Latest News Headlines
Aging in Place – Maintaining our Independence
This viewpoint is from the UK. The first of a series of articles about the challenges facing us regarding aging in place – or not!
As we explore the issues on downsizing for older people and those with long term conditions. It considers the barriers to moving, the challenges to be addressed, and identifying some solutions.
How can we encourage and assist more people to move to homes that are better designed to help them maintain independence as they age, and also to free up their family sized homes for younger families that need them and even better homes with a Lifemark™!
We are at a critical time: the number of people over 65 is projected to more than double over the next 20 years, and demand for public spending on health and social care services may also double ... Read More
The Salvation Army makes its mark
Minister of Housing Phil Heatley has officially opened 29 Salvation Army living units awarded the Lifemark.
The 15 units in Roy Douglas Place, Mangere, and 14 in West Coast Road, Glen Eden, Auckland, incorporate the 33 design features of the Lifemark, the building sector’s equivalent to Tourism New Zealand’s Qualmark.
Specifically developed for older people, the two bedroom independent units include a level entry, widened doors and passageways, all aimed at making the house accessible for everyone and easy to adapt as residents’ needs change over time.
Viv Maidaborn, chair of Lifemark, said: “These developments represent a tremendous vote of confidence in Lifemark, which is now an accepted seal of approval awarded to homes designed to be used, or adapted for use, by people of all ages and abilities. “Both developments reflect The Salvation Army’s commitment to building homes that fit around people, rather than making people fit around their homes. By adopting the Lifemark, The Salvation Army has recognised the value of building homes that are designed to last a lifetime.”
Salvation Army spokesman Major Campbell Roberts said: “We wholeheartedly support the aims of the Lifemark brand to promote buildings that work for our changing population. “Lifemark is about building homes for future generations. Lifemark homes welcome people of all ages and abilities, whether that is the elderly, families or the disabled.”
The units were developed with the assistance of the Housing Foundation of New Zealand and some financial support from Housing New Zealand.
Summersets 200th
Summerset is delighted to announce their 200th Lifemark home is being built at Summerset by the Lake in Taupo and to celebrate Summerset will be hosting Major Rick Cooper and Lifetime Design Ambassador David Russell at an afternoon celebration this Friday, 26 November 2010.
Download the Summerset flyer
Lifemark’s addition!
I would like to introduce myself, my name is Trish Clark.
I have recently joined Andrew Olsen, the General Manager of Lifetime Design Housing in an administration role.
A little about me...
You could say that I have some past history in the building industry, being employed at W. Stevenson and Sons Ltd for 13years. Stevenson’s had many divisions from Readymix Concrete to Landscape Supply yards and much more. It was a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Continuing with family firms, I moved onto Forman Building Systems, where I was the Sales/Marketing Administrator for 4 years.
The only experience missing is Architectural. However my elder sister has seen to that: she loves floor plans - drawing and reading them! I suppose I should confess – I also enjoy looking at them.
On a personal note you can often find me at Ardmore Aerodrome in the weekend with having a love of both modern and vintage aircraft. I have a passion for Massage and hold a Certificate in Relaxing Massage. Other interests include my dog Abby, gardening, live theatre, the water world and the animal kingdom in general.
I am thrilled to be part of Lifemark and am looking forward to this very worthwhile mission of getting people of all ages thinking about their future homes, which will last them a Lifetime.
14th October 2010
The Great Hawkes Bay Bake-off
On the 27th of August Lifemark and Summerset in the Orchard hosted the final Bake-Off for the year. The Great Hawkes Bay Bakeoff was held in Hastings and we were delighted by the amount of support the community, residents and staff put into making the event a great success.
There was lots to do on the day with free tours through a Lifemark Show home, Residents Café and several other cool stalls including jewellery, arts and local wines…
It was also great to see the wide variety of people who entered the bake off. Contestants ranged from children to teenagers to seniors. It was great that residents from other Summerset Village’s in the region came to participate on the day.
We were fortunate to have Craig Foss, local National MP come along to award the prizes. First place was awarded to Kay Goodspeed for her scrumptious Berry Pavlova, second place was Wendy Reading for her delightful selection of Homemade Gourmet Fudge and third place was awarded to Erin Tahau for her tasty Lemon, Boysenberry and Cream Cheese Muffins.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Nestle who provided us with hampers which were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places at each of the Bake-Off’s.
Guest Judge was well known columnist Eva Bradley who was struggling by the end to consume and judge the large number of entries.
And finally a big thank you to Robyn Paterson who judged all three Bake-off’s – we are very grateful for your commitment and time. We look forward to seeing your next book ‘Tips from your Grandad’ in stores soon.
13th October 2010
Andrew Olsen Joins Lifetime Design
Lifetime Design Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Olsen as general manager.
Lifetime Design is the organisation which administers the Lifemark, the innovative quality mark that demonstrates a home is both usable and accessible.
The Lifemark is awarded to homes which meet 33 design features including a level entry, widened doors and passageways, all aimed at making the house accessible for everyone and easy to adapt as residents’ needs change over time.
