Platinum Level Livable Housing:
A Custom Home for Limited Mobility Occupants
Complete Home
This new 3-bedroom dwelling in East Ivanhoe designed by Dion Keech Architects and built by Hedger Constructions achieves the Platinum Level Livable Housing standard – the highest rating in the Livable Housing Design Guidelines.
As an elderly couple with limited mobility, the clients required a home suitable for ongoing independent living. To achieve this, the project brief required the home to exceed the Platinum Level Livability Standard.
Livability features are inexpensive to incorporate into home design and make homes easier and safer for all occupants including people with disability, ageing Australians, people with temporary injuries, and families with young children. A livable home is designed to be easy to enter, simple to navigate in and around, be capable of cost-effective adaptation, and be responsive to the changing needs of home occupants.
A wide range of livability design features were included in this custom home build to create a safe, comfortable, and accessible space. On the approach to the property there is a wide and level pathway from the street and parking area to the entry. The entrance door is oversized and step-free which makes entering and exiting the home safer, and wheelchair accessible. A generously proportioned double garage provides ample room to move around a vehicle when car doors are open. Externally, the residence has feature brickwork with relief pattern, a Colorbond wall cladding section and Colorbond roof, adding character and texture to the build.
Internally, the open plan living area features a cathedral ceiling with timber panelling and exposed rafters. Clerestory windows positioned over the sliding door bathe the spacious living area in natural light. A window seat also provides a tranquil space in which to enjoy views of the backyard.
The open plan kitchen includes stone benchtops and has been designed to support ease of movement between fixed benches with 1.5m clearance. Victorian Ash timber veneer joinery provides functional and low maintenance kitchen cabinetry. A unique feature of the custom cabinetry is the ability for it to be quickly removed if required to enable wheelchair users to have knee clearance under the sink.
Natural and artificial lighting design throughout the home suits the requirements of older people and people with dementia. This includes the installation of large rocker switches and power points located at heights that are accessible for all home occupants.
The master bedroom is generously proportioned with ample space to manoeuvre a wheelchair or walker around the bed. Custom vanities and robes also ensure full accessibility.
The ensuite incorporates a toilet with an accessible height seat and clear space in front to ensure easier access. Reinforced walls enable grabrails to be safely and economically installed in the bathroom if required. A hobless shower and floor with non-slip tiles helps to reduce the risk of falls. To enable safe access and showering in a chair, a shower curtain and hand shower head have been included. Colour coded and ergonomic tapware especially suited to people affected by dementia, has been installed throughout the home for ease of use.
The laundry space has been crafted to support ease of movement between benches and provide functionality. Mounting the front-loading washing machine on a pedestal has helped ensure that loading and unloading laundry can be achieved at an ergonomic height.
Wide internal doors and corridors throughout the home facilitate comfortable and unimpeded movement, whilst engineered timber floorboards and hydronic heating provide easy, low maintenance living.
Hedger Constructions creates bespoke custom homes from concept to completion. A Hedger Constructions custom home is defined by innovation, integrity and quality. As a family company, Hedger Constructions understands the importance of building ‘your home’ and approaches each project with the aim of total client satisfaction. Their collaborative approach to construction provides the end-to-end solution and flexibility to create your perfect custom home.