Universal design resources

New Zealand resources

Lifemark Design. An independent, not-for-profit advocate to improve New Zealand housing, providing design solutions for the ageing population. It has a common-sense design standard called Lifemark, which provides an award for homes that meet specific design criteria.

Barrier Free New Zealand Trust. A charitable trust that provides advice, support and training to help ensure built environments are accessible for everyone through education and training, provision of technical advice, research and advocacy.

Enable New Zealand. Delivers a range of contracted services for the Ministry of Health and some district health boards. Services include: equipment and housing modification; disability information and advisory; needs assessment and short-term loan equipment.

Good Homes. Provides smart checklist-based tools to help older people assess what repairs and maintenance work needs to be done and who the best person is to do it.

NZS 4121:2001 Design for access and mobility: Buildings and associated facilities. This freely downloadable standard provides guidance for those who are responsible for making buildings and facilities accessible to and fully usable by people who have disabilities. Although focused on providing dimensions and spaces for public and private accommodation, it can be usefully used in the design of homes. Also useful is SNZ HB 4102:2011 Safety in the home.

Homestar. Administered by the New Zealand Green Building Council, Homestar is a comprehensive national voluntary residential rating tool that evaluates the environmental attributes of New Zealand's stand-alone homes in terms of energy, health and comfort, water, waste and more.

ACC home safety checklist. Tips on preventing falls in the home.

Overseas resources

Updated: 05 April 2024