Andrew has more than a decade’s experience in the construction and development sectors including various business development and marketing roles at companies including Landco Land Developments, Buildmedia and Jalcon Homes.
Viv Maidaborn, chair of Lifemark, said: “Andrew will develop the business opportunity that arises out of the growing awareness of homeowners that their new homes need to work for them and their families across all the ages and stages of life, and developers, house-builders and architects, who by adopting the Lifemark, can assure their customers their homes will meet their needs.
“Andrew brings the energy and expertise of the New Zealand construction industry at a time when we are moving to create strong growth in demand and supply in Lifetime Design Housing in this country.”
12th October 2010
Good business comes down to the last five centimetres
The difference in doorway width between the smaller New Zealand Standard ‘Design for Access and Mobility’ size and the Lifemark standard is 50mm, or just five centimetres.
That’s not a bit deal for most people but to someone in a wheelchair or for a mother pushing a pram it’s huge. And it’s part of why Canterbury property developers Maxim stand out.
Not happy with the cookie cutter approach to building design, they’re the first Cantabrians using the Lifemark standard – and they’re reaping the rewards of a savvy business decision.
Roy Hamilton is the director of Maxim and has found very little cost difference in obtaining the Lifemark seal of approval for his adaptable, sustainable housing. He says that in the industry there is a perception that making such changes costs additional money, but placing handles on the bottom of windows as opposed to the side, to cater for someone with mobility issues is commonsense.
Having Roy – a smart business owner – tell us this is music to our ears. Lifemark is about building homes for future generations. New Zealand has an ageing population and developers need to wake up and construct quality homes, which welcome people of all ages and abilities, whether that is the elderly, multigenerational families or the disabled.
Unfortunately, Roy’s local council isn’t on the same page. The Christchurch City Council has introduced changes to the district plan, which allows high density 80 square metre units without specific design guidelines.
That’s short-sighted to say the least and studies show that retrofitting an existing house is considerably more expensive than designing with the future in mind at the point of construction.
In the past year, ACC and the Ministry of Health together spent more than $33 million in New Zealand on housing modifications for older people wanting to stay in their own home and people who have a disability. By taking a leaf out of Roy’s book and using the Lifemark seal of approval we’ll all be better off, save money and be safer at home too.
11th October 2010
Manukau gets the gold
When it comes to early adopters, Lifemark needs to give the Manukau City Council a gold medal. Their $2.2 million Gallaher Court complex was the first development by a local authority in New Zealand to be awarded the Lifemark.
Gallaher Court was the first housing in Manukau to be specifically constructed for older people in 26 years. See an architect’s sketch of the complex and read a media story on news website Stuff.
The two-storey complex in Alfriston Road is made up of 16 one bedroom units, which have been built in brick. Upstairs units have a deck while downstairs units feature a courtyard. The complex was purpose-built for the unique needs of its tenants so everyone has an accessible bathroom and there’s a lift for easy access to the second floor, which makes visit friends easy!
So far so commonsense; yet you’d be surprised by how many councils are spending up large retrofitting the stock they got instead of constructing new, adaptable homes, which are built to last. Studies show that retrofitting an existing house is considerably more expensive than designing with the future in mind at the point of construction.
Manukau City Council are truly leading the way – advocating and building for long-term housing when other councils are still working with out of date district plans, which will end up costing ratepayers more.
While Gallaher Court is designed for older people, the Lifemark design features will work just as well for Manukau’s many multi-generational families who are living together in one house. And now the council knows what’s involved we encourage them to develop more lifetime buildings for their community.
10th October
Real consumer experience counts most
At Lifetime Design, we’re really lucky to have a range of consumer advocates – the type of people who learn about our products, love them and then advocate strongly for them.
It’s the kind of endorsement that’s invaluable because it’s genuine, it’s from a third party and because we don’t pay for it, it’s independent - it’s not advertising. Neil Cudby is one of these people for Lifemark.
Twenty years ago a rugby accident left 18-year-old Neil tetraplegic. Growing up he’d been able to manoeuvre through his house no problem at all so being in a wheelchair was like learning it all again. He struggling to find a house to suit him – incredibly spending a whole year showering outside because his bathroom wasn’t up to scratch – so it didn’t take long for him to realise there had to be better options.
After studying for a Bachelor of Technology at Massey University in Palmerston North he designed and built his own home in Papamoa in Bay of Plenty. Having firsthand experience of wheeling through a house he knew that carpet was annoying to get over, kitchen benches needed to be a bit lower and door handles were best if you could grip them without your hand sliding off. As he says it, “My disability helps me design because I have good spatial awareness and an idea of where you need space and where you don’t.”
Neil learnt about Lifemark through training courses and he was hooked. He believes Lifemark has set the benchmark for future-proofing homes in New Zealand and has already submitted his own plans for new houses to Lifemark for assessment.
As Neil says, “If designers adopt Lifemark, New Zealand will eventually have more homes that are accessible to all, making it easier for us all to contribute to a richer society.” And he’d know.
26 April 2010
GrownUps website rejuvenates online Retirement Living section
To coincide with the 2010/2011 Guide to Retirement Living book, GrownUps.co.nz, the book's partner website, is beginning to rejuvenate their Retirement Living section also.
