Changes in government policy and levers on new housing supply are increasing demand for livable housing design.
The NDIS, the State Environmental Planning Policy No 65 – Design Quality of Residential Apartment Development (SEPP 65) in NSW, and various local government strategies around Australia create provisions for livable housing.
Architects, construction professionals and developers need to be alert to policy changes and assess their strategies to remain on trend to deliver livable housing design.
The Australian research is done and findings are in – livable housing design offers huge benefits to consumers and government in terms of:
- Improving home safety
- Reducing renovation and home modification cost
- Cost saving for the health, disability and aged care systems
- Providing housing stock that is readily adaptable to the changing needs of occupants
- People with disability and their families who are looking for a home that will accommodate their current and future needs
- People with disability who wish to visit the homes of friends and relatives
- Home care workers and family and friends who provide in-home care and support.
The Victorian Government has estimated the cost to the homeowner of including four livable housing design features in a new home is 22 times cheaper than retrofitting those features at a later date.
Research undertaken in the United States estimates that there is a 60 per cent probability that a new house will be occupied by at least one person with disability over its lifetime (assumed to be 40 years).
The probability increases to 91 per cent when you account for visits by friends and relatives who have a disability or who are elderly.
Why not design to LHA Design Guidelines?
The LHA Design Guidelines offer a great opportunity for architects, designers and developers to lead the way in the provision of housing that appeals to a broad spectrum of potential buyers and is highly regarded by government.
The Livable Housing Guidelines, which have been developed by industry and the community, provide guidance on designing a home is easier to access, navigate and live in, as well as more cost effective to adapt when life’s circumstances change.
Achieving a Silver, Gold and Platinum level of design will be determined by the degree to which the home has been designed and built with livability in mind.
The awarding of a performance rating involves an assessment at the design and/or as-built stages of your project by a qualified industry professional.
Gain recognition for your project with advice and certification from Architecture & Access
Architecture & Access can assist architects, construction professionals and developers remain on trend to design and deliver livable housing.
We provide:
- Advice on government federal, state and local livable housing design policy of relevance to your project
- Advice to assist the design and construction process
- Certification of projects against the LHA Design performance standards
- Extensive knowledge and experience in the application of universal design within new residential projects, in modifying existing homes, and meeting LHA Design Guidelines across the Silver, Gold and Platinum performance ratings
- Extensive knowledge and experience in the access and universal design requirements of mixed use developments.
Become an LHA Design Guidelines assessor
Architects, designers, access consultants, building surveyors and other industry professionals who are qualified and hold professional indemnity are encouraged to become registered independent assessors of the LHA Design Guidelines to assist those seeking to build to the guidelines.
For more information please contact IATA Access Institute at admin@accessinstitute.com.au or visit accesssinstitute.com.au
Read more about livable housing design
Private home design gains Livable Housing Australia’s Provisional Quality Platinum Mark. Read more
Youngcare share house sets new standard for disability housing. Read more
Architecture & Access livable housing services.
Livable Housing Australia Design Guidelines at livablehousingaustralia.org.au
