Barb & Hans Gasterland requested a house that would cheer and shelter them, and give strength to body and soul. The design evolved to meet the major goals of accommodating a wheelchair inside and outside, being free of chemical odors, and providing the same access to all areas of the house and site whether or not a wheelchair is used.

Barb uses a wheelchair on occasion while coping with a degenerative-joint disease and suffers from chemical sensitivities. She spent two years testing products used in the house, under her doctor's guidance, to determine her sensitivity. Each space within the house was designed with windows on two or three sides for cross ventilation and daylighting. The garage is detached to isolate exhaust and oil fumes from the house. When construction was complete, the house sat empty for a period of time so that any offgassing was finished before the Gasterlands moved in.

Integrating accessibility within the house and site was required, while allowing future adaptations. Areas are customized for both Barb & Hans' specific use, which produced some adaptability issues due to their seventeen inch height difference. Raised garden beds, which double as catchment gardens for roof water, are accessible to Barb who is a master gardener. Different countertop heights allow each person to use the kitchen and bath spaces comfortably. The project goals were met within a modest footprint, 880 square feet, and each level is accessible by elevator.

"My health has become better since moving into the house, my immune system isn't getting hit with so many things and the design of the house, with all of the natural light and views to the woods, is uplifting."
- Barb Gasterland