GrownUps receives over 100,000 unique browsers per month from around NZ and their member base has now grown to over 41,000.
With over 5000 articles covering all sorts of areas of interest including travel, health & wellbeing, investment, pets & gardening, together with Retirement Living, GrownUps is NZ's largest lifestyle site for the active 50+ demographic in NZ. You can become a member of GrownUps 50+ online community for free.
Take a look at the new Retirement Living section here
08 April 2010
Summerset in the Orchard showcased in Singapore
A new design and build approach at Summerset in the Orchard retirement village has been showcased in Singapore.
Norah Barlow, chief executive of Summerset Retirement Villages, told international business leaders how Summerset’s alliance with Lifemark, the building’s sector’s equivalent to Tourism New Zealand’s Qualmark, has helped ensure the success of the development... More
07 April 2010
Homes for all seasons of life - The Press 7th April 2010
Aspiring and professional house builders in New Zealand are being encouraged to adopt a new design and build approach - one that takes into account owners' chnaging needs over a lifetime...More
01 March 2010
New Zealand Construction News: Lifemark Provides a Lifetime Guarantee For Designs
Summerset in the Orchard in Hastings, and Summerset by the Park in Manukau, are the first retirement villages in New Zealand to be awarded the prestigious Lifemark...More
12 February 2010
BRANZ 'Build' Magazine - House design that lasts a lifetime
Older people are staying in their homes longer. But unfortunately, houses aren’t always designed to meet their changing needs and costly renovations are needed for them to remain in their own home.
Lifetime Design is a way of designing houses that meet the needs of New Zealanders today and tomorrow More
05 February 2010
Flexible House Makes Living Easy for Young Family
Designing Beyond the Here and Now
The features a young family wants in a house are vastly different than what aging empty nesters are looking for in a house… or are they? Read More
05 February 2010
'LIFEMARK' – DESIGN EXCELLENCE FOR THE FUTURE
Homes which are more universally usable, adaptable and inclusive are marketable to a much wider audience. There is a growing focus by home buyers on usability and functionality, rather than just aesthetics. More
28 December 2010
‘Lets make homes that say Welcome’
- New Zealand Herald
Houses that work well for people of every age and ability are hard to find - writes David Russell...More
21 December 2009
Design houses differently and save ACC and public health costs’
- NZ Property Investor
ACC and the Ministry of Health together spent more than $33 million on housing modifications in the past year. Without this help, these homes would have become unliveable for their disabled and aged owners. More
21 December 2009
The Power Of The 50+ Market In Asia Pacific
by Kim Walker
It seems to me that American and European marketers have well and truly woken up to the indisputable power of the Baby Boomer (and older) market. And while an equal or greater prize awaits in the markets of Asia Pacific, business here and abroad seems blind to the opportunity. Consider these few facts. By2018, the 50+ population in Asia Pacific will ... More
12 December 2009
The Golden Years
By CATHERINE HARRIS, The Dominion Post
WARM THOUGHTS: How does the future look for the Golden Oldies? Business is already benefiting from things like more Pink Batts insulation and the next wave is expected to be double glazing...Read More
11 December 2009
Govt keen on plan for first-home buyers
The Government is considering a scheme to revive long-term fixed-interest mortgages for first-home buyers. Read More
Book Review
Design Meets Disability - Graham Pullin (2009)
The book 'design meets disability' is “about how the worlds of design and disability could inspire each other,” Graham Pullin writes in the introduction. As a medical engineer, Pullin worked with engineers and health care professionals to develop technology to assist disabled people. Later, as a design consultant, he led designers in creating consumer products. “I am struck,” he writes, “by how distant those two worlds still are, yet how much more each could be influenced by the other.” Read More
08 December 2009
Houses to get marks for being disability- friendly
The housing equivalent of the heart tick could save the government up to $60million in renovation costs. Read More...
08 December 2009
Custom Built Home makes Life so much easier
Please click here to read the Press Release
08 December 2009
Seal of approval for housing could save sector $60 million
The housing sector could save up to $60 million a year by choosing a new design and build approach, according to a report by the Ministry of Social Development (MsD). Read More...
15 October 2009
Wheelchair of the future takes on the scooter
Sometimes function can successfully follow form. That may be the case for Japan's Veda International Robot R&D Center, whose electric wheelchair for the immobile and elderly might be giving scooters and electric cars a little competition in the looks department...MORE
25 September 2009
Lifemark and safety in your home
Want to know why Lifemark is so important for you and all of your family and friends? Did you know that 1 in 3 of all injuries in New Zealand happen in the home? That means you're far more likely to be injured at home than anywhere else. A total of 260,000 injuries this year occurred in New Zealand homes, more than 50% were the result of slips, trips and falls and 500 ended in death (nearly twice the national road toll over the same period)…MORE
17 September 2009
Lifemark at 50+ Expo
Watch out for Lifemark at the upcoming 50+ Expo's in Tauranga on the 25th-26th September and Auckland on the 16th-18th October.
