Billmyer Residence II

Located in Dubuque, Iowa, this custom 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch residence was designed for the brother of my good friend. The guiding design priority was achieving comprehensive, barrier-free universal accessibility across every zone of the home while creating a bright, welcoming, and contemporary environment.

Universal Accessibility & Architectural Ingenuity

The design adheres closely to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Special Home Adaptation (SHA / SAH) standards, prioritizing independence, effortless flow, and safety:

• Zero-Threshold Transitions: Step-free entries at all exterior doorways and continuous flush flooring throughout eliminate tripping hazards and provide smooth wheelchair maneuverability.
• Roll-In Bathrooms: Curbless walk-in showers, ample turning radiuses, and carefully arranged fixtures ensure full maneuverability and clearance.
• Seamless Basement Ramp Access: Rather than relying on traditional central stairwells, a gentle, continuous interior ramp links the main level down to the basement, ensuring full-home access without barriers.
• Clever Spatial Utilization: To maximize efficiency, a section of the ramp run is capped to form a functional entry-level platform with built-in storage. Making creative use of vertical volume, the sole stairway in the home provides private access up to the wife’s walk-in closet, nestled directly above a portion of the ramp ceiling.

Functional Living & Program

• Accessible Kitchen & Living: An expansive kitchen with sweeping north-facing views, generous clearances, and barrier-free circulation connects effortlessly to the dining area and vaulted living room.
• Primary Suite Flow: A well-proportioned master suite designed for easy movement, natural daylighting, and direct sightlines into the central gathering spaces.
• Breezeway, Mudroom & Pet Amenities: A transitional breezeway and mudroom connects the home to an oversized 3-to-4 car garage. It features an integrated dog house that opens directly into a secure, enclosed outdoor run.

Freund R&D.