Planning Guide: Designing an Apartment for a Wheelchair User

Designing an apartment for wheelchair users should be more than just correct door openings and installing grab bars. It is about creating an environment that enables independence while minimizing both physical and cognitive fatigue. This article explores key dimensions, design principles, and room-specific strategies to create a home that is comfortable and empowering.

1. Wheelchairs and Their Users

Understanding the physical dimensions and ergonomic needs of wheelchairs and their users is essential for effective design.
Standard manual wheelchairs are typically 600mm (24 inches) wide, while power wheelchairs are sometimes a bit wider, ranging from 600–750mm (24–30 inches).
The required turning radius is approximately 1500mm (60 inches) to allow comfortable maneuvering.
Eye Level: the seated eye level of a wheelchair user ranges between 1000–1200mm (39–47 inches), influencing countertop heights and viewing angles.
Comfortable Reach: forward reach should be limited to 1200mm (47 inches) high, and low reach should not go below 400mm (16 inches) above floor level, to prevent strain.

2. Reducing Unnecessary Fatigue – General Principles

When designing for wheelchair users, an aspect often overlooked is the cognitive and physical fatigue that comes with constant navigation in a world that isn’t fully accommodating. Studies have shown that people with disabilities experience time differently because of the many “micro-fatigues” associated with doing even the simplest tasks in life. The following basic principles can be applied in both residential and non-residential settings to help design spaces that reduce unnecessary stress.

2.1 Maneuverability

Doors: minimum clear width should be 900mm (36 inches). Push plates along the bottom of the door allow for hands-free operation. Where handles are used, lever-style handles at 800–900mm (31–35 inches) are preferable.
Corridor Widths: At least 1200mm (47 inches) for comfortable movement.
Turning Space: Minimum 1500mm (60 inches) diameter which allows for a full 360° rotation. Provide a space of 1500mm x 1500mm (60 inches x 60 inches) outside doors, next to parking spaces, and in any dead-end area where a person needs to turn around.
Threshold-Free Transitions: Even small 10-20mm (0.5 inches) bumps at doorways force wheelchair users to exert extra effort. Using flush flooring eliminates this issue.

2.2 Space and Furniture Arrangements

Logical, Intuitive Design: workspaces where frequently used items are within a 400-1200mm (16-47 inches) reach range reduce unnecessary stretching.
Open Plan Designs: avoid unnecessary partitions and ensure easy movement.
Inclusive Design: avoid pushing wheelchair users to the periphery. Often, wheelchair spaces are positioned as part of circulation space or placed in a corner. This exaggerates feelings of exclusion.
Appropriate flooring: choose a smooth, slip-resistant floor finish that is durable and easy to maintain like vinyl, rubber or laminate. Engineered timber is more resistant to damage than natural woods. “Low pile” carpets are less fluffy and have short, dense fibres which are easier to roll over and provide better insulation in colder climates.

2.3 Lighting and Technology

Light Switches: should be placed 900-1000mm (35–40 inches) above the floor. Use rocker switches (larger and flatter with a pivot in the middle) or touch-sensitive switches, which are easier to operate. Motion-activated fittings area also a good option.
Adjustable Counters and Workspaces: allow customization based on user preference.
Power-Assisted Features: automatic or push-button doors, motorized blinds, and voice-controlled lighting reduce repetitive strain from reaching and rolling.
Emergency pull chords: a wall-mounted safety device resembling a light switch. By pulling the cord, an alarm alerts caregivers in case of an emergency. Install in key areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms at a height of 900–1000mm (35–39 inches) from the floor, with an extension down to 100mm (4 inches) above the ground for accessibility in case of a fall.

3. Room-Specific Design

3.1 Parking and Entrances

Entrances should provide step-free access with the use of elevators or ramps. Ensure there is enough turning space on both sides of the front door, which should operate easily with a lever-handle mechanism.

Parking bays: located as closely as possible to entrances. Use a standard parking bay of 2.4x4.8m (8ft 2in x 16ft) with an additional wheelchair access aisle of 1.2m (4 feet) along the long side of the bay. Allow a vertical height of 2.5m (8 feet 2 inches) for wheelchair lifting mechanisms.
Ramps: a gradient of 1:8 is acceptable for very short distances of less than 1.5 m (5 feet) and 1:20 is the easiest gradient which is best for independent wheelchair users.
Front doors: minimum 900mm (35 inches) with flush threshold.
Hallways should be at least 1200mm (47 inches) wide.

3.2 Windows

Wheelchair users benefit from lower sill heights with easy-to-reach handles and locks. Mechanisms should operate easily and require minimal strength to open and close. Remote-controlled window systems can further enhance convenience, allowing users to adjust ventilation and lighting without needing to physically reach the window.