The 50+ Lifestyle & Retirement Expo brings together the latest Products and Services for the Senior and Baby Boomer market…MORE
14 September 2009
Designing to the Lifemark
Manukau City Council is embarking on a huge programme of new building and refurbishment of their social housing, as part of their commitment to the elderly section of their community. Some of these projects will bear the Lifemark, in a roll-out programme that will see around 500 homes either created or made over.
One such project is Gallaher Court, a new block of apartments in a park setting that will be a direct replacement for a neighbouring block, now showing signs of age. Lifemark went to speak with an associate of the project management consultants OCTA who are overseeing the build, to see how they are getting on with building to the Lifemark…MORE
31 August 2009
Why we picked Lifemark
A keen interest in architectural design, and 26 years in a wheelchair, has given Philip Blundell a thorough insight into what makes a home user-friendly and accessible. Phil’s own house was specifically designed to be totally accessible for his wheelchair as well as being a beautiful family home.
So when it was time for his parents (now in their eighties) to move into a retirement village, Phil knew exactly which design features would be invaluable to them – and that a retirement villa bearing the Lifemark seal of approval would have them...MORE
14 August 2009
Nissan seeks to appeal to ageing
To understand what it's like for a 70-year-old person to get around, Nissan designers are donning an "aging suit", complete with a 1-kilogram vest, uneven shoes that make walking a precarious hobble and belts that strap knees so they can't bend.
The designers say such changes can make a big difference in winning buyers in Japan, where a fifth of the population is 65 or older, and that proportion is expected to double in the next 30 years…MORE
4 August 2009
Wellington City Council Accessible Housing Design Winner
It’s been decided – the winner of the City Council’s Accessible Wellington Design Competition is Nelson-based architect, Richard Carver.
The competition, launched at the Accessible Wellington Forum required entrants to design an upgrade to a typical Council housing complex consisting of four bed-sit units, with a focus on making them more practical to live in for everyone, regardless of mobility or age. Several small complexes with similar plans are currently being upgraded as part of the Council’s Housing Upgrade Project.
Entries were judged on the use of the Lifetime Design Foundation’s LifeStandards, Universal Design principles and Environmentally Sustainable Design principles…MORE
3 August 2009
American Society for Interior Designers
American Society for Interior Designers (ASID) reports on 'Designing for a Diverse Population' and how linking your business's profitability to the changing needs of a diverse population benefits everyone...MORE
30 July 2009
LifeTimes out Today!
The latest issue of LifeTimes is out Today...MORE
29 July 2009
Follow Lifemark on Twitter
Keep up to date with the latest Lifemark news by following Lifemark on Twitter. Twitter is the hottest online networking phenomenon, and Lifemark is using it to keep everyone up to date on Lifemark events, news and research. Follow Lifemark here http://twitter.com/Lifemark
28 July 2009
Meet Jane O'Connor
Jane is recognised and honoured internationally as an expert in housing for the 50+ age group, a growing market. She works with developers, home builders and real estate companies focusing on the 50+ niche market
Jane has a vast knowledge and understanding of how our housing needs are changing as the shape of our population evolves. Over recent years, the upward ageing shift in demographics has created a new, refined market demand, the highest ever experienced to date...MORE
21 July 2009
Over-65 population to outnumber under-5's
"People aged 65 and over will soon outnumber children under age 5 for the first time in history," said the report put together by Kevin Kinsella and Wan He of the U.S. Census Bureau.
"Ageing is affecting every country in every part of the world," said Richard Suzman of the National Institute of Ageing, which commissioned the report. "While there are important differences between developed and developing countries, global aging is changing the social and economic nature of the planet and presenting difficult challenges." ...MORE
29 June 2009
Retirement Villages Association national conference
Lifemark ambassador, David Russell, recently attended and presented Lifemark at the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand (RVA) Conference in Auckland
Lifemark is an associated member of the RVA, a voluntary membership association for operators of retirement villages in New Zealand and organisations that work in the retirement villages industry.
The RVA conference provides an opportunity for members to network and hear about new innovations in the industry, such as the Lifemark.
Choosing a retirement home that carries the Lifemark and meets the occupant’s needs and expectations can help enrich their quality of life and enable them to pursue their lifestyle aspirations. They can be secure in the knowledge that their home will continue to be adaptable to their needs, at whatever age, stage or ability.
One of the key speakers at this event was Jane O’Connor, an expert and advocate for innovation in the retirement living sector, who immediately understood the significance of the work of the Lifetime Design Foundation.
24 June 2009
Over-65 Population to Triple by 2050
The world's 65-and-older population will triple by mid-century to one in six people, leaving the US and other nations struggling to support the elderly.
The number of senior citizens has already jumped 23 percent since 2000 to 516 million, according to US census estimates released on Tuesday. That is more than double the growth rate for the general population…MORE
19 June 2009
Prime Minister John Key & Lifemark
At the official opening of Summerset by the Park on the 19th June 2009, Prime Minister John Key spoke about New Zealand’s ageing population and our shifting demographics. He recognised that the shape of the New Zealand population is changing and that our ageing population was going to create a new dynamic in New Zealand.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Summerset and Lifemark on our successful partnership and the work done between the two organisations.
