UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR HARMONY VILLAGE

The next big real estate question facing today's baby boom and senior generations is how to have it all. In fact, 85 per cent of seniors who participated in a recent survey by Harmony Village stated that "they were seeking different housing solutions than those being offered today." Gone are the days of accepting that functional living must trump stylish design and yet what exists in competing contrast is the recognition that functionality may, in future, take on greater prominence in one's life. So the question remains, how do we continue living amidst a vibrant community now and well into the future, while giving  due consideration to the realities of mobility and accessibility in the years to come. 

An emerging trend in architectural and design circles is approaching these exact questions.  In an effort to broaden their understanding and accommodate a diversity of changing needs, abilities and desires, architects, designers and engineers have introduced the philosophy of universal design. In our opinion, a landmark new philosophy that sets the new design standard today's buyers are demanding. Universal design embraces barrier-free accessibility while maintaining aesthetically pleasing design, crafted with everything and everyone in mind.

Not surprisingly, in response to the changing needs and wants of today's active adults, universal design is at the centre of our vision for Harmony Village communities. And tasked with ensuring universal design brings the values of Harmony Village together, we have engaged an experienced and leading design consultant, Samantha Sanella (www.samanthasanella.com), who will be working closely with the design and architecture teams on all aspects of the planning and design of the village concepts.

Universal design will apply to both the community and the residential units at Harmony Village. Fostering the true meaning of community, residents will be able to participate in a range of activities offered through the amenities centre. From expanding their palette through a new cooking class, working up a sweat in one of the fitness classes or joining a bridge or book club, residents will never find themselves short of an engaging activity and will enjoy interacting with like-minded people along the way.  A pedestrian-oriented centre, Harmony Village will have many outdoor spaces that connect residents with the beauty of nature that surrounds them. Whether it's taking in the waterfront, strolling through scenic walking trails or enjoying raised planting beds for personal gardening or meandering flower beds, we will focus on making residents’ outdoor experience, fresh, unique and enjoyable. 

Applied to our condominium units, the barrier-free suites will provide residents with simple yet savvy appliances and features which will be so easy to use it will appear effortless.   The option for a ‘no threshold’ showers, for instance, will be available to eliminate trip hazards and all suites will have options for unique storage solutions and premium appliances.  Wall-mounted microwaves and ovens will be standard, so cooking your family's favourite meal is much easier.  Above all, we will provide residents with numerous kitchen plan options, lighting upgrades and floor plans that truly suit your lifestyle.

As we continue to finalize the plans for Harmony Village - we would love to hear from you and would be happy to provide more information on the benefits of universal design.  If you have a great idea for Harmony Village and want to get involved in the Harmony Village project in your area, please email - info@harmonyvillage.ca

Special Update
As many of you know, nine cats were found on the Harmony Village site within the existing structures.  Looking to ensure these animals found a home and were well cared for, we’ve been working with Neal Carr at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter.  Thanks to Neal, all of the nine cats have been removed from our property in Barrie and we have arranged with King Street Vets that their veterinarian needs are looked after.  We want to thank Neil and Dr. T.J. Kaloti at King Street Vets for helping us make this happen.