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Designing for Inclusion and Independence

A recent explanatory guide Designing for Inclusion and Independence which aims to support the briefing and design of accessible housing was recently published on the 13th December 2017 by Summer Housing. Summer Housing is an Australian enterprise which was established in 2017 and has a mission to increase the scale and diversity of housing types available to people with disabilities.

Summer Housing is made up of a board of senior industry professionals with a wealth of experience from a broad range of career backgrounds and this is Summer Housings first publication.

Although an Australian publication, the guide is a useful practical resource for all involved in the design of accessible housing in all parts of the world.

The guide is divided into six-parts under the following headings:

Introduction: This introduces the issue of accessible housing within Australia, drawing attention to key structures and resources.

Part A: Spatial Planning – Typology: This suggests provisions for consideration during early planning stages and provides answers to many important questions. For example, where are accessible dwellings ideally located within a development and what are the ideal features of a project site?

Part B: Spatial Planning – Accessible Dwelling Elements: This suggests spatial provisions and relationships needed within an accessible dwelling for consideration during the planning stage answering questions such as where is each key space ideally located within the dwelling and how much room is needed for each space?

Part C: Construction and Detailing – Building Elements: This section goes through the material building elements in a dwelling, which are applied across multiple spaces. For example, walls, ceilings and windows up to fixtures, fittings and equipment.

Part D: Construction and Detailing – System Elements: This section goes through the key systems in a dwelling where access features may need integration including mechanical elements, general electrical lighting and automation and assistive technology.

To download all six parts of the publication from the Summer Housing website please click here

Alternatively, if you need further information on the design of accessible housing, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on (01) 4151285 or email [email protected].