Designing homes that are accessible, functional, and future-ready is no longer just good practice – it’s now a requirement. The Liveable Housing Design Standard is mandatory in Victoria under NCC 2022, bringing with it a set of new design expectations that every builder, architect, and project team needs to understand. From step-free thresholds to internal mobility access, these changes are reshaping how we approach residential design from the ground up.

Key Requirements Now in Effect:

Step-Free Thresholds

All new Class 1a buildings must now provide a step-free path from the boundary to the dwelling entrance, as well as at key points within the home. While this enhances accessibility, it also presents practical challenges for drainage, especially at external doors. The requirements for water to drain away from doorways can conflict with the flat transitions required under LHDS.

Wider Internal Doors and Corridors

Minimum clear openings of 820mm and wider corridors are now required to ensure easier navigation within the home for people with mobility needs. Which may impact structural layouts and requiring early planning to maintain both functionality and aesthetics.

Reinforced Walls in Bathrooms

NCC now requires walls around toilets and showers to be constructed to support future grab rail installation – improving safety and aging-in-place functionality. These reinforcements must be factored into framing and service layouts early to avoid costly retrofits later.

Accessible Toilets at Ground Level

All dwellings must now include a toilet on the ground (or entry) level, positioned for ease of access, particularly for those with limited mobility. This will require early consideration of floor plans to accommodate adequate circulation space and compliant dimensions within often tight footprints. 

Design & Compliance Considerations:

Drainage Conflicts

The step-free threshold requirement can contradict existing standards for surface water drainage. Builders and designers must now strike a balance between accessibility and managing rainwater effectively. This is where collaboration with surveyors during early design stages becomes critical.

Site Constraints

Sloping blocks or flood-prone areas may need more detailed design solutions to achieve compliance without compromising safety or performance.

Material Transitions

Transitioning between external and internal finishes with a level threshold requires careful detailing and selection of suitable materials to avoid trip hazards or moisture ingress.

Why It Matters

The move toward more liveable housing supports long-term usability and aging in place. However, these new requirements can introduce unintended design and construction challenges if not addressed early. Ensuring your projects are compliant at the planning stage will reduce costly changes later and deliver better outcomes for future occupants.

Need Help Navigating the Changes?

We’re here to assist with compliance strategies, performance solutions, and early-stage design advice to help you meet LHDS requirements smoothly.

Contact our team today to review your plans or discuss tailored solutions for your upcoming projects.

The NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions introduce 7-Star NatHERS ratings for new residential buildings, driving improved thermal performance, reduced energy use, and enhanced occupant comfort. Architects and builders must adapt their designs and construction methods to comply with these changes while balancing cost and design flexibility.

Key Changes & What to Expect:

Higher Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

• The minimum thermal performance standard for new homes has increased from 6 stars to 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
• This applies to Class 1 dwellings (houses and townhouses) and Class 2 apartments.
• A new Whole-of-Home energy rating must be met, considering the energy usage of fixed appliances (heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, etc.).

Key Design Considerations 

• Passive design principles are now critical to meeting the new 7-star standard:
  • Improved orientation and zoning to maximize natural heating and cooling.
  • Enhanced insulation and glazing to reduce heat loss and gain.
  • Tighter building envelope to minimize air leakage.
  • Shading strategies (eaves, pergolas, landscaping) to reduce overheating in summer.
• Thermal bridging and junction detailing must be carefully managed to prevent heat transfer.
• Window-to-wall ratios and glazing selection will significantly impact compliance.

What Builders Need to Watch For

• More stringent insulation requirements:
  • Walls, floors, and roofs must have higher R-values to improve heat retention.
  • Installation quality is crucial – gaps and compression in insulation will compromise performance.
• Air-tightness is now a key focus:
  • Expect increased attention on sealing around doors, windows, and penetrations.
  • Blower door testing, while not mandatory, is being strongly encouraged to ensure compliance.
• Ventilation balance:
  • While homes must be airtight, they also need adequate fresh air through ventilation systems or mechanical solutions like heat recovery ventilation (HRV).

Whole-of-Home Energy Budget & Renewables

• New homes must comply with an overall energy budget that considers heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, and appliances.
• Solar PV systems, battery storage, and energy-efficient appliances will become more common to offset energy consumption.
• Gas appliances are less favoured, with an industry push toward all-electric homes.

Compliance & Certification

• Energy rating assessments will be stricter, requiring detailed thermal modelling and energy assessments.
• Builders must provide evidence of compliance, including:
  • NatHERS certificates for thermal performance.
  • Whole-of-home energy calculations.
  • Documentation on insulation and glazing performance.

Why It Matters:

• Non-compliance could lead to costly redesigns, delays, and rework.
• Higher-rated homes are more comfortable, energy-efficient, and cheaper to run.
• Early planning with energy consultants is crucial to achieving compliance without compromising design.

Have questions regarding your project? Contact our team today.  

The VBA’s latest Practitioner Education Series highlights crucial updates to waterproofing regulations under NCC 2022 and AS 3740 – 2021, addressing common compliance issues and improving industry standards.

Key Changes & What to Expect:

Increased Compliance Management

• Stronger focus and enforcement of waterproofing standards, specifically correct membrane application, drainage, and substrate preparation.
• Expect and prepare for increased compliance documentation. 
• Waterproofing installers must follow manufacturer guidelines and document their work to meet compliance requirements.

Stronger Focus on Design & Detailing

• Architects must integrate falls, drainage points, and waterproofing layers early in design to prevent issues during construction.
• Clear specifications for materials and installation methods will be critical to passing compliance checks. This is imperative at the design stage (pre-construction).

Common Failure Points to Address

• Poor falls to drains, leading to water pooling.
• Incorrect junction detailing between floors and walls.
• Movement in substrates causing cracks and membrane failures.
• Inadequate product selection, resulting in premature failures.

Future Trends in Waterproofing

• The industry is shifting toward high-performance waterproofing materials and prefabricated solutions to reduce risk.
• Builders should expect greater inspections on-site, particularly for high-risk areas like bathrooms, balconies, and wet areas.
• More builder accountability and pressure to deliver fully compliant waterproofing solutions upfront.

Why It Matters

• Defective waterproofing is one of the leading causes of building defects.
• Early compliance avoids costly rework, delays, and potential legal disputes.
• Proper waterproofing enhances durability and protects long-term building performance.

Have questions specific to your project? Or need further guidance regarding waterproofing requirements? Contact our team today.