Lifemark is very excited about our partnership with Summerset. Summerset are leading the way with the Lifemark in the retirement sector and we are looking forward to launching their new Lifemark approved villas around New Zealand soon…MORE
15 May 2009
Lifemark in Taranaki
The Lifetime Design Foundation, Lifemark and the New Plymouth District Council would like to invite local architects, developers, designers, retirement village operators, social housing providers, builders, town planners and anyone with an interest in Lifetime Design to join them for a FREE workshop on ‘Designing for a Lifetime’.
Come along and hear about the simple steps anyone can take to ensure that the next house they build will function for everyone, regardless of age, stage or mobility. Learn how you can stimulate buyer awareness and deliver a point of difference in this challenging market...MORE
7 May 2009
Summerset Land a Lifemark
Summerset Retirement Villages are the first retirement village operator in New Zealand to sign up to the Lifemark programme and on Saturday 2 May, Norah Barlow, Summerset CEO, Mandy Scott-Mackie, Lifemark CEO and David Russell, Lifemark Ambassador, opened the first Lifemark approved retirement accommodation in Manukau to the public.
Summerset’s reputation for leading edge design and safe, secure and enjoyable retirement environments has been bolstered by the Lifemark seal of approval. The Lifemark is only given to designs that have passed a strict, independent review process and have met our LifeStandards (built around the key principles of usability, adaptability, accessibility, inclusion and lifetime value)…MORE
1 May 2009
Lifemark.co.nz
The official Lifemark website is now live at www.lifemark.co.nz. The website is an online information stop, dedicated to the Lifemark seal of approval. It is designed to be used by businesses, our members, the public, community organisations, local council's and anyone with an interest in adaptable, accessible design.
Whether you want to know how to get some plans assessed, what you need to develop your designs for them to meet the Lifemark, or want to know what the benefits of a Lifemark are on a home that you’re looking at, you will find all this information on the new site. Want to see…MORE
17 April 2009
Design & Win
New Zealand designers have the opportunity to enter a design competition to make the Wellington City Council’s housing units easier to live in for more people and to demonstrate their understanding of accessibility, adaptability and usability by incorporating our LifeStandards.
The competition, launched at the Accessible Wellington Forum requires entrants to design an upgrade to a typical Council housing complex consisting of four bed-sit units, with a focus on making them more practical to live in for everyone, regardless of mobility or age. Several small complexes with similar plans are currently being upgraded as part of the Council’s Housing Upgrade Project.
Entries will be judged on the use of the Lifetime Design Foundation’s LifeStandards, Universal Design principles and Environmentally Sustainable Design principles.
The winner will be asked to enter negotiations with the Council’s Housing Upgrade Project to develop their proposal with a view to constructing the design.
A total prize pool of $4000 is available. The prize for the selected finalist will be $2000, with additional prizes of $1000 awarded to finalists placed in the top three...MORE
9 April 2009
Lifemark DVD Coming Soon
We have started work on a new Lifemark narrative DVD. The DVD will explain what Lifemark stands for, why it matters and how to make your next home Lifemark approved. It takes us on a journey through a Lifemark home and points out what makes a Lifemark home subtly different. It will also explain what we should think about when looking at buying or building a home.
Sections of the DVD will be able to be uploaded to our member’s websites and available for use in show-homes and at events. We look forward to bringing you more as development continues
31 March 2009
Latest Supporters
We are excited to welcome South Pacific Homes and the Coromandel Independent Living Trust to the Lifetime Design ‘movement’.
Both come to Lifetime Design from different sectors, but with a like minded goal – to improve the New Zealand housing stock.
South Pacific Homes is a Palmerston North based residential home-building company. Their goal is to offer Manawatu residents the confidence of knowing that their new home will be one that lasts them a lifetime...MORE
Adaptability is an important issue for the Coromandel Independent Living Trust. They are working with us to develop designs for a series of ‘older person’ units. They want to be sure the units will work for the occupants as their abilities and needs change over the years...MORE
21 July 2009
Lifemark ambassador, David Russell, recently attended and presented Lifemark at the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand (RVA) Conference in Auckland
Lifemark is an associated member of the RVA, a voluntary membership association for operators of retirement villages in New Zealand and organisations that work in the retirement villages industry.
The RVA conference provides an opportunity for members to network and hear about new innovations in the industry, such as the Lifemark.
Choosing a retirement home that carries the Lifemark and meets the occupant’s needs and expectations can help enrich their quality of life and enable them to pursue their lifestyle aspirations. They can be secure in the knowledge that their home will continue to be adaptable to their needs, at whatever age, stage or ability.
One of the key speakers at this event was Jane O’Connor, an expert and advocate for innovation in the retirement living sector, who immediately understood the significance of the work of the Lifetime Design Foundation.
