DEC newsStrategic site selection - foundations for exceptional Specialist Disability Accommodation

As an SDA provider and charity, DEC Housing develops these specialised homes, working with our future residents to ensure their home meets their needs and preferences as far as possible.

Our approach centres on creating environments that meet specific physical requirements and foster community integration and accessibility.   DEC Housing takes several factors into account in selecting land and planning the construction of new SDA housing.

Understanding SDA Housing

Before considering the selection process, it's important to understand what SDA housing is. These are not just homes; at their best, they are lifelines offering independence and dignity for those with significant disability. SDA housing accommodates various physical needs, including mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments, with features like widened doorways, customised bathrooms, often very solid walls and windows, and emergency call systems.

For DEC Housing, understanding SDA Housing first means understanding our individual participants, their needs and desires both in terms of location and design features.

Location and Accessibility (or ‘Location, location, location!’)

The primary consideration in selecting land for SDA housing is its location. Working with our clients, DEC Housing focuses on areas they prefer, that are safe and quiet (unless the client wants a noisier street to live in!) and close to essential services such as medical facilities, public transport, shops, parkland and community centres. Accessibility is a priority, ensuring that residents can easily access these services and enjoy their optimal level of independence.   Before making an offer to purchase land, we first check in with the relevant participant(s) to ensure they’re equally happy with the selection.

Community Integration – saying ‘hello’ to the neighbours

Another crucial factor is the potential for community integration. We aim to choose locations encouraging interaction between SDA residents and the wider community. This integration supports social inclusion, helping residents lead fulfilling and engaged lives. The land must be in a welcoming and inclusive neighbourhood, promoting interaction rather than isolation. As importantly, DEC considers it essential that the house fits into the streetscape and doesn’t self-identify as ‘the house where people with disability live’.

Zoning and Regulatory Compliance

DEC Housing must navigate zoning laws and regulatory requirements when selecting a site. Each block of land is assessed for its zoning to ensure it permits the construction of SDA housing. Additionally, we must consider any planning overlays that might restrict building sizes, heights or densities, environmental protections or heritage listings that could impact development. You don’t want your new SDA home to be in the middle of a fire or flood zone!

Suitability and Topography

The physical characteristics of the land are also vital. The topography must support the construction of accessible buildings. This means flat or gently sloping land is ideal to avoid costly modifications (we’d say not more than a 1.5-metre ‘fall’ from the front to the back of the block). The presence of natural light and the orientation of the land, which can affect energy efficiency and the well-being of residents, are also considered.

Future Growth Areas

Looking ahead, working with our clients, DEC will be prioritising land in areas anticipated to grow in value and infrastructure. Investing in emerging suburbs or towns can provide residents with long-term benefits and ensure the housing projects' sustainability. This approach is part of our commitment to providing high-quality, durable housing solutions that support our residents to live in their SDA home for as long as they wish. 

Environmental Sustainability

Sustainable construction practices are integral to DEC projects. We seek land that allows for the future incorporation of sustainable technologies, such as solar panels and water recycling systems. These features reduce the environmental impact and decrease the long-term living costs for residents.

Lots to consider

DEC Housing is dedicated to developing SDA housing that enhances the lives of residents through thoughtful land selection and construction planning.   By considering location, community integration, regulatory compliance, land suitability, future growth and sustainability, we ensure our housing projects comply with NDIS requirements and provide a supportive and enriching environment for people with serious and permanent disability so they can lead ‘ordinary lives’.