The Lifetime Homes Standard, established in the mid-nineties, is a set of principles designed to maximise utility, independence and quality of life, while not compromising other design issues such as aesthetics or cost effectiveness.

Five Core Principles

Inclusivity: aimed at the widest cross-section of individuals within the general population;

Accessibility: those with physical and/or sensory impairments, older people and children, ensuring convenient and independent access into and around the built environment;

Adaptability: simply adapted to meet people’s changing needs over time or to suit the needs of different user;

Sustainability: refers to sustainable communities underpinned by essential accessible elements aimed at meeting current and future needs, including homes, facilities, goods and services;

Good Value: all of the above values should be incorporated with marginal cost implications to ensure all needs of the occupant – current and future – are met.

Houses designed with these five core principles in mind are therefore appropriate and convenient for most occupants, including young families, wheelchair users and people
living with disabilities from the outset – without the necessity for substantial alterations further down the line.

Regulation

When it comes to doors, Building Regulations (Part M) further support these principles
and offer clear guidelines around disabled living.  Focusing on Clear Opening Widths; Threshold Heights; Visibility Requirements & Self Closing Devices – all factors considered by Profix as a supplier to the Social Housing and Healthcare sector. The DisabilityDiscrimination Act (DDA) covers rights of access for the disabled whilst BS 8300:2009 provides guidance on good practice for the design of new buildings and products to provide that access.

As specialists in this market, we understand all the legislation so as well as buying windows and doors you’re are buying our expertise and experience.

All doors from Profix come with low threshold options and we offer a wide range of DDA-compliant, high security door furniture for PVC-U, timber, aluminium and composite window and door applications.

For further information on how Profix can support you please contact Alan Sadler on 01827 63351.