National Demonstration Home Signs Agreement with Project Contributor

COLUMBUS, OH – March 30, 2010 – The Universal Design Living Laboratory (UDLL), a national demonstration home of the future, recently signed an agreement with its newest contributor Livable Design by Eskaton™ to receive design certification. Livable design certification will provide UDLL with an independent, third-party verification that the home meets the highest level of functional design.

“The main goal of the Universal Design Living Laboratory is to provide a prominent example of universal design to architects and designers across the country,” states Rosemarie Rossetti Ph.D., UDLL project team leader. “Livable Design certification will aid our efforts of providing an example of a typical home that is accessible to people of all ages with any degree of disability.”

Livable Design certification will be UDLL’s fourth program for which it is seeking national certification, others including the United States Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes, the National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Program, and ENERGY STAR. The Livable Design certification will provide confirmation to visitors that the home is visitable, functional, welcoming, and useful for life. The certification process will begin with construction document reviews and end with final site verification once construction is complete.

Specific criteria for all levels of Livable Design certification can be found in the Livable Design Guidebook. For information please contact Livable Design at info@livabledesign.com or visit www.livabledesign.com.

About Livable Design:
Livable Design, a division of Eskaton Senior Residences and Services, strives to change the way homes are built by incorporating smart enduring design. The design principles cater to everyone including the needs of older adults, families with children, and those with temporary or permanent disabilities. To help reach that goal, Livable Design offers a certification program, which gives builders a unique marketing advantage and allows them to offer a quality product – homes that have been built with the future in mind. Livable Design’s mission is to transform living environments through beautiful, functional solutions for all generations.

About UDLL:
The Universal Design Living Laboratory is a national demonstration home and garden that will bring attention to three critical architectural design and building concepts: universal design, green sustainable building, and healthy home construction practices. UDLL will serve to help people better understand how to create a more comfortable living environment that will enhance their quality of life. This Universal Design Living Laboratory will act as a resource to learn from – today and tomorrow.

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