The NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard focuses on functional clear spaces rather than a single fixed square-metre minimum for bedrooms. The requirements are stricter in the Fully Accessible (FA) and High Physical Support (HPS) categories to support wheelchair access, attendant care, equipment, and safe movement.

Core Dimensional Requirements (Both FA and HPS)

• Accommodates a queen-sized bed (approx. 1530 mm × 2030 mm).
• Clear space beside the bed:
  • Minimum 1540 mm clear on one long side (typically the main transfer/carer side).
  • Minimum 1000 mm clear on the other three sides of the bed.
• Door circulation space: At least 1540 mm wide × 1450 mm deep clear area at the doorway for wheelchair manoeuvring.
• Wardrobe: Minimum 1400 mm wide clear space.
• Corridors: Minimum 1200 mm clear width.
• Doors used by the participant: Minimum 900–950 mm clear opening (950 mm preferred for HPS).

These clearances usually result in practical minimum bedroom sizes of 12–16 m². In well-planned layouts, a compact yet compliant room can measure approximately 3850 mm × 3650 mm (external dimensions, allowing for building tolerances, wall linings, and skirtings).

Design Tip – Efficient Wardrobe Placement Placing the wardrobe opposite the bed and adjoining the door is significantly more efficient than locating it on one side of the bed. This layout allows the circulation space required for the wardrobe to share the door circulation zone, keeping it clear of the bed. The result is a more compact, functional room (around 3850 × 3650 mm) without compromising clearances or usability.

Additional Requirements for High Physical Support (HPS)

HPS builds on the FA clearances with:

• Structural reinforcement and space for ceiling hoist tracks (straight or curved paths over the bed and transfer areas to the bathroom).
• Extra clear floor area for mobile hoists, medical equipment, or multiple carers.
• Cabling and space provisions for emergency backup power systems.

HPS bedrooms are often designed slightly larger in practice (14–18 m²+) to accommodate hoist infrastructure comfortably.

Important Notes

• Exact overall room size is performance-based — it must deliver the required clear spaces and be verified by an accredited SDA assessor.
• Rooms can (and often should) be larger than the minimum to improve liveability, especially for participants needing significant equipment or dual-carer support.
• These requirements apply to each participant bedroom. The OOA (overnight assistance) room has lighter dimensional standards.

This efficient wardrobe layout is a practical way to achieve compliance in smaller footprints while maintaining excellent functionality — something our team has successfully applied across multiple FA and HPS SDA projects.