LifeMark Homes

In New Zealand the Universal Design movement is represented by the LifemarkTM. The LifemarkTM is an independent seal of approval, from Lifetime Design Limited, awarded to homes that have been designed and built to a specific set of quality design standards which make them safe and easy to live in for everyone – no matter what their age, stage or ability. Don Jamieson Architecture is a Lifemark TM Accredited Partner with Lifetime Design Limited as their goals and values are very much in alignment with ours and the work we promote.

A LifemarkTM Home is based on five key principals of:
• Usable
• Adaptable
• Accessible
• Safe
• Lifetime value

Usable

• Common sense design features that meet the needs of people of different ages and abilities over time
• Features that make home life easier including reachable power points and easy to use taps.
• Kitchen and laundry facilities that are easy to use.

Adaptable

• Design features that can be easily adapted to the changing needs of the occupants as they progress through life
• Integral design and specification features that will facilitate adaptions at a later stage for a household that has a family member with a temporary or permanent disability, or a progressive condition
• Rooms can be used for multiple purpose and the home itself can be easily added to as the need arises.

Accessible

• A home that enables an occupant or visitors to be able to access it easily, safely and independently
• Parking space that is wide enough for everyone to get in and out of their cars
• Level, slip resistant access
• A covered, level entry
• Generous wide doorways
• Light switches and door handles are placed at a convenient height
• Power and other sockets are placed away from internal corners
• Windows have accessible lever handles
• Strengthened walls in the bathroom to accommodate future grab rails and shower seat

Safe

• Uses common sense design features that a proven to prevent injuries in the home.
• Exterior and interior sensor lighting
• Level, slip resistant access
• Well-designed stairs.
• The kitchen not a main thoroughfare
• Appliances are easily accessible and positioned away from corners
• Lever handles are used on all taps

Lifetime Value

• Design features that are easily incorporated into the homes design and construction early on with only a marginal, if any, cost effect
• Once occupied a Lifemark home will save the household money when the needs change since the home is able to be quickly and easily adapted to suit the new set of circumstances

See a built example of a Five Star LifemarkTM

Modifying existing homes

Whether it is due to age, illness or accident many different people are affected by disabilities and to different levels. Accessibility design is about providing you or your loved ones with independence, safety and a better quality of life within your existing house by modifying it to become a barrier free home.
We have a great deal of experience in this field having regularly provided services to both ACC and the Ministry of Health. We can design your housing modifications to suit your own unique needs and budget.

Some of the things we can improve for you;

General Access & Mobility
• Vehicle access, such as parking layouts, garage/ carport modifications and new covered transfer areas
• Interior/exterior access, this includes low rise steps and ramps, handrails and level slip-resistant surfaces
• Interior circulation, such as widening doors and openings, widening hallways and improving turning spaces, easy-opening doors with accessible handles and locks
• Installation of lifts, includes wheelchair lifts, low rise platforms and stair lifts

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Laundries
• Modified/customised work surfaces, includes low level work tops, sinks and vanities, adjustable height work tops
• Customised joinery, this includes low level storage design, easy access cupboard doors and drawers, appropriate appliance selection and placement
• The installation of in-floor showers and low entry showers
• Integration of specifically designed fittings and fixtures, such as shower seats, accessible vanities and accessible toilet suites

Other
• Customised storage and room spaces
• Improved layout of services, including electrical and plumbing fixtures