A Design Guide for Older Women’s Housing

Considering older women’s housing needs through an architectural perspective