Although more than ten years old, the Housing for Life Guidelines still have value That’s because universal design principles are timeless. There’s the usual attention to access, circulation spaces, and fittings. It also includes thermal comfort, security, lighting, operating controls and maintenance. Lots of diagrams and drawings help with explanations from a builder/designer perspective. There is also a handy metric conversion chart for people still using imperial measures. Master Builders Association ACT developed the guide with funding from Commonwealth Department of Veteran Affairs.
Other handbooks include:
- Livable Housing Design Guidelines
- Landcom Universal Housing Design Guidelines
- Dementia Friendly Homes
- Whole Building Design Guide
Go to the Housing Design Guidelines section on this website for more about kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and other aspects of home design.
Editor’s Note: Housing for Life is not readily available online. The link to this copy is from my files. It is available through the National Library of Australia (Trove) if you want hard copy. Or you can try the MBA ACT. The references to the Adaptable Housing Standard are less relevant now – see more recent guidelines.