The Australian Institute of Architects has submitted a comprehensive response to the NSW Building Commission’s “Liveable Housing Requirements in NSW – Discussion Paper,” a crucial step towards creating more accessible and inclusive homes.
Our core mission is to advocate for architecture that goes beyond mere functionality, enhancing communities and environments for everyone. The Institute believes that ensuring a high level of accessibility within the built environment for people of all abilities and ages must be a matter of priority for governments and the community as whole.
The Commission’s discussion paper explores the practical implementation of the Liveable Housing Design Standards (LHDS) from the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. This initiative aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to accessible and adaptable housing, extending beyond housing supply under its own direct control to the much larger private market. It will bring NSW into line with all other eastern seaboard states and territories and enable NSW to deliver on its commitments made in response to the Disability Royal Commission.
“NSW is Australia’s most populous state. It is home to a large and ageing population. Rather than trailing behind other states and territories, NSW should be leading the way with respect to the implementation of this important reform.” NSW Chapter President, Elizabeth Carpenter says.
– Elizabeth Carpenter, NSW Chapter President.
The Commissions’ paper sets out four options – from a Do Nothing/Status Quo approach; through to a fourth option requiring the full adoption of the design standards applying to all new Class 1a Dwellings and Class 2 Sole Occupancy Units (requiring demonstrated compliance with the new edition of the NCC as well as being required to be constructed in compliance with the liveable housing design standards).
The Institute strongly endorses Option 4, full adoption, as the preferred option. However, given the strong imperative to see real and immediate progress, that an option that allows a limited number of reasonable exemptions for certain types of development can still be supported. That option is Option 3: Adopt the Design Standards with exemptions.
Drawing on our national membership, we offer insights from other jurisdictions and will lend our assistance to explore what, if any, potential exemptions might be required to see the broadest possible implementation of LHDS in NSW. We are committed to sharing examples of innovative and affordable designs that create beautiful, functional homes for everyone.
Adopting the LHDS is not just about compliance; it’s about building a more equitable and inclusive future for all Australians. We are eager to continue collaborating with the Commission and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality.
