Adaptable Housing

Adaptable housing refers to properties designed with flexible features that can be easily adjusted or modified to accommodate the changing needs of occupants.

What is adaptable housing?

Adaptable housing refers to properties designed with flexible features that can be easily adjusted or modified to accommodate the changing needs of occupants. These homes typically incorporate versatile layouts, construction, and amenities that can be adapted without significant structural changes. Such dwellings exist to particularly cater to the needs of disabled and older occupants.

Adaptable housing requirements in Australia

To be deemed an adaptable home, AS 4299-1995 Adaptable housing states that the dwelling should be able to accommodate an individual in a wheelchair through suitable accessibility and circulation.  

Depending on where you live, some other requirements may pertain to:

  • Entrances: there should be step-free access to at least one entrance of the dwelling.
  • Doorways and passages: allowance for future modifications to widen doorways and passages.
  • Living areas: provision of at least one step-free living area, which could be a bedroom or living room.
  • Kitchen: provision for the easy installation of lower benchtops and sinks in the kitchen area to accommodate seated users.
  • Bathroom and toilet: space allocation in bathrooms and toilets to facilitate future modifications, such as grab rails or a level-entry shower recess.

Can an apartment also be adaptable?

While this may be harder to achieve compared to a house, apartments also be considered adaptable through features such as:

  • Wider doorways
  • Adjustable or removable features
  • Automated lighting
  • Remote-controlled blinds

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