News Archives
24 February 2009
Lifetime Design NZ Experts
Lifetime Design has been recognised as the New Zealand experts on adaptable and accessible design by the Australian Network for Universal Housing Design (ANUHD). ANUHD is the umbrella organisation that links Australian government and community organisations working on changing the Australian housing stock together. It also pulls together other successful examples of what counties around the world are doing, such as Lifetime Design here in New Zealand. Want to read…MORE
9 February 2009
Welcome Wellington City Council
We are excited to welcome the Wellington City Council(WCC) to the Lifetime Design Foundation as our first council member for 2009. Sined Roe, WCC Accessibility Advisor say that the WCC is committed to promoting sustainable and accessible building design and hopes to raise awareness of the importance of accessible and adaptable design by joining the ‘movement’. The WCC has set itself the goal of Wellington becoming a more livable and inclusive city and getting in behind Lifetime Design is another step further towards their goal.
4 February 2009
Lifetime Design Foundation Membership Deal for 2009
We are offering a special deal for 2009. With all new memberships we will complete your first LifeStandards design assessment for free within the first 12 months of joining. This is a great opportunity to do some learning about some designs you have already had built or to ensure your next project will be one that will last anyone a lifetime...MORE
30 January 2009
Leading Edge Design Techniques
The world wide aging population is already prominent in Japan with 20 percent of their population over 65. Nissan have taken note of this change in the market and are using ‘aging suits’ for their young designs, to help stimulate what it feels like to drive a car at 65. The suite adds extra weight, restricts movement, and creates sensations of bad balance, stiff joints and bad vision. With 40 percent of the population scheduled to be 65 plus by 2050 this seems like a very sensible marketing move. Want to read...MORE
21 January 2009
Lifemark™ 'Flyer' Launch
As 2009 begins we are excited to launch our Lifemark™ 'flyer'. The 'flyer' is a one page give away brochure introducing the Lifemark™ and directing people to the very soon to be launched new Lifemark™ website to find out more. If you’re interested in getting hold of some of these flyers please contact 0800 227 888 or click on to see a PDF version and read…MORE
19 December
David Russell & Lifemark™ in the Media
The ‘Hastings Mail’ recently reported on the opening of the first Lifemark™ approved retirement village by Summerset Group Ltd in Hastings. Lifemark™ Ambassador, David Russell was there to talk to everyone about Lifemark™ and what subtle advantages they would notice in the Lifemark™ approved homes. The soon to be completed village will be developed in three stages and eventually comprise of an impressive main building and 128 welcoming homes, a mixture of villas, townhouses and apartments. Want to read MORE…
15 December 2008
Visual Warning Alarms
Lifetime Design is excited to bring to you a visual and motion warning smoke alarm. The system is design by ‘Bellman’ a Swedish based company and sold by New Zealand owned and operated, ‘Reid Technology’. It is a wireless alerting system that helps the hearing impaired and deaf as well as other people in difficult listening situations.
It means safety – where ever you are in your home, you can be reached by a fire alarm warning. The clear alerting signals: sound, light and/or vibrations make your home safe and secure.
It means freedom - with its wireless operation, it is possible to move around at home and still be alerted. It is even easy to take with you when you travel.
Want to know…MORE
9 December 2008
Lifemark™ in Tauranga
Generation Homes are leading the way in residential housing design. They have just launched the first Tauranga Lifemark™ approved show home at The Lakes development. Generation Homes are embracing the Lifetime Design principles and want to invite you to come and have a look at their new home designs. Want to view a flyer about Generations Homes new development in Tauranga…MORE
1 December 2008
Summerset Lifemark™ Launch
Establishment Member, Summerset Retirement Villages are holding a jazz afternoon on Friday 5 December to celebrate the opening of their new Lifemark™ approved Hastings village called Summerset in the Orchard.
It will be an afternoon of information, tours, talks, food and jazz, with a guest speech about Lifetime Design and Lifemark™ by David Russell, the Lifetime Design Ambassador, and former public face of the Consumers Institute. Want to know more about the event…MORE
24 November 2008
Local Council Support
It is great to report that local council’s around New Zealand are getting in behind Lifetime Design. We would like to welcome out latest local council member to the Foundation, Porirua City Council.
Local councils are taking a lead role in helping to create better New Zealand housing stock, a housing stock that will work for the changing face of the New Zealand population...MORE
15 November 2008
Lifetime Design & Community Housing
Lifetime Design General Manager, Viv Maidaborn was a guest speaker at the recent Community Housing Aotearoa Conference. Viv spoke on the topic of ‘Sustainability - What makes a long term sustainable home that meets our needs no matter what our circumstances are?’
She talked to the audience about the importance and relevance of Lifetime Design and how we should think about not only how environmentally sustainable our homes are but also how socially sustainable they are and how much is spent adapting homes as peoples needs change…MORE
24 October 2008
Next Edition Build for a Lifetime
Lifetime Design would like to welcome our newest members Next Edition to the Lifetime Design ‘movement’. Next Edition is a design and build company owned and run by husband and wife team, Brent and Amanda Elliot.
Next Edition is about building a healthy, environmentally sound life by using sustainable design and building solutions. Sustainability starts with design, and Next Edition have the expertise to build homes that are not only socially sustainable and designed to last a lifetime, but maximise the natural aspects of a site whilst minimising the long-term environmental footprint.