Windowsill heights: 800–1000mm (31–39 inches)

3.3 Storage

Traditional storage solutions often have high shelves and deep cabinets that can be difficult to access from a seated position. More functional solutions include:

Lower shelving and cabinets: wall-mounted to a maximum of 1200mm (48 inches) from the floor.
Pull-out and roll-out features: Drawers, baskets, and shelves that slide out allow users to access stored items without reaching deep into cabinets.
Open storage: avoiding unnecessary doors that could be obstructed by a wheelchair.
Accessible closets: lower clothes rails or adjustable heights at 750-1000mm (30-48 inches).

3.4 Kitchen

A key difference between wheelchair-accessible kitchens and conventional kitchens is the large under-counter space required beneath the sink, stove, and preparation space which allows a person to wheel into a comfortable position for working. While these kitchens can become larger than usual, grouping activities together encourages more efficient movements and minimizes fatigue.

Counter Height: adjustable or set between 750–850mm (30–34 inches).
Storage: pull-out drawers and lazy Susans for easy access.
Dining Tables: opt for a table with a central support rather than four legs, which can obstruct a wheelchair’s access. Ensure enough circulation space around the table and avoid large dining tables wider than a wheelchair user's reach.
Appliances: Side-opening ovens and low-mounted microwaves at 800–1000mm (31–39 inches). Speciality appliances are available that have slide-out work surfaces.
Induction cooktops: provide a safer and more convenient alternative to conventional stovetops that have protrusions and knobs which can be difficult to use from a seated position. The controlled heat source also decreases the chances of accidental injury.

3.5 Bathroom

Similar to kitchen design, bathrooms require special under-counter space for comfortable wheelchair access. Ensure enough knee clearance and use lever-operated taps/faucets. Mirrors that can tilt downwards to a seated position are a good feature.

Showers: minimum 1500x1500mm (60x60 inches) roll-in shower with a hand-held shower head. Provide a fold-out seat or wall-mounted seat at 450-500mm (18-20 inches) high.
Grab Bars: placed at 850–950mm (33–37 inches) from the floor. Vertical bars are used next to the toilet and shower seat for transfers.
Toilets: provide at least 900mm (35 inches) at the side of a toilet for comfortable transfers. A good height for the toilet is 450–500mm (18–20 inches).
Wash hand basins: wall-mounted wash hand basins provide enough knee space beneath for a wheelchair to access. Height to be 750–850mm (30–34 inches), minimum knee clearance of 680mm (27 inches).
Mirrors: should tilt downward at an angle of about 10°–15°. The top edge should 1200–1350 mm (47–53 inches) from the floor.

3.6 Bedroom

Bedrooms should avoid rugs and soft carpets which can obstruct a wheelchair. Make sure to provide enough space for wheelchairs to move around the bed, park and transfer easily. Adjustable hospital beds are sometimes recommended.

Beds: allow at least 900mm (36 inches= space along the full length of the bed on at least one side for easy transfers. Bed heights to be 500-600mm (20-24 inches).
Switches and Controls: positioned at 900mm (35 inches) for easy reach.
Closets: lower rods at 1000–1200mm (39–47 inches) and sliding doors for ease of access. Use pull-out shelves and drawers instead of deep cabinets.

4. High-contrast colours

Colour combinations that have a strong difference in brightness or hue, making them stand out sharply from one another are called “high-contrast colours”. This colouring concept helps to improve visibility of architectural features for people in wheelchairs, minimizing micro-fatigues and assisting those with visual impairments. For example, a dark floor colour could be paired with light walls to highlight the edge of the room. Similarly, a dark light switch will “stand out” visually on that wall.

High contrast is especially important in key areas like door frames, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures—anywhere where visual clarity can aid orientation and usability. The goal is to guide movement and interaction through visual clarity—supporting safety, confidence, and independence in daily tasks.

5. Adaptable Spaces

If the design is part of a specialized care facility or a dedicated wheelchair-accessible unit, all features mentioned above can be fully incorporated. However, if the space is likely to house a family with both wheelchair users and non-disabled members, it is wise to offer a combination of standard and specialized built-in features. Focus adaptable elements—such as adjustable countertops or movable furniture. This ensures that the apartment remains functional for both the primary wheelchair user and future occupants, whether they have mobility challenges or not.

6. Conclusion

Designing an apartment for wheelchair users is about more than just meeting accessibility codes — it is about fostering independence and equality. By considering both spatial requirements and psychological ease, architects can create homes that empower rather than restrict. True accessibility is not just about compliance; it is about inclusion.