Universal Design

2015 will be a year to consider the wider adoption of livable housing for seniors, the disabled, those with injuries and others with mobility challenges.

The ageing of the population and a shift to retirement living will contribute to the need for livable housing. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) also has a national focus and highlights a need for livable housing.

There is an industry body in Livable Housing Australia (LHA) that accredits certifiers of livable homes in accordance with Livable Housing Guidelines. These guidelines also provide the basis for significant renovations activity to adapt an existing house to meet the changing or future needs of many Australians. Livable Housing Design Guidelines have been developed at the Silver, Gold and Platinum levels providing registered assessors the tool to certify livable homes.

LHA is currently auditing the LHA larger Platinum and RDC members on current LHD Silver Guideline Build, Design, future interest to design/build numbers, as well as cost. Carrying out this audit provides a perspective of the number of livable homes that are coming through the pipeline.

The RDC will play an important role in working with larger developers, architects, designer/builders to support greater awareness and future uptake on Livable Housing Design Silver Guidelines, based on market demand in new built form and also for renovations.