Livable Housing Design Standards (LHDS) NCC 2022
The Background to the Livable Housing Design Standards (LHDS)
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 introduces Livable Housing design requirements applicable to Class 1a and Class 2 buildings. The objectives of Livable Housing Design Standards (LHDS) are to ensure dwellings are accessible upon entry, facilitate ease of movement throughout the premises, allow for straightforward and cost-effective modifications, and accommodate the evolving needs of occupants.
Requirements of the NCC LHDS
These requirements are based on, yet not identical to, the Silver Level standards outlined in the Livable Housing Australia (LHA) Guidelines (2017).
Class 1a buildings and internal areas of all Class 2 apartments must meet the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. Requirements include:
Livable Housing Design Standard Assessors (formally LHA NCC Assessors)
As from 1 July 2025 Livable Housing Australia (LHA) has transferred responsibility to the Access Institute for the administration of the LHA NCC Assessors and registration of Livable Housing Design Standard (LHDS) assessors.
Who are LHDS Assessors?
Obvius Access are accredited access consultants and Livable Housing Design Standard assessors with comprehensive expertise in the Livable Housing Design Standard. Our consultants can evaluate your designs or dwellings under construction, ensuring they comply with the deemed-to-satisfy requirements of the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. Additionally, the NCC has released a Voluntary Guide – ABCB Voluntary Standard for Livable Housing Design: Beyond Minimum | NCC highlighting enhanced features that exceed the minimum requirements; Obvius Access can also provide guidance on integrating these enhancements into your project.
LHDS assessors are professionals from recognised fields who meet designated eligibility criteria. These individuals must provide credible evidence of their skills, experience, and qualifications to validate their expertise and confirm adherence to LHDS requirements.
Obvius Access consultants are certified and registered Livable Housing Design Standard Assessors (LHDS), serving both the Gold Coast, QLD, and Sydney, NSW. Daniel Bedwell and John Bedwell of Obvius Access Consultants are officially listed as qualified assessors. Click here to access the Livable Housing Design Standard Assessor Register
Obvius Access meet the specified prerequisites as accredited Access Consultants as listed on the Access Consultants Association (ACA) register. ACA Consultant Register
What Does an LHDS Assessor do?
Obvius Access can assist you during both the design phase and/or as-built stage. We are also able to advise you about what potential modifications you could make to achieve a specific performance standard.
If you would like to hear more about Livable housing design and how we can help, please contact us on [email protected] or 1800 952311.
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 introduces Livable Housing design requirements applicable to Class 1a and Class 2 buildings. The objectives of Livable Housing Design Standards (LHDS) are to ensure dwellings are accessible upon entry, facilitate ease of movement throughout the premises, allow for straightforward and cost-effective modifications, and accommodate the evolving needs of occupants.
Requirements of the NCC LHDS
These requirements are based on, yet not identical to, the Silver Level standards outlined in the Livable Housing Australia (LHA) Guidelines (2017).
Class 1a buildings and internal areas of all Class 2 apartments must meet the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. Requirements include:
- access from the property boundary or garage/car park (for Class 1a)
- step-free entrance
- wide doors and corridors for easy access
- ground-level toilet with circulation space
- level-access shower and
- reinforced walls in toilets, showers, and baths for future grab rails.
Livable Housing Design Standard Assessors (formally LHA NCC Assessors)
As from 1 July 2025 Livable Housing Australia (LHA) has transferred responsibility to the Access Institute for the administration of the LHA NCC Assessors and registration of Livable Housing Design Standard (LHDS) assessors.
Who are LHDS Assessors?
Obvius Access are accredited access consultants and Livable Housing Design Standard assessors with comprehensive expertise in the Livable Housing Design Standard. Our consultants can evaluate your designs or dwellings under construction, ensuring they comply with the deemed-to-satisfy requirements of the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. Additionally, the NCC has released a Voluntary Guide – ABCB Voluntary Standard for Livable Housing Design: Beyond Minimum | NCC highlighting enhanced features that exceed the minimum requirements; Obvius Access can also provide guidance on integrating these enhancements into your project.
LHDS assessors are professionals from recognised fields who meet designated eligibility criteria. These individuals must provide credible evidence of their skills, experience, and qualifications to validate their expertise and confirm adherence to LHDS requirements.
Obvius Access consultants are certified and registered Livable Housing Design Standard Assessors (LHDS), serving both the Gold Coast, QLD, and Sydney, NSW. Daniel Bedwell and John Bedwell of Obvius Access Consultants are officially listed as qualified assessors. Click here to access the Livable Housing Design Standard Assessor Register
Obvius Access meet the specified prerequisites as accredited Access Consultants as listed on the Access Consultants Association (ACA) register. ACA Consultant Register
What Does an LHDS Assessor do?
- Conduct assessments and certify designs and/or as – built dwellings under the new LHDS framework to determine compliance with Design Elements and Performance Criteria of the LHDS.
- Analyse and record information required to verify compliance.
- Complete assessment forms to confirm the Design and/or Final as-built dwelling complies with the LHDS.
- Once the dwelling is verified as compliant with the criteria of the LHDS, the LHDS assessor registers the dwelling/s with the Access Institute.
- Once the Access Institute acknowledges registration, the LHDS Assessor issues a Provisional Design Certificate or a Final As-built Certificate.
Obvius Access can assist you during both the design phase and/or as-built stage. We are also able to advise you about what potential modifications you could make to achieve a specific performance standard.
If you would like to hear more about Livable housing design and how we can help, please contact us on [email protected] or 1800 952311.
