Housing for the 21st century is changing. More than ever, it is necessary to design living space that meets the needs of all people, young, old, short, tall, disabled and able-bodied. There's an exciting design principle called Universal Design that helps achieve this objective. Using Universal Design and applying principles for affordable building techniques results in a product that serves a broad range of people.
entry/ atrium
Dementia Design Guidelines: Home and Community Care Capital Works Program 2nd Edition
This report was written, at the request of the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC), for service providers, architects, interior designers, etc, to improve the ability of adult day centres to provide a safe environment which caters to the specific needs of people with dementia. The report provides a checklist for dementia design guidelines and case examples of modified existing dementia respite centres. The second edition has a reviewed and streamlined checklist section and some updated content.
Universal Design
A site Providing information on universal design. Also provides design plans and pictures with explanation of modifications.
Home for All Generations
An article with limited information on universal design and home modification.
Department of Public Works: Smart Housing Universal Housing Design Booklet
Smart Housing is good practice in designing, planning and building homes to make them moresocially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
In a Smart House, you will be able to move around more easily, feel safer, save money and help the environment. You and your family can live in a Smart House through all stages of your lives.
Smart Housing has been developed in response to the demand for housing that better meets people's needs and responds to the Queensland climate while saving money.
NSW Home Modification and Maintenance State Council - NSW HMMS
- All users
- assessment
- assistive device
- bathroom/toilet/lavatory
- bedroom
- corridor / pathway
- design
- door
- electricity
- entry/ atrium
- floor
- furniture
- garbage
- garden
- gate
- grabrails
- gym
- health improvement
- housing improvement
- information
- injury
- kitchen
- landing
- laundry
- legislation compliance
- libary
- lift
- lighting
- lounge
- maintenance
- modification
- modification (redesign)
- parking
- patio
- plumbing
- policy compliance
- pool/spa
- product
- rail
- ramp
- regulation compliance
- rumpus/family
- safety improvement
- security
- shed
- stair
- study/office
- telecommunication
- threshold
- wall
The NSW Home Modification and Maintenance Services (HMMS) State Council is the peak organisation for the HMMS industry in New South Wales.
Home Smoke Alarms: Hard Wired and Battery-Powered Systems - SUMMARY BULLETIN
This summary bulletin has been put together as a result of legislation across many Australian states requiring that smoke alarms be installed in homes and places where people sleep. The summary bulletin has information on both Hard Wired and Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms and the main methods of smoke detection used.
Complete with diagrams suggesting possible alarm placement, the bulletin may assist consumers and home modification and maintenance providers to appropriately select and place the most suitable smoke detection system in their homes.
Lifts - SUMMARY BULLETIN
This bulletin tackles the issues around recommending and purchasing residential lifts. It lists the relevant Australian Standards to consider, factors relevant to lift selection and the current suppliers of lifts. It also addresses design considerations and questions that could be asked of the suppliers.
Home Fire Safety Egress - SUMMARY BULLETIN
This bulletin discusses the considerations for fire safety within the home and specifically addresses egress concerns for people with disabilities. It provides information on evacuation planning, automatic door closers and openers along with other safety products. It has a checklist for therapists and supplier contacts.
SUMMARY BULLETIN: Residential Lifts
This bulletin tackles the issues around recommending and purchasing residential lifts. It lists the relevant Australian Standards to consider, factors relevant to lift selection and the current suppliers of lifts. It also addresses design considerations and questions that could be asked of the suppliers.