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16 October 2008
Lifetime Design Abroad
Lifetime Design has been a successful concept around the world including the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Australia. In these counties it’s know by many names including; Housing for Life, Adaptable Homes, Visit-ability and Aging in Place. All of these initiatives share the same principles and common goal as New Zealand’s Lifetime Design - to create a housing stock that works better for everyone regardless of age or ability.
Viv Maidaborn has recently been on an excursion to the United Kingdom. While in London Viv meet with people from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the founders of the UK, Lifetime Homes concept and Habinteg. Habinteg are a social housing association with houses all over England, of which 65 percent is built to Lifetime Homes Standards. Habinteg are now the organisation behind the Lifetime Homes programme and are working on further developing the initiative…MORE
6 October 2008
New LifeStandards
The latest Residential Housing LifeStandards are now available on our website. They have been through a vigorous six month evaluation process that has involved input from a diverse group of experts across the building, construction and community networks . The LifeStandards are now even more concise and easy to follow and have been refined for the current New Zealand housing environment. Want to read...MORE
16 September 2008
Department of Building and Housing Design Competition Embraces Lifetime Design Principles
The Department of Building and Housing have just announced ‘The Starter Home Design Competition’. We are delighted that the ‘Design features and considerations’ section of the competition includes many references to “adaptable” and “flexible” design. It is exciting to see that the concept of Lifetime Design is filtering into the New Zealand housing market and that there is a growing recognition of how New Zealand’s housing stock needs to become more adaptable to service the changing look of the New Zealand population...MORE
11 September 2008
Changing Market Trends
Architectural Designer and Establishment Member, Colin Davis of Colin J Davis & Associates Ltd (trading as Davista) has been working with the LifeStandards since the launch in 2007.
Colin is a strong advocate for Lifetime Design. Not only is he working with the LifeStandards on his volume building projects, he is also noticing a demand for them by his one off clients too. Colin says people come in talking about wanting a home built for life…MORE
29 August 2008
Why Lifetime Design Matters
The effects of our rapidly aging population are becoming increasingly evident all over the world. As the average age rises so do disability rates, increasing the need for housing design that works for all of life’s ages and stages, regardless of age or mobility.
A recent article, Aging and Disability (2008) by Stanley K. Smith, Stefan Rayer and Eleanor A. Smith highlights the need for us to embrace the principles of Lifetime Design. Their research reveals that 21% of households will have at least one disabled occupant by 2050. They project that there is a 60% probability a newly built single-family detached unit will house at least one disabled resident during its expected lifetime and when disabled visitors are taken into consideration the probability rises to 91%
Their research explores how the 65+ age bracket will continue to grow, the implication this will have on the percentage of disabled people in our communities and how un-prepared the current housing stock is for this shift.
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roperty guru Christine Neil will be presenting a seminar on safe, sound and secure homes at the Tauranga Home Show on the 22nd-24th August. The discussion will include a section on Lifetime Design and the benefits of taking it into consideration when building or renovating a property.
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18 August 2008
Lifetime Design at the Tauranga Home Show
Property guru Christine Neil will be presenting a seminar on safe, sound and secure homes at the Tauranga Home Show on the 22nd-24th August. The discussion will include a section on Lifetime Design and the benefits of taking it into consideration when building or renovating a property.
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8 August 2008
CHA Property Development Workshop
Lifetime Design Member and housing enthusiast CHA (Community Housing Aotearoa) are hosting workshops throughout New Zealand next month on Property Development: An Intro to (Almost) Everything You Need to Know...MORE
17 July 2008
Pieter Burgout & BRANZ
Pieter Burghout, Lifetime Design Council Member, has announced he is moving from the Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) to BRANZ. Pieter will take over the role as CEO of BRANZ at the beginning of September...MORE
26 June 2008
Lifetime Design in Plenty Magazine
Plenty Magazine, a quarterly lifestyle magazine aimed at the over 45’s featured Lifetime Design Foundation members Phil and Helen Blundell’s fully accessible home in their Winter 08' addition. The Blundell’s home is not only practical, but fantastically designed. Their first specification was a home that was ‘not just functional but also exciting.’...MORE
18 June 2008
Designing Neighbourhoods for Life
Lifetime Design Council member and CRESA Research Director Kay Saville-Smith’s article, Neighbourhoods for Life featured in the BRANZ, Build Magazine. The article examines how we need to put more thought into designing neighbourhoods that work for all our population...MORE
10 June 2008
Greenstone Group $300 Million Business Zone
Lifetime Design Establishment Members Greenstone Group in conjunction with St Laurence Property & Finance Limited (SLPF), have launched ‘LA Central’ a premium $300 million business zone...MORE
4 June 2008
Lifetime Design features on TV One's Breakfast Business Programme
TV One’s Breakfast Business programme featured a report on Lifetime Design on Friday 30th May. TVNZ reporter Lauradanna Radesic, visited the Generation Developments show home in Hamilton to report on Lifetime Design’s new housing design initiative, which aims to make New Zealand homes more accessible and adaptable...MORE
29 May 2008
A home for MiLife
