The Australian Network for Universal Housing Design (ANUHD) cites the following minimum criteria for inclusion in a universally designed home:

1. Easy access

   People of all ages and abilities are able to gain easy access to the dwelling from the front boundary or carparking area to the entrance of the dwelling;

2. At least one level entrance

   The dwelling features at least one level entrance to enable all home occupants to enter and exit the dwelling with ease;

3. Bathroom, living space and bedroom on the entrance level

   The entry level to the dwelling provides a living space, bathroom & WC and a bedroom space or space capable of accommodating a bedroom space;

4. Bathrooms designed for easy adaptation

   The bathroom provides a hobless shower and accommodates more generous internal circulation spaces to enable future adaptation;

5. Reinforcement of bathroom walls

   Walls in the bathroom and shower are reinforced to enable easy installation of grabrails if required by home occupants;

6. Kitchen access

   The kitchen design enables all home occupants to easily manoeuvre within the kitchen area and between fixed kitchen benches;

7. Easy access doors and corridors

   The internal passages and doorways within the dwelling facilitate ease of movement between rooms and accommodate the circulation needs of all occupants;

8. Consistent installation of switches, GPO's and window controls

   Light switches, GPO’s and other operating devices are installed at a consistent height to ensure ease of access for all home occupants;

9. Easy operable door, tap and window controls

   Door and window operating hardware is easy to manipulate and can be operated by the home occupants regardless of age or ability;

10. Slip resistance of floor surfaces

    Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, feature flooring which provides slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions.

Better practice Universal Design features:

External features

• A parking/garage space in close proximity to the entrance;

• A covered main entrance and a hard sealed area adjoining the entrance;

Bathroom

• Consider installing a P tap pan to enable the toilet pan to be easily repositioned;

• Adjustable/ detachable hand held shower;

Kitchen

• A bench area adjoining the oven and cooktop to enable the easy transfer of items;

• Cook-tops with side access controls to reduce the risk of injury;

• A shallow sink (suits people who a standing or seated to undertake this task);

• A GPO within 300mm from the front of the kitchen bench

• Roll-out draws and pantry cupboards;

• Fridge switch in an easily reachable location;

Lighting

• Enhanced lighting levels at the entrance to encourage safe access;

• Task lighting over the sink, cooking and food preparation area;

• Installing two-way switches in bedrooms (at entrance and near the bed);

General internal design

• Easy operable window controls;

• Raising of the GPO’s to 600mm an easy bending height;

• Level access throughout the ground floor to reduce the risk of trips and falls;

• Provision of a straight stairway between levels;

Technology

• Smart wiring