In October 2023, our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing designs achieved remarkable recognition by winning numerous Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards in Perth, and then Western Australia in December 2023, alongside our building partner for the home – Velocity Building.

Awards we won include:

While we shared this news across our socials at the time, we are a little late in sharing this news to our website blog, as we were also finalists at the National HIA Awards held in Cairns, Queensland last month – and wanted to wait in case we won.

The award for ‘Specialised Housing of the Year’ went to M + J Builders for their SDA home in Darwin, NT – a result we were happy about, given the winning home (also an SDA home) was designed for people living with disability!

An accolade like an HIA award not only highlights our commitment to excellence in Specialist Disability Accommodation home design, but also emphasises the importance of creating quality accessible living that caters to the specific needs of individuals living with  disability.

For Participants of the NDIS seeking disability housing, our HIA awards are a sign of trust and quality.

Sana Living awards for Specialist Disability Housing in Perth WA

The Significance of HIA Awards When it Comes to SDA Designs

The HIA awards are among the most prestigious recognitions in the Australian housing industry. They celebrate outstanding achievements in design, construction, innovation, and sustainability.

Winning these awards is a testament to a builder and/or property developer’s dedication to excellence and their ability to meet the highest industry standards.

Designing for people with disabilities requires a thoughtful and inclusive approach that goes far beyond compliance with accessibility standards. It involves creating environments that prioritise functionality, comfort, and dignity for individuals with diverse needs.

The disability architecture design process involves a range of specific considerations, from the layout and structural elements of buildings, to the selection of materials and the implementation of assistive technology.

The best SDA architects and designers will strive to eliminate barriers and enhance accessibility – without compromising aesthetic appeal or usability. This requires an understanding of the specific requirements for various disabilities—whether physical, sensory, or cognitive—and delivering solutions that encourage independence and inclusivity.

The SDA design guidelines promote innovation and encourage designers to push the boundaries of traditional architectural practices.

Ultimately, achieving the NDIS SDA design standards not only improves the functionality of the space, but also enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities, by enabling them to live more independently and promoting a sense of belonging and dignity.

For us, securing multiple HIA awards in 2023 with Velocity Building, validates our mission to provide exceptional Specialist Disability Accommodation for Participants seeking a better quality of life.

Watch our Instagram reel with highlights of the winning home – and the HIA Awards!

Why SDA Design Awards Matter to Participants Looking for Accommodation

  1. Quality Assurance: Awards from a reputable organisation like HIA assures Participants that they are renting a property that meets the rigorous NDIS specialist disability accommodation design standards, in terms of quality and functionality. It signifies that our SDA homes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last, using the best materials and practices.
  2. Innovation and Design: Our award-winning SDA homes incorporate the latest innovations and design principles to enhance accessibility, functionality and privacy. This includes features such as wide hallways, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and advanced home automation systems. Such features allow residents to enjoy a comfortable, independent lifestyle tailored to their needs.
  3. Sustainability: HIA awards also emphasise sustainable building practices. Our disability homes are designed with energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in mind. This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also lowers utility costs for residents, making the homes more affordable to live in over the long term.
  4. Trust and Credibility: Winning multiple HIA awards establishes our reputation as a trusted builder. For individuals and families looking for SDA homes, this credibility is crucial. It reassures them that they are choosing an SDA Provider who is recognised for disability design excellence and reliability in the industry.

Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Disabilities

Designing homes for individuals living with disability requires an in-depth understanding of a broad range of needs. Our award-winning designs are the result of extensive research, collaboration with allied health professionals and experts, and feedback from residents.

Key disability friendly design features in our SDA homes include:

  • Accessibility: Our homes are built with fully accessible SDA design principles in mind. They incorporate features such as step-free entrances, wide doorways and adaptable furniture layouts. This ensures residents can move freely and comfortably throughout their home.
  • Safety: Safety is paramount in our designs. We incorporate non-slip flooring, emergency call systems, fire sprinklers and secure access control to provide peace of mind to residents and their families.
  • Comfort and Independence: Our designs prioritise comfort and independence. Assistive home technologies enable residents to control lighting, temperature, and security systems easily. Additionally, our homes are equipped with features that support daily living activities, such as adjustable kitchen counters, pull-out dishwasher drawers and pantries and accessible storage spaces.

Community Impact and Future Directions

Winning HIA awards also reflects our broader impact on the community. By setting a high standard for SDA housing, we inspire other SDA providers to elevate their practices, ultimately leading to a better living environment for all individuals with disabilities.

This recognition also encourages us to continue innovating and improving our designs to meet the evolving needs of our residents.

Looking ahead, we have committed to expanding our portfolio of SDA homes, incorporating new technologies, and further enhancing sustainability. Our goal is to create inclusive communities where individuals living with disability can thrive, live independently, and enjoy a high quality of life.

The numerous HIA awards we received in 2023 for our Specialist Disability Accommodation home in Greenwood WA are more than just accolades. They are proof of our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.

At Sana Living, we are proud to lead the way in creating and providing homes that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals living with disability, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come.

If you are interested in our award-winning disability accommodation in WA, SA, or QLD, get in touch with a member of our team.

line or contact our friendly team for more information on how we can assist you.