Newest members MiLife Holdings are already leading the way when it comes to the core principles of Lifetime Design: Usability, Adaptability, Accessibility, Inclusion and Lifetime value...MORE
14 April 2008
Lifetime Design in the news: When home becomes a handicap
The Lifetime Design Foundation and the LifeMark™ were featured in The Dominion Post today. An indepth story about Cecelia Hawke, a wheelchair user, highlighted how bad design can turn your home into a handicap...MORE
10 April 2008
GJ Gardner Rodney are Top of the World
Lifetime Design members G.J.Gardner Homes Rodney are celebrating their outstanding success at the recent G.J.Gardner Homes International Awards ceremony held in Coolum Australia. In addition to receiving the top award for services by a sales team in NZ, the Rodney franchise took away for the first time ever the top international award on offer of “International Franchisee of the Year”...MORE
17 March 2008
Summerset Retirement Villages join Lifetime Design Foundation as Establishment Members
Lifetime Design Establishment members Summerset Retirement Villages operate on the strong belief that mature New Zealanders have earned the right to a high quality lifestyle in a safe, secure and enjoyable environment at and affordable cost...MORE
13 March 2008
Good Solutions Guide for Apartments
North Shore City Council has compiled the Good Solution Guide for apartments. The document provides in-depth guidance, information, photos and illustrations relevant to the design of apartments. North Shore City Council allows the material in the guide to be reproduced for personal, in-house, or non-commercial use without formal permission or charge. You can find the guide ...HERE
12 March 2008
Elegant Bathroom Design for a Lifetime
New Lifetime Design Foundation members the Elegant Bathroom Design Company ensure that their bathrooms work for everyone through a combination of universal design and personal specifications tailored to fit the style of each home...MORE
7 March 2008
Lifetime Design at TheNewDowse
Our Wellington presentation in February was a huge success. The event marked the first of our regional presentations and we were overwhelmed by the number of people packing out TheNewDowse in Lower Hutt…MORE
28 February 2008
Media Release - Wellington's houses not fit for population says a Lifetime of experience
An "absolute necessity" is how Lifetime Design Ambassador and former Consumers Institute CEO, David Russell, describes the need for accessible houses that work for all people...MORE
07 February 2008
Member Profile - Rhys Forsyth, Builder
Lifetime Design member Rhys Forsyth recently won the 2007 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition. The competition has been running for four years regionally, but this is the first time that a national award has been given. Rhys took out the award because of his passion and commitment for designing and building accessible homes. Read our interview with Rhys ...MORE
08 February 2008
In the media
Aged care and retirement newspaper New Zealand INsite featured an indepth report on Lifetime Design in their December/January issue. Through the newspaper we were able to share the key principles of the Lifetime Design Foundation with people in every resthome, retirement village, aged care facility and private hospital ...MORE
07 February 2008
LifeStandards™
Lifetime Design fosters and promotes building and design standards that work for all ages and stages of life, the Lifetime Design standards are called LifeStandards™. User Groups are established to support and advise on the development of a wide range of LifeStandards™ that will be pulished and promoted nationally. The first LifeStandard™ is for residential housing and we are also developing LifeStandards™ for retirement villages, apartment buildings and urban design. Find out more about the residential housing LifeStandards™...MORE
18 January 2008
Disability Action home an access dream
Lifetime Design Foundation members CCS Disability Action are looking to cement their position as leaders of accessible workplaces with their new purpose built Royal Oak building. The new office has a number of innovative features, from easy to reach handles and audio loops to automatic doors and lowered windows. Check out the full story over at www.stuff.co.nz
05 December 2007
Coming to a Town Near You
After the overwhelming success and support of the national launch we are planning to hold a series of regional events. The regional launches will take place throughout 2008, the first event is marked for Wellington and will be in Lower Hutt on 28 February.
15 November 2007
Waitakere Mayor delivers wake up call in launching Lifetime Design
Speaking at the launch of the Lifetime Design Foundation on Thursday 15th November, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey said that New Zealand has a lot of catching up to do with the rest of the world before it can call itself an inclusive society. Mayor Harvey invited the 200 guests to get right behind the work of the Foundation ...MORE
15 November 2007
Hamilton and Papamoa - the new 'design' capitals of New Zealand
New Zealand’s first “Lifetime Design” homes have begun construction in Hamilton and Papamoa.Bay of Plenty-based Generation Developments began work on the two houses two weeks ago, in what Chief Executive Kevin Atkinson describes as “the first step in a movement that will revolutionise how New Zealand thinks about housing.” ... MORE
15 November 2007
Major property company joins the Lifetime Design Foundation
One of New Zealand's leading property companies has joined the Lifetime Design Foundation as an Establishment Member.Greenstone Group specialises in project and development management. Its nearly $1 billion portfolio includes high profile projects such as the Epsom Girls Grammar Creative Arts Centre and Lunn Avenue Retail and Business Park in Auckland ...MORE
15 November 2007
Registered Master Builders Federation CEO joins Lifetime Design Foundation Council
There can’t be many people in New Zealand who are both a qualified carpenter and lawyer. Pieter Burghout is one of them (he also has a Masters in Business Administration), so who better to be Chief Executive of the Registered Master Builders Federation, whose nearly 1800 members represent 65% of all construction spend in New Zealand? ...MORE