KPA were engaged to design this Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Improved Liveability property in Ellenbrook for the Autism Association of WA.
The NCC Class 1 property, built on 463.2m2 of land, consists of a single-story four-bedroom home including Onsite Overnight Assistant (OOA) room, as well as secure gardens and garage.
KPA were engaged to design this Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Improved Liveability property in Ellenbrook for the Autism Association of WA.
The NCC Class 1 property, built on 455.8m2 of land, consists of a single-story four-bedroom home including Onsite Overnight Assistant (OOA) room, as well as secure gardens and garage.
KPA were engaged to design these Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Robust properties in Koondoola for Habilitas. Built on 885m2 of land, the NCC Class 1B properties consist of 3 x two-occupancy villas (including Onsite Overnight Assistant (OOA) rooms), as well as secure gardens and garages.
The properties are constructed in double brickwork with polycarbonate windows to minimise potential harm. The homes also contain a polycarbonate screen for TV protection on the wall, are wheelchair accessible with wide doorways, and have emergency power backup, among other features.
Each villa boasts modern, light-filled interiors, with private ensuites to every bedroom. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area create an airy and light atmosphere. Doors open to a personalised veranda for outdoor seating and large private gardens with more than enough room for a nest swing.
KPA were engaged to design this Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – High Physical Support property in West Busselton for Habilitas. Built on 3,640m2 of land, the NCC Class 3 property consists of a single dwelling group home.
The home includes 4 participant bedrooms, plus an Onsite Overnight Assistant (OOA), each with private en-suit bathrooms, as well as additional break out areas, court yards and media room offering each resident personal space. A highlight of this property is that it enjoys a spacious 3,390m2 of green space.
KPA were engaged to design this NCC Class 3 Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) development in Armadale for Habilitas.
Built on 728m2 of land, this exciting development comprises three two-bedroom modern villas, meticulously designed to meet SDA standards in the Robust category. They will house three NDIS participants and three Onsite Overnight Assistance (OOA).
The properties are constructed with polycarbonate windows and seamlessly finished plywood to minimise potential harm. The plywood internal wall finish withstands impact well due to its thickness and a prefinished coating which provides a smooth surface and further improves the plywoods integrity. The homes are also wheelchair accessible with wide doorways, and have emergency power backup, among other features.
Each villa features contemporary, well-lit interiors and private ensuites for every bedroom. The open-plan dining and living area fosters a bright and spacious ambiance, with doors leading to private gardens and veranda. The gardens are sensory adapted to promote a sense of calm, maintaining safety and accessibility. Hues of blue, purple, and white flowers amongst the various textures of green foliage and natural turf invites gentle interaction that does not overwhelm.
KPA were engaged to design this Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) property on a 1012m2 parcel of land on Wheatley Street in Gosnells.
This development comprises two modern three-bedroom houses, meticulously designed to meet SDA standards for the High Physical Support (HPS), Fully Accessible (FA), and Improved Livability (IL), categories.
Housing up to six NDIS participants and two Onsite Overnight Assistance (OOA), the properties include SDA-compliant kitchens and adaptive technology such as ceiling tracks and hoists in bedrooms, adjustable benches to promote independence in daily activities, and sliding doors to enhance accessibility.
Both houses boast contemporary, light-filled interiors, with all bedrooms featuring private ensuites. The heart of these homes is a spacious open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. An additional lounge area adds versatility, providing the ideal space for entertaining guests. For those who appreciate the outdoors, sliding doors in the lounge and bedrooms open up to a serene garden and veranda, offering residents a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for communal gatherings or private moments.
This Brightwater Care Group development, designed by KPA Architects, is the first Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) to be purpose-built to support people with Huntington’s Disease. A world class SDA project, the development has 7 houses co-designed with and for people living with Huntington’s Disease. The project has won a suite of awards, including KPA’s Commendation at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2025 WA Architecture Awards, for the Brian Kidd Enabling Architecture Award.
Photography: Simon Hebden, Mortlock Timber Pty Ltd.
Other Awards:
Brightwater Care SDA Huntington’s Disease Campus – 2024
HIA Perth Housing Awards – Perth Specialised Housing of the Year – Winner (Dale Alcock Projects)
Brightwater Care SDA Huntington’s Disease Campus – 2025
AILA WA Landscape Architecture Award for Community Contribution – Winner (Plan E)
This SDA project in Geraldton is unique, with each house designed for each participant and their needs, creating bespoke homes.
By using modular construction with a modern design, these homes have their unique architectural identity. Each home consists of an OOA (onsite overnight assistance), bedrooms, bathrooms, living and dining spaces, kitchen and substantial outdoor space for exercise and sensory garden activities. Each home has been designed to High Physical Support standards and caters for participants who require Robust design standards.
The use of timber and concrete look cladding gives the feel of modern homes with a touch of softness. The interior colour and material palette reflects the external materials, consisting of soft pastel colours and organic textures such as plywood, to craft calming spaces and help ignite the participants sensory drives.
Although these homes appear compact, through clever meticulous planning and appropriate material and colour selections, they will enable the participants to thrive and live comfortably for years to come.
This SDA residence has been designed to High Physical Support standards and fits seamlessly into the surrounding neighbourhood and community.
The home consists of two bedrooms with built in robes and ensuites, laundry, kitchen, and dining and living areas that filter through to outdoor courtyard spaces. The second storey comprises of a dedicated suite with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and office space.
Using simple materials of face brickwork, paint and weatherboard cladding, the home has been designed to fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood design standards, yet unique in its architectural merit.
The interior palette reflects the external palette of pastel, neutral colours and organic materials that will reflect light, create calming spaces and help ignite the participants sensory drives.
KPA Architects can undertake Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Livable Housing Australia (LHA) projects and assessments.
SDA refers to the bricks and mortar and is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as part of individual’s funded plans. SDA is specially designed to accommodate people who require specialist housing solutions that cater for their disability and support needs. SDA homes can range from a purpose-built apartment in a new mixed-use development through to a modified existing and new purpose-built free-standing home. In order for a home to be deemed SDA complaint it must meet a certain criteria, set by the NDIS, in order to receive funding. The Design Guidelines refer to the LHA Silver and Platinum Levels, as well as a number of additional required features. At KPA, we are familiar with these criteria and can provide services for assessments with our in-house assessor, project feasibilities and design.
LHA strives for best industry practice through its Design Guidelines with ‘livable design elements’ across three tiers of design performance of Silver, Gold and Platinum. These guidelines can be applied to new and existing homes. The guidelines ensure that people from all aspects and walks of life can easily access and live in a home comfortably, whether they are young, elderly, have an injury and / or have a disability.
If you require an SDA or LHA assessed / designed home or assistance with disability design, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or (08) 9367-6866.
Image credit: NDIS and LHA