Alex's current bedroom, however, was put on the second floor with the others. The restricted site did not allow a one-story house. The halls are wide, with a turnaround space on each floor. There also is an elevator, sized to accommodate a power wheelchair plus a companion. In the hope that Alex will be able to use it, the stair is wide and gradual and has railings on both sides.
All doors are three feet wide, and have lever handles.
To withstand bumping from the wheelchair, all the trim is hardwood, with a natural finish to camouflage dents and scrapes. The halls were covered with a tough plastic wainscoting that looks like wallpaper. The owners wanted the look and feel of hardwood floors with area rugs. To provide a smooth surface, areas of carpet were recessed flush with the wood flooring. If Alex is able to get around outdoors alone with his power chair, he can come and go through the power-operated garage door, with an additional power opener on the door from the garage to the hall.