height-adjustable countertops, and no-sill thresholds. The acoustical and privacy treatment of some spaces addresses the individuals’ needs with cognitive difficulties and PTSD. The sidelights at doors and low window sills also allow the occupants to see and enjoy the outside, improving the security and safety perception.
Wounded Warrior Home Gallery
Photography: Michael Graves Architecture & Design