H8- Liveable Housing Design
Short Version
People’s needs change over time. A home that works when you’re 30 can become difficult—or unsafe—after injury, illness, pregnancy, or as mobility reduces with age. Part H8 exists to make basic accessibility features “normal” in housing, so homes are easier to enter, move through, and use without expensive modifications later.
H8 sets requirements for dwellings to include features that improve accessibility and usability for occupants and visitors, including people with mobility-related disability.
The NCC framework for H8 also calls up the ABCB Standard for liveable housing design as the technical basis for the DTS pathway.
Important adoption note: H8 commencement varies by jurisdiction. The NCC notes a 1 October 2023 start (and later for Tasmania). Some states have variations (for example NSW leaves H8 blank for Class 1a), and Victoria has published its own commencement advice.
Why a Performance Solution May Be Needed for Part H8
Livable housing becomes “non-standard” fast in the real world—tight sites, split-level layouts, sloping blocks, heritage constraints, car parking arrangements, and architectural intent can make strict DTS compliance difficult. A Performance Solution may be used to show the dwelling still achieves the intended accessibility outcome, even if it can’t meet every prescriptive dimension or configuration exactly.
Performance Solution Topics - H8
Step-free access may require a Performance Solution where site slope, flood constraints, heritage thresholds, or garage/driveway levels make DTS step-free detailing impractical, while still achieving safe and usable entry outcomes.
Internal circulation constraints (tight corridors, constrained door locations, split-level planning) may require a Performance Solution to demonstrate equivalent usability and movement through key parts of the dwelling.
Sanitary compartment layouts may require a Performance Solution where structural walls, services, or small footprints limit DTS configurations, while still providing functional accessibility intent.
Bathroom/wet area reinforcement strategies (e.g., provision for future grab rail installation) may require a Performance Solution where proprietary wall systems or atypical construction needs alternative methods to achieve equivalent future adaptability.
Accessible car parking to entry paths (where applicable) may require a Performance Solution when driveways, crossfalls, or boundary constraints prevent a standard arrangement while still meeting the livable housing intent.
Want to read how we have helped out with H6 Performance Solutions?
Read about past projects we've helped out with below:
Fire Separation and Articulation Joints
Fire Engineering for Townhouses
Leaving no gaps for non-compliance
