Accessibility has a very high priority in the field of housing in Germany. DIN 18025 states which regulations must be complied with in order for living space to be considered barrier-free. In order for people of advanced age or people with disabilities to be able to use the residential building as well as the living space fully and self-determined, barrier-free planning is the be-all and end-all.
In order to enable barrier-free living, it does not matter how large the rooms are, but rather which free movement areas apply. If the resident is a wheelchair user, there must be a 150 cm x 150 cm movement area in each room. One of the most important accessibility requirements is that all rooms are equipped to be accessible without steps or thresholds. Access to the house and floors can be provided by ramps or an elevator.
Regardless of whether the property is a new build or a modernized existing property, clearly defined standards apply to windows, floor coverings, for the balcony, the various operating elements or the telecommunications system. For example, windows must not have pivoting sashes. Sanitary fittings must not have sharp edges and must be installed at a height of 85 cm and at a minimum distance of 50 cm from the wall. Ceilings and walls, as well as apartment entrance doors, are subject to the sound insulation regulations of DIN 4109. Other principles and regulations apply to car parking spaces, elevators, doors, corridors and paths, as well as mailboxes, heating systems and electrical installations.
Source: Eurobaustoff
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