Introducing lifetime homes in Malta : a study to enhance accessibility in Maltese domestic abodes

Abstract

Lifetime homes are structures which incorporate a number of standard points which ensure that houses are flexible, adaptable and accessible, thus adding comfort, convenience and safety for the varying needs of all its users. This concept is practically new to the local building industry. The absence of such an approach to house-building, has constrained a considerable number of people to move house when faced with a disability, even one of a minor nature such as on reaching old age. This could be avoided if a number of issues are correctly addressed at the design stage. These standards can be achieved by incurring a small, if any, extra cost. The dissertation will first focus on the local situation by analysing the shortcomings in the design of our domestic buildings. This will be followed by a comparative study of international standards vis-a-vis the local practises. It is being proposed that a detailed analysis of legislation and standards of a number of countries (with particular reference to EU member-countries and other prospective members) shall be carried out. An investigation will follow on how to adapt these international standards so as to fit the local construction system. Finally, a number of standards (concluded from the above studies) which ideally should be reached locally, would be presented. The financial factor for achieving these standards would also be analysed and discussed. It is hoped that this dissertation will would help in the introduction of a concept which unfortunately, in Malta is still in its infancy.