Sanctuary 61 out now: Universal design special

In this universal design special, we look at thoughtful design with a focus on the adaptability of spaces to cater for everyone, regardless of disability, life stage and household makeup.

It’s often thought of simply as accessibility for wheelchair users, but universal design is in fact much broader than that. In this issue of Sanctuary we take a close look at the topic, with expert Jane Bringolf explaining the basics of universal design, plus profiles of a collection of new builds and renovations that do it well – alongside excellent sustainable design, of course.

There’s an elevated hempcrete house in Perth with an access ramp that doubles as a green-shaded verandah, and a small family home in Witchcliffe Ecovillage that conforms to Silver Level guidelines for accessibility. A beloved 1970s home outside Hobart has received two major renovations over the years, the recent one to accommodate the changing mobility of its two owners while upgrading its thermal performance. And in Brisbane, a new dual-occupancy house built largely from reclaimed materials provides its owner with flexibility and the chance to age in place in the community that she loves.

In our Design Workshop, built environment accessibility specialist Mary Ann Jackson talks a Melbourne couple through clever ways to incorporate accessibility and adaptability into their renovation so that their home will suit them for the long term.

Take a look inside Sanctuary 61

Also in this issue: We explore a trio of effective renovation projects: a Sydney Federation-era terrace upgraded to Passive House standard; a tiny inner-city Melbourne home extended, taken off gas and improved to 7.9 Stars; and a minimal intervention to a double-brick Adelaide bungalow that delivered light, flow and an extra room under the existing roofline.

Elsewhere, we look at induction cooking and how to make the move in an existing kitchen. Architect Sarah Lebner presents design elements to consider for active bushfire defence of your home (in case it’s ever needed), and the team behind the development of a simple life cycle analysis tool for new homes explains what it’s all about. Our editor Anna Cumming chats with Renew’s new CEO Fiona Gray about her first hundred days at the helm, and we bring you the low-down on herbaceous perennials in your garden – plus much more.

Sanctuary 61 is on its way to subscribers and on sale in newsagents now. If you haven’t already, subscribe to get every issue delivered. 

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