Big industry players back LHA Guidelines

Big industry players back LHA GuidelinesTwo major industry players have signalled their support for the design principles of Livable Housing Australia (LHA), with Grocon becoming the first Australian real estate developer to commit to building all future residential developments under national Livable Housing Design Guidelines.Recently signing on as a Platinum Corporate Partner with LHA, Grocon joins apartment developer Meriton Group and other new signatories – which LHA executive director Amelia Starr said points to growing industry adoption of the Livable Housing Design Guidelines.”The leaders in the property and construction industry are embracing the guidelines because they know these simple and straightforward design features make a home easier to live in – and ultimately easier to sell,” Starr said.”We are excited that Meriton will now receive official recognition for a design standard that it has been quietly meeting for some time.”In association with industry, government, and community and consumer groups, LHA advocates mainstream adoption of livable housing design principles in new homes.Grocon’s chief executive, Carolyn Viney, said that the ultimate test of design excellence is a building’s ability to remain relevant. “Designing residential apartments that meet the changing needs of all of us throughout our lives is, in our view, an essential component of that relevance and points to functional brilliance,” she said.”It’s a logical decision for our business and we’re excited about the advancements in accessible, lifespan-friendly design that are likely to come from our close collaboration with Livable Housing Australia,” Viney said.Grocon’s commitment means its buildings will be constructed in accordance with the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, which take into account the potentially changing needs of occupants due to age and health. More specifically, the guidelines consider safety, comfort and ease of movement.Starr notes that Grocon has been a long-term advocate and champion of livable design.”It takes a company with both vision and integrity to align itself to such an ambitious goal. Grocon’s commitment to build all future residential developments to meet our livability standards sets the new benchmark for the industry,” Starr said.Meanwhile, LHA’s partnership with Meriton Group will champion best practice benchmarks for livable design, with the business signing on as a Platinum Corporate Partner.Meriton’s general manager, Peter Spira, confirmed the business’ support of LHA’s commitment to universal standards of safety, comfort and design excellence.”Good apartment design adapts to the changing circumstances and mobility of its residents through every stage of life and the LHA logo is a stamp of quality assurance that people can trust,” he said.Other LHA Corporate Partners include the Australian Institute of Architects, Property Council of Australia, Lend Lease, Master Builders Australia and Stockland.The Property Council of Australia’s Chief Executive Ken Morrison acknowledged Meriton’s move, commending it for its leadership.”The industry’s leaders understand that a livable home is simply good design that meets the needs of all Australians,” Morrison said.