Robust
Under SDA design category requirements, Robust housing is designed and built to be resilient and provide high physical access provisions. This is achieved by using products, materials and features that minimise risk to participants and the community and reduce the chance of reactive maintenance.
Requirements
To be classified as SDA Improved Liveability housing a dwelling must be designed to the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard category ‘Robust.’
The design must use resilient but inconspicuous materials to reduce the risk of injury, minimise neighbourhood disturbances and cope with heavy use. This includes secure windows, doors and external areas, high impact wall lining, fittings and fixtures such as blinds and door handles, soundproofing, and laminated glass.
The design should also include adequate space and safeguards to support the needs of residents with complex behaviours and provide areas of retreat for other residents and staff to avoid harm.
Funding for Robust SDA is available on new builds and existing stock. For compliance, all SDA dwellings must be designed and maintained to a standard consistent with the surrounding properties and neighbourhood, must recognise the importance of outdoor areas and must be built on land that is an adequate size for the number of residents.
