A dwelling for people with carers.

This type of domestic architecture accommodates a group of unrelated people rather than a family unit and can therefore be public as well as private housing. The building type can include highly specialised solutions to accommodate staff and residents in a safe, inclusive environment for respite, temporary or permanent occupation.

The building type came about from a shift in attitude that attempts to remove the institutionalised model in favour of purpose made dwellings that are interspersed within the community and the encouragement of community interaction. With the closure of large hospital style institutions many people in care found themselves inappropriately placed in accommodation meant for aged car, so a federal government devolution program was instigated to ensure adequate localised care, by local community members that was targeted to the specific needs of those people in care, from the surrounding precinct.

Typically, a group home consists of about 5 residents who are provided with the level care that they, as individuals, need. Usually, there are full time staff in attendance who usually operate on a shift work basis. This provides an interesting twist to design requirements because the development is a house for some and a workplace for others. In terms of design, consideration has to be given to the health and well being of both staff and residents, to their safety and security, as well as being capable of engaging the families and visitors of residents.

At times, some residents may exhibit behavioural issues and the peculiar characteristics of residents, who may have any number of diagnosed medical, emotional and conditional needs must be considered. Care givers use management procedures to ensure the required outcomes are met, however, there is a great deal that the Architect can do to reduce risks and improve manageability. 

Buildings are designed for location in typical suburban residential neighbourhoods and consideration has to be given for reducing any potential loss of amenity on the immediate neighbours caused by reason of the group home. Many of these are designed out by providing a range of internal and external spaces in which to engage residents in a way that does not impact on the immediate neighbours.

FS Architects have designed over forty group homes each designed for particular occupants in mind, each with attributes particular to the residents and carers, but designed in such a way to accommodate the unknown future occupants, and all capable of functioning as a family home should the group home function become redundant.

If you would like to discuss group home design in detail, contact the architect principal.

April 2021

Publishing of changes to AS 1428.1:2009 are due imminently.

Watch this space.

The cab of this Hitachi zx210LC-5 has been modified to provide easy access for wheelchair users.

What is Suitable Access?

It might seem obvious that suitable access means different things for different projects. We need to establish the extent of access required for your project so that our advice is targeted at achieving your outcomes. In short, suitable access is access that is suitable to your requirements. Some examples of four client bases are:

1. Oftentimes, this means regard to the Disability Discrimination Act and the Access to Premises Standards, as well as its Access Code. The Access Code has been incorporated, in general, into the National Construction Code (BCA). Usually, our clients consisting of builders, architects, designers and developers, are looking for an Access Report assessment which is required by the Council or Consent Authority for the purpose of obtaining a Development Consent.
2. Other times, it is a requirement of a client's express design criteria, which must be achieved to satisfy the explicit needs of the end-user.
3. Occasionally, we are involved, along with occupational therapists and other specialists in the medical field, to devise a custom solution for a particular individual, or groups of individuals.
4. Also occasionally, we are designing for a family directly with their own full appreciation of the access requirements and who wish to be advised on available solutions.
5. Rarely, an alternative solution is being sought to satisfy the conditions of approval for Construction Consent.
6. Some clients want assistance in ensuring that the construction details meet the standards, and require a detailed audit of Construction documents prior to or during construction. Later, obtaining our certification of compliance upon completion of the building work.
7. Some clients require consideration for a combination of a number of the above scenarios.

How to Proceed

As Architects, we are bound by the NSW Architect's Act to provide written terms of the agreement. We have developed a fixed fee agreement system to enable us to provide effective and proficient advice in the shortest available time.

For a fee proposal, you should either phone to discuss your particular circumstances or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You will typically be contacted within 24 hours to confirm further details of your report requirements and asked to provide any omitted information necessary to complete our tasks effectively.

Fee Proposals

For a Customised Fee Proposal, you should phone (02) 95863111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By calling, we will handle your enquiry the old fashioned way over the phone. If you prefer, we can assist you to Register a Client Login and assist to read our Report Terms and Conditions for review. 

If you choose to proceed, you will be assisted to make a mobilisation payment and to instigate your project, and assisted to provide your documents for review. Confirmation of our fee agreement will be mailed or emailed as appropriate.

Our job is to make access to the information you need, easy for you. Most importantly, we are here to remove your barriers.

Should you require assistance I am here to assist you.

By phone (02) 95863111

Or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kind Regards

Gary Finn

Sydney Access Consultants ©