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Subjects · Leaving Cert Construction Studies

Leaving Cert Construction Studies: Universal design & lifetime use

How often Universal design & lifetime use comes up on the Construction Studies papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 4 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2024.

OL Asked on 5 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024.

June 2028 is the first exam on the new Construction Studies course. These come from the 2016–2025 papers, so read them as a guide.

Universal design & lifetime use, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Universal design & lifetime use.

(a)What is universal design?
  1. Design only for wheelchair users
  2. Design usable by everyone, of any age or ability
  3. A standard house with a ramp added later
(b)Main purpose of a level threshold at an entrance door?
  1. It improves the door's U-value and airtightness
  2. It keeps radon and ground gases out of the house
  3. Step-free access for wheelchairs, buggies and all users
(c)Where should the accessible WC be in a lifetime home?
  1. On the entrance storey
  2. In a detached garage
  3. On the first floor beside the bedrooms
Show the answers

(a) Design usable by everyone, of any age or ability

(b) Step-free access for wheelchairs, buggies and all users

(c) On the entrance storey

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Universal design & lifetime use.

Higher Level

Asked on 4 of the last 9 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2024.

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Q2
2023Q10b
2022Q2
2021Not asked
2019Not asked
2018Not asked
2017Q2
2016Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Universal design & lifetime use questions

Universal design & lifetime use, 2 marks

Why is good, even lighting at entrances and on stairs a universal design feature?

  1. It raises the BER rating of the whole house
  2. It is needed to power the radon sump fan
  3. It helps people with low vision and prevents falls
Show the answer

It helps people with low vision and prevents falls

Shadows and dark steps cause trips, especially for older people. Even light at the door, path and stairs makes edges, keyholes and steps easy to see.

Universal design & lifetime use, 2 marks

Which body published the Universal Design Guidelines for Homes in Ireland?

  1. The Passive House Institute in Germany
  2. The NDA's Centre for Excellence in Universal Design
  3. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Show the answer

The NDA's Centre for Excellence in Universal Design

The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, part of the National Disability Authority, published the guidelines in 2015. They have been quoted on the exam paper.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 5 of the last 9 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2024.

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Q3
2023Q9
2022Not asked
2021Not asked
2019Q8b
2018Not asked
2017Q3
2016Q8i

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Universal design & lifetime use questions

Universal design & lifetime use, 2 marks

What is meant by universal design in a home?

  1. Design that uses only one standard house plan
  2. Design that meets the minimum fire rules only
  3. Design that suits people of all ages and abilities
Show the answer

Design that suits people of all ages and abilities

A universally designed home works for a child, an older person or a wheelchair user without major change, so people can stay in it for life.

Universal design & lifetime use, 2 marks

Why fit a level threshold at the entrance door?

  1. It makes the door more secure at night
  2. Wheelchairs and buggies roll in with no step
  3. It stops radon getting in at the door
Show the answer

Wheelchairs and buggies roll in with no step

A level threshold removes the step at the door. Wheelchair users, parents with buggies and older people can enter easily and safely.

Universal design & lifetime use, 3 marks

Why include a WC on the entrance level of a two-storey house?

  1. People with limited mobility can use it without stairs
  2. It saves money on drainage pipes and fittings upstairs
  3. It is needed to get a good BER for the house
Show the answer

People with limited mobility can use it without stairs

Visitors, older people or someone with an injury may not manage stairs. An entry-level WC lets them stay in or visit the home comfortably.

Other Construction Studies topics

All of Leaving Cert Construction Studies