Affordable homes design guidelines.pdf - sa.gov.au

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD DESIGN
The planning of affordable housing requires a holistic approach, linking urban design, built form and
construction techniques. While masterplanning and lot sizes can indirectly provide a diversity of land sizes and
costs, investment in good design and innovative built forms when used together with construction techniques
can directly reduce costs. It is important to always consider new technologies, new and increasing quality
building materials, and other efficiencies in construction where possible alongside design initiatives as discussed
in this guide.
Objectives
• To provide WELL LOCATED affordable housing that has access to services and facilities, employment and
education, preventing concentrations of low-moderate income earners in disadvantaged locations;
• To consider LONG-TERM AFFORDABILITY of housing and incorporate environmentally sustainable design
techniques;
• To provide ADAPTABLE HOUSING to suit changing life cycle consumer demands;
• To offer a diverse CHOICE OF HOUSING FORMS to suit contemporary families;
• To establish SAFE AND COMMUNITY-MINDED neighbourhoods; and
• To provide affordable housing that is WELL INTEGRATED into the neighbourhood and the streetscape.
Broad Principles
Sustainable housing
Affordable housing designs need to consider the long-term costs in addition to the up-front costs of buying a
house. Long-term costs can be reduced through building a house that has environmentally sustainable design
(ESD) techniques in place. ESD can reduce the demand for resources such as electricity and water, helping
residents to save money on their living expenses.
Principles that should be considered include –
• INSULATION to minimise heat transfer through the dwelling;
• NORTHERN ASPECT of living rooms and open spaces;
• ALLOWING SOLAR PENETRATION of the winter sun; and
• BLOCKING SOLAR PENETRATION of the summer sun through correctly placed eaves;
• ISOLATION of rooms for heating purposes to conserve energy;
• SELECTION OF VEGETATION for the climate;
• RAINWATER TANKS installed and connected to the toilet for flushing; and
• MAXIMISING PENETRATION OF RAINWATER through porous surfaces.
For further information refer to Housing SA Design Guidelines.