SDA Design Categories Explained
Comprehensive guide to the 4 SDA design categories. Understand the features, suitability, and funding differences between Improved Liveability, Fully Accessible, Robust, and High Physical Support housing.
Understanding the 4 SDA Design Categories
Each SDA design category is specifically designed to meet different types of functional impairment and support needs. Understanding these categories helps you identify which type of housing would best support your independence and quality of life.
Your Design Category is Based on Your Assessed Needs
The design category recommended for you will be determined by occupational therapy assessment of your functional capacity and housing needs. You may qualify for features from multiple categories, and some housing combines elements from different categories.
Improved Liveability
Enhanced amenity, design and location for people with sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.
Best suited for:
Sensory, intellectual, or cognitive impairments
Common conditions:
Key Features & Design Elements:
Enhanced Lighting & Ventilation
Good natural light and improved air circulation
Large windows, skylights, and ventilation systems that reduce stuffiness and improve comfort
Reduced Auditory Distractions
Sound management and noise reduction features
Sound insulation, quieter appliances, and layout design that minimizes disruptive noise
Visual Cues & Wayfinding
Clear visual navigation and orientation aids
Color coding, clear signage, contrasting surfaces, and consistent layout patterns
Private Outdoor Space
Access to garden or balcony areas
Balconies, patios, or private garden areas for relaxation and sensory breaks
Quality Fixtures & Fittings
Higher standard materials and finishes
Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces with better aesthetic appeal and functionality
This category is suitable for people who:
Fully Accessible
Wheelchair accessible design meeting the Livable Housing Australia Platinum standard.
Best suited for:
Wheelchair users and mobility equipment users
Common conditions:
Key Features & Design Elements:
Step-free Access Throughout
Level access to all areas of the home
Ramps instead of steps, level thresholds, and accessible pathways throughout
Wide Corridors & Doorways
Minimum 850mm doorways and 1200mm corridors
Doorways and passages sized for wheelchair access with room for maneuvering
Accessible Bathrooms & Kitchens
Roll-under sinks, accessible storage, grab rails
Height-adjustable fixtures, roll-in showers, accessible cabinetry and storage
Appropriate Floor Surfaces
Non-slip, low-maintenance flooring
Smooth, stable surfaces suitable for wheels with minimal joints and transitions
Accessible Controls & Switches
Reachable light switches, power points, and controls
Controls positioned at accessible heights with easy-to-operate mechanisms
This category is suitable for people who:
Robust
Durable design and fittings for people who might damage the physical environment.
Best suited for:
People who may unintentionally damage property
Common conditions:
Key Features & Design Elements:
Reinforced Walls & Fixtures
Strengthened construction and mountings
Steel-reinforced walls, secure mounting for fixtures, and strengthened door frames
Impact-Resistant Materials
Durable surfaces that withstand impact
High-impact glass, reinforced plastics, and materials that won't splinter or break easily
Secure Outdoor Areas
Safely enclosed external spaces
Secure fencing, reinforced gates, and design that prevents unauthorized exit
Tamper-Proof Fittings
Fixtures that resist removal or damage
Security screws, recessed fixtures, and components designed to withstand manipulation
Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
Low-maintenance, hygienic materials
Non-porous surfaces, seamless joins, and materials that resist staining and damage
This category is suitable for people who:
High Physical Support
Design for people requiring significant physical assistance from support workers.
Best suited for:
People with very high physical support needs
Common conditions:
Key Features & Design Elements:
Ceiling Hoist Systems
Fixed track hoists for transfers and mobility
Ceiling-mounted hoist tracks in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas for safe transfers
Emergency Backup Power
Backup power for critical medical equipment
Generator or battery backup systems to maintain power for life-support equipment
Clinical Care Facilities
Space and facilities for medical care needs
Clinical-grade facilities for complex care, medication storage, and medical equipment
Overnight Support Accommodation
Space for support workers to stay overnight
Separate accommodation areas for support workers who need to provide 24/7 care
Accessible Van Parking
Parking designed for wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Wider parking spaces with level access suitable for wheelchair vans and lifts
This category is suitable for people who:
SDA Design Categories at a Glance
Compare the key differences between all four SDA design categories to understand which might be most suitable.
| Feature | Improved Liveability | Fully Accessible | Robust | High Physical Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Users | Sensory/cognitive needs | Wheelchair users | Property damage risk | Very high support needs |
| Funding Level | Base level | Enhanced | Higher | Highest |
| Key Features | Better lighting, noise reduction | Full wheelchair access | Reinforced construction | Clinical care facilities |
| Typical % of SDA | ~40% | ~35% | ~15% | ~10% |
Next Steps in Your SDA Journey
Now that you understand design categories, explore other important aspects of SDA housing.
Ready to Explore SDA Housing Options?
Now that you understand the design categories, explore our available SDA properties to see real examples of these features in action.
