BASIC REQUIRED PROGRAM OF COMPACT HOUSE FOR ELDERLY WITH LOW INCOME

Abstract

This paper aims to develop basic designs of compact houses for older persons with low income in Thailand. Due to their low financial income, most Thai senior citizens end up in old, dilapidated houses with environment risks for falling or other serious accidents. In this work, a compact house was designed using the universal design concept to improve the quality of life for the elderly. There are three main areas in the house design: sleeping area, utility area, and bathroom, with a total area of approximately 17.6 sq.m. for a one-person residence. The house design is based on data collected through a questionnaire and field survey with more than one thousand participants. The result showed that the living pattern of Thai older persons are mostly similar. The sleeping and utility areas are shared, and in some cases, utility areas are also used for other purposes such as working and food preparation. Home improvement for Thai elderly people must also concern three aspects which are 1) community technology, 2) determination of space utilization (zoning), and 3) size. It was found that international standards can be slightly adapted to suit the locals’ behaviors, physiques, both in natural and social contexts. This paper would be beneficial for architects, designers, or anyone who interacts with house owners on their residential preference. Policy maker may use this as a basis for the cost analysis of house improvement policy for older persons in the future.