AWARDS

Santa Barbara Builder wins 2011 National Award

Bart Millar and Universal Home (a division of Millar & Associates) has been honored with the 2011 “Homes For Life Award” for design/build in the field of Universal Design. The project, titled “The Three-Generation Bathroom,” was specifically designed for use by three generations; teen girls, their mother, and, their grandmother.

 

The award was presented on October 15, at the Chicago Art Institute, culminating the 2011 NAHB’s Remodeler’s Convention. According to NAHB Remodeler’s Chairman, Bob Peterson, who is a remodeler from Fort Collins, Colo, “These creative remodels show off universal design that enhances beauty and also functionality of a home. . . .The Homes for Life award winners transformed these spaces to become more stylish, while also improving ease of living and safety for the residents.”

Universal Design is a concept that is applied to products as well as homes. In it, the design solves for a wide range of human capabilities without need for special accommodations, and is elegant in its composition. Upgraded features included a flared skylight, bi-level counter, shower with a low curb, grab bars, non-slip ceramic tile that looks like sand, LED task lighting, and large handles for the faucet and cabinets. The remodel created layout changes to allow more space, plus improve the beauty of the room.

 

Universal Home is set up to cater specifically to seniors and multi-generational families living with persons with disabilities. They offer the uncommon capability of working closely with medical care-providers and professionals with the goal to provide comfortable, safe, and functional home environments, allowing for maximum independence and quality of life, AND, at the same time, making the space beautiful and universal.

 

Both the designer (Bart Millar), and the consulting Occupational Therapist (Sharon Ireland-Burke), are CAPS certified by the NHBA (National Home Builders Association) in conjunction with the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) for providing services related to Aging-In Place. CAPS means Certified-Aging-in-Place-Specialist.

Project Personnel:

Bart Millar, CAPS: Designer and Project Manager

Sharon Ireland-Burke, OTR/L, CAPS: Consulting OT

Rodrigo Hernandez: Demo, drywall, framing, paint, and clean-up

Vicente Hernandez: Demo, drywall, framing, paint, and clean-up

Patrick Block: Carpentry and Supervisor

Matt Perry: Carpentry and Cabinet Install

Matt Leonard, Leonard Custom Works: Cabinet Maker

Lloyd Pozzato, Pozzato Tile: Tile Installation

TileCo, Gina: Tile Material

Rick Kraynyk, Tri-Tec Plumbing: Plumbing