Internal Layout Checklist for Universal Design Homes - Ireland

Housing in Ireland needs to be designed and future-proofed, so that it can accommodate the diverse needs of our current and future population. In Census 2022, a total of 1,109,557 people reported experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty to any extent, accounting for 22% of the population. Ireland’s population is ageing. In 2022 there were 768,900 people aged 65 and over living here, an increase of 35% from 2013. By 2051 the population of older people is projected to increase to 1.6 million. In the coming years, there will be greater demands for accessible, age-friendly, Universal Design Homes, to respond to our changing demographics. 

The Internal Layout Checklist for Universal Design Homes is a summary of guidelines from the Universal Design Guidelines for Homes in Ireland that impact on the internal layout of dwellings.

Several city and county development plans contain objectives for the provision of Universal Design Homes in both the private and social housing sectors. The checklist is provided as a tool for designers to ensure that Universal Design is considered at the early stages of housing design.

The Universal Design Guidelines for Homes in Ireland are provided in a two-tier system described as UD Home; optimising flexibility, adaptability and usability for everyone and UD Home+; providing for greater accommodation of people’s changing needs over time.

For wheelchair liveable homes, UD Home+ guidelines should be applied. Residential developments incorporating Universal Design Homes should include both UD Home and UD Home+ dwellings. 

See the checklist available for download in a range of formats and the Universal Design Guidelines for Homes in Ireland. 

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