Sustainable SDA for cognitive accessibility 2025

Sustainable SDA for cognitive accessibility

Sustainable SDA: A National exemplar project of Sustainable and Accessible Living.
Nestled in the innovative Currumbin EcoVillage, is a ‘Living Lab’ setting new benchmarks in sustainable Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA), and Cognitive Accessibility in modern housing (https://www.hopkinscentre.edu.au/project/sustainable-cognitive-enriching-specialised-135).
The home was specifically created to SDA Design Standard, focusing on Improved Liveability and Full Accessibility, with design features that exceed Platinum Living Housing Australia (LHA) Standard. And the project stands as an example of cognitive accessibility, in recognition of the first International Standard for Cognitive Accessibility, ISO 21801-1:2020 – Cognitive accessibility
The home’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its construction, utilising a significant percentage of reuse, modular, and recycled materials (Green Tag Certified) carefully selected for their Life Cycle, low maintenance, and low carbon footprint. Consideration was also given to the building’s footprint (during and post-construction), ease of disassembly, and impacts on existing topography, hydrology, and wildlife.
Sustainable SDA is a Healthy House, prioritising the wellbeing of its occupants through the use of low-emitting, low or no toxicity materials; ideal for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). In addition, the house incorporates EMF/EMR protection and shielding for enhanced safety; ideal for those with cognitive impairment. And was unwavering in safe liveability choices, for example soft fall finishes, slip resistance, reduced physical and visual trip hazards, and visual contrast aids.
Every aspect of the build was designed with a focus on passive, high-performance, and net-Positive impact, targeting net-Positive Development.
(The first complete net-Positive Design assessment (using STARfish assessment tool: https://netpositivedesign.org/the-starfish-app/), Energy Plus (Design Builder), CSIRO’s FirstRate 5 (Chenath Engine), and Carbon Footprint Analysis)