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Lifemark® Design Standards

Lifemark® Design Standards

Lifemark® Universal Design standards are based on five key principles

  • Usability
    A Lifemark® rated home is more usable by more people and accommodates a wide range of abilities.
  • Adaptability
    A Lifemark® rated home can be easily adapted to meet our needs as they change over the course of our lifetimes.
  • Accessibility
    A Lifemark® rated home delivers step-free access into and around the home, enabling independence and social participation.
  • Safety
    A Lifemark® rated home focuses on safety to help reduce injuries around the home from slips and falls.
  • Lifetime value
    A Lifemark® rated home is future-proofed for anyone who wants to age in place.

The Lifemark® rating system

The independent standard for Universal Design in New Zealand.

The Lifemark® rating system version 1 was introduced in 2012, and version 2 was introduced in 2018. It provides a quality-assured process to assess housing accessibility and Universal Design.

All performance standards are over and above the requirements in the building code and are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of people at different stages of their lives.

  • Lifemark® Visitable (3-Star)

    Housing design that enables anyone to visit a home, regardless of their access requirements, and is easy and comfortable to live in for everyone. Ideal for young, growing and intergenerational families.

  • Lifemark® Sustainable (4-Star)

    Future-proofed and age-friendly housing design that offers a high level of comfort, safety and usability and can be easily adapted for changing needs over a person’s lifetime. Supports aging in place, enabling occupants to remain in their homes for as long as they wish to.

  • Lifemark® Accessible+ (5-Star)

    Accessible housing design developed specifically for those with higher mobility requirements, such as wheelchair users. Can be customised based on an individual needs analysis.

Lifemark® Approved

Approval of facilities/products whose performance meets or exceeds the needs of identified user groups and is often over and above the requirements of the building code.

Universal Design - A B C

All LIFEMARK® rated homes include:

  • Access - At least one level entry step-free pathway and entrance into the home
  • Bathrooms - The entry-level living area has a toilet that can be easily accessed by all occupants and visitors 
  • Circulation - Space in the right place, including wider doorways and corridors to allow for ease of movement

Want to know more? Enter your details below to download an overview of the Lifemark® Design Standards. By giving us your details, you’ll be added to our mailing list to receive quarterly updates on Lifemark®.

Download our design standards guidelines

Please provide your details, and we will share with you the link to our 'Design for Life' brochure.