LIVABLE
HOUSING
LHA
HOMES FOR ALL
UNLOCKING ACCESSIBILITY & COMFORT WITH LIVABLE HOUSING TOGETHER
Livable Housing Australia (LHA) is a not-for-profit partnership between community and consumer groups, government and industry, brought together to lead the development of safer homes that are easier to access for everybody. Only LHA Design Guideline Assessors, registered with LHA, can assess a Design or As-Built house as meeting the LHA Silver, Gold or Platinum LHA Levels.
The three levels of performance are detailed in the LHD Guidelines. These voluntary performance levels can be applied to all new dwellings. It is noted that common areas for Class 1b, 2, and 3 buildings are covered by the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 and the National Construction Code (NCC), Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volumes 1 and 2 which take precedence over the LHD Guidelines.
CREATING HOMES FOR EVERYONE
THREE LEVELS OF LIVABLE HOUSING CERTIFICATION
Vallabh Bailey Consulting, believe in designing homes that prioritise accessibility and adaptability for all. Our Livable Housing Australia (LHA) certifications encompass three distinct performance levels—Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Depending on the performance level, these levels are assigned based on the fulfilment of 15 elements, ensuring that homes meet specific design standards for flexibility and livability.
SILVER LEVEL: FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE FLEXIBILITY
Achieving LHA Silver Level accreditation signifies a focus on fundamental structural and spatial elements crucial for the future adaptability of a home. This level centres around the seven core livable housing design elements. By incorporating these features, homes can avoid the need for more costly modifications in the future.
GOLD LEVEL: ELEVATING DESIGN STANDARDS
LHA Gold Level takes the core livable housing design elements from Silver to new heights, introducing enhanced requirements across various dimensions. With twelve core design elements, Gold Level certification provides more generous proportions for critical areas, including the kitchen and bedroom. This ensures a higher standard of livability and adaptability.
PLATINUM LEVEL: PINNACLE OF ACCESSIBILITY AND LIVABILITY
At the pinnacle of our certification system is LHA Platinum Level—an embodiment of the highest accessibility and livability standards. Featuring all 15 essential elements, Platinum Level homes are designed to better accommodate ageing in place and individuals with higher mobility needs. LHA Platinum Level introduces more generous dimensions across core livable design elements, elevating the standard even further. Additional elements are incorporated for features such as the living room and flooring, ensuring an unparalleled level of accessibility and comfort.
WHY CHOOSE LIVABLE HOUSING CERTIFICATION?
Future-Proof Your Home: Our certifications focus on future flexibility, helping you avoid costly modifications later on.
Elevated Design Standards: Each level builds upon the core design elements, providing more generous dimensions and enhanced features.
Accommodate Diverse Needs: From Silver to Platinum, our certifications cater to a range of accessibility requirements, ensuring inclusivity for all.
Choose the Livable Housing certification that aligns with your vision, creating homes that stand as testaments to our commitment to accessibility, adaptability, and a better living future for all.
BENEFITS OF LIVABLE DESIGN FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Livable design simplifies the daily lives of families with young children. From manoeuvring prams and strollers effortlessly to eliminating trip hazards for toddlers, every element is thoughtfully considered to enhance safety and convenience.
AGEING BABY BOOMERS
Livable design becomes a crucial consideration for baby boomers. Whether moving to a new residence or renovating, these design principles ensure homes are tailored to meet evolving needs, promoting independence and comfort.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES
Livable design opens doors to greater housing and extends the opportunity to visit friends and relatives with ease. A livable designed home transcends age and circumstances, creating a space where everyone feels supported.
PEOPLE RECOVERING FROM TEMPORARY INJURIES
For those recovering from temporary injuries, whether from sports, work-related incidents, or motor vehicle accidents, a livable designed home provides a supportive environment. It minimises mobility challenges, facilitating a smoother recovery process.
WE PROVIDE ASSURANCE
Reeshika Vallabh is a certified Livable Housing Australia Assessor. Certification of homes by Livable Housing Australia are against the Livable Housing Guidelines. We provide assurance that a home is easier to access, navigate and live in, which is cost effective to adapt as life circumstances change.
The certification of a home to a Silver, Gold or Platinum Level under the Guidelines, ensures that these standards have been met through the home’s design and construction. Our services include assessments of the development, as well as site inspections during construction
FAQ
Livable Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Livable Housing Australia (LHA)?
Livable Housing Australia (LHA) is a not-for-profit partnership that brings together community and consumer groups, government, and industry to lead the development of safer homes that are accessible to everyone, including assessments conducted by Reeshika Vallabh.
Who can assess a house for Livable Housing Certification?
Reeshika Vallabh as a certified Livable Housing Australia Assessor, can assess a Design or As-Built house for Silver, Gold, or Platinum LHA Levels.
What role do Development Control Plans (DCPs) play in construction and urban development?
Livable Housing Certification levels—Platinum, Gold, and Silver—are assigned by Vallabh Bailey Consulting based on the fulfilment of 15 essential criteria. These criteria ensure that homes meet specific design standards for flexibility and livability.
What does Silver Level Certification signify?
Silver Level Certification signifies a focus on fundamental structural and spatial elements critical for the future adaptability of a home, centred around the seven core livable housing design elements.
How does Gold Level Certification differ from Silver?
Gold Level Certification builds upon the core design elements of Silver, introducing enhanced requirements across various dimensions. It provides more generous proportions for critical areas, including the kitchen and bedroom.
What is unique about Platinum Level Certification?
Platinum Level Certification embodies the highest accessibility and livability standards. Featuring all 15 essential elements, Platinum Level homes are designed to better accommodate ageing in place and individuals with higher mobility needs.
Why choose Livable Housing Certification for my home?
Choosing Livable Housing Certification helps future-proof your home, focusing on flexibility to avoid costly modifications later on. It elevates design standards, providing more generous dimensions and enhanced features, catering to a range of accessibility requirements for inclusivity.
What are the benefits of embracing a livable design for every stage of life?
Embracing a livable design from Vallabh Bailey Consulting ensures safety and convenience for families with young children, supports individuals recovering from injuries, meets the evolving needs of ageing baby boomers, and opens housing choices for people with disabilities and their families.
How can I access the Livable Housing Guidelines?
You can download the Livable Housing Guidelines by Vallabh Bailey Consulting by clicking here. This comprehensive document outlines the standards and principles for creating accessible, adaptable, and livable homes.
PARTNER WITH US FOR
A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.
In a world where the power of adaptability meets the beauty of inclusivity, Vallabh Bailey Consulting is your trusted partner. Our commitment to adaptable housing extends beyond the building process; it’s about creating spaces that cater to the diverse needs of individuals. Join us on this journey towards a more accessible, more inclusive future. Together, we can build homes that stand as testaments to our collective commitment to a better tomorrow.