Adaptable House
Floor Features
Patterns and floor elements that extend capabilities
Concept
The Floor Features System redefines navigation, transforming movement into an active, sensory, and neuroplastic experience — offering pathways that encourage awareness, balance, and playfulness.
Design Intent
Floor elements respond to physical and cognitive states, harmonizing with the home while supporting neuroplastic growth. Floors can display patterns, colors, and textures that shift with time, mood, or user input—bringing energy, engagement, and sensory support. Familiar surfaces transform into adaptive, therapeutic landscapes.
User Experience
Occupants are encouraged to select pathways that reflect their current physical condition and mindset.
• When fatigued or unsteady, the straight, minimal path offers clarity and ease.
• When alert and energized, a more textured or meandering route provides healthy challenge and sensory engagement.
This daily act of “choosing a path” fosters self-awareness, encouraging users to assess and respond to their own energy and ability. Movement becomes intentional, reflective, and restorative.
Mary’s Reflection
“My experience is never consistent. Some days I have the energy for a run; other days, even taking out the trash feels monumental. The multiple-path design gives me choice—ease when I need it, challenge when I can take it on. It reminds me that movement isn’t fixed; it’s a dialogue with my body.”
Research & Collaboration
Developed through Human-Centered Design research at the University of Washington and California State University, Long Beach, the Floor Features system provides a foundation for engineering refinement and fabrication.
Next Steps
Engineering refinement, material testing, and full-scale prototyping. We are seeking funding, manufacturing, and construction partners to bring these innovations into real-world homes.
Join Us. Make an Impact.
Your support helps transform research into real-world homes. Opportunities include:
• Donate – fuel innovation and accelerate development
• Collaborate – partner on prototyping, manufacturing, or construction
• Volunteer – contribute your expertise or time to advance the project
Together, we can transform the floor into an active partner in balance, movement, and recovery — supporting confidence with every step.
