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.