One group deals with the "livability" goals of our community. So far members can't agree on the definition of livability. You can imagine how pleased I was when "accessibility" was excluded because "no metric can measure". (I'll argue that another day.)

Another committee committed to barrier-free housing is so focused on "aging" and "disability" that the dark clouds of inability and handicap permeate every discussion while the market necessity of consumer appeal and demand gets little attention and the group wonders why nobody listens. (Like death, people typically aren't excited to talk about aging or being disabled unless they're experiencing or have in the past.)

The last committee is so intent on marketing and promoting home energy efficiency and home buyer acceptance of green building that mentioning anything else is ignored if it doesn't relate to saving money on utility bills. It's as if the "home" doesn't exist, just mechanical systems and savings.

I suppose you've figured out I'm frustrated during these meetings. I want to scream, "Hello!?!, our houses should be efficient in DESIGN AND USAGE", both, not one or the other. 

Kennth Betz puts it nicely in More Than Green, "....green doesn't compete with ease of access [and use] and beauty." Case in point, LEED awards points for Universal Design but I guarantee many, if not most, of the "green group" members don't know this, couldn't even define UD in general.

Take a look at this slide show and the pictures within the article, read the captions and see if you don't agree. The features combine ENERGY and EFFORT efficiency (energy utilization and user friendly).

For the uninitiated, this is known simply as smart design and construction and every new house and retrofit should have both!

If you read this far, I feel better :>)

Regardless of what you call it, you can entirely hide the tank and pipes, the unit fits into standard spaces, and installers use regular tools to attach at only four points within either wood or steel wall frames. They'll even adjust the height of the seat from 15 to 19 inches according to user preference and ADA requirements. And notice how easy cleaning would be in and around.

It's Holiday Bowl Season!