Design Challenge Toolkit: Back Yard

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Back Yard – Exercise and Pets

Every back yard has so much potential. The back yard can be a place for relaxing, playing with pets, socializing and exercise. Start by creating a firm yet porous surface for walking, gardening, refilling the bird feeder and playing. Adding some points of interest, such as a bird feeder or statue, can make for a more interesting walk. The addition of an ornamental fish pond could act as a focal point in the yard and provide more choice of pathways.

Cost
$$ $$

Difficulty
Medium

A retractable leash mount is an affordable and simple solution, but providing pets with an enclosed yard is better for their overall well-being.

How-to tip

The back yard has great potential for socializing, playing with pets and children and getting exercise. Create a firm, porous surface for walking, gardening, refilling the bird feeder and playing. Add some points of interest such as a statue, potted plants, ornamental fish and outdoor art.

Principles Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. Size and Space for Approach and Use Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

Analytics Innovation Designs that go beyond the ordinary and customary can have wonderful outcomes: adding natural light, bringing the outside in, enhancing the spaciousness of smaller spaces, improving interior connections all. Replicability Totally unique solutions, that can’t be applied on other lots or home styles aren’t terribly useful. Features with and “R” designation are particularly applicable to other home renovation situations in a variety of settings. Affordability Home features that can’t be afforded might as well not exist. And home features that require infrequent replacement and low maintenance over time save a family’s energy and money. Renovation costs of these homes can be far lower than standard homes due to minimized construction over time. Interaction We now recognize how beneficial interaction with neighbors is for everyone. Gone are the days when retreating behind closed doors is a good idea. Home and landscape designs that bring household members outside create the positive informal interactions that are so important in our daily lives.

Home Today, Home Tomorrow Universal Design Toolkit For Home Owners For Architects and Builders

Back Yard – Exercise and Pets

How-to tip