Press Release:

Designer Alison Wright of Easy Living Home scoops a double for ‘Inclusive Design’ at the
Kitchen & Bathroom ‘Oscars’

Designer Alison Wright founder of design consultancy Easy Living Home was delighted to receive two Kitchen & Bathroom Industry design awards for her ‘inclusive’ kitchen and bathroom designs in the prestigious Kbb Review Industry Awards 2007 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel this week. The Judging Panel commented

‘In an unprecedented move, the judging panel decided to give both awards to Alison Wright for her pioneering research in the area of ‘inclusive design’
Alison specialises in ‘inclusive’ interior design, a concept which, “has an invisible layer of flexibility and safety built-in, to ensure the designs look good and work well for everyone, no matter what their life stage, for example; a family with young children; people with busy working lives; the growing population of older people and less-able family members. In my opinion it’s crucial to only use products which balance ergonomics and aesthetics.” says Alison “It’s a challenge, but is achievable. I spend much of my time analysing the ‘inclusive’ features and benefits of new kitchen and bathroom products, carefully selecting products to specify in my designs, and combining them in ways which work for people multiple levels. For example, a lever operated, thermostatic shower valve can also be used to fill the bath at the correct temperature. This saves time for a busy person checking on a filling bath whilst reducing wasted water from topping up an over hot, or over cold bath. The thermostatic valve also reduces the danger of scalding for a toddler who may climb into the bath behind Mum’s back, before cold water has been added. It also reduces the danger of scalding for an older person with reduced skin sensitivity.”

Alison carried out extensive research on ‘inclusive’ design during her time at the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the Royal College of Art, exploring how people adapt their homes according to their different life stages and abilities. She established her design consultancy in 2000 and her work has been widely featured in the national press, magazines and on BBC television.

The winning kitchen and bathroom designs were for a newly constructed property at Westwood Park, Bradford for client Habinteg Housing Association. The client’s brief called for ‘designs which would be flexible to accommodate as wide a possible range of future tenants’. In her ‘inclusive family bathroom’ design the space doubles as a wet room with safety features which include; slip-resistant flooring and thermostatic, lever operated brassware. Her kitchen design has a flexible height worktop, raised oven with side-opening door and side-by side configuration hob to reduce bending and stretching when handling hot pans. All the fridge interior shelves pull-out for easy access and the sink has a pull-out hose tap for filling pans without lifting them into and out of the sink.

Alison collaborated with her co-director Occupational Therapist Kate Sheehan and 26 major UK Manufacturers to achieve her ‘inclusive’ designs. Alison’s knowledge and designs have now been incorporated into the Easy Living Home ‘Inclusive Design’ course for manufacturers, architects, designers, occupational therapists and other housing professionals. For further information on the courses go to link http://www.easylivinghome.co.uk/train.htm.

For further information on contact: Jo Taylor, Easy Living Home
email jo@easylivinghome.co.uk, Tel: 01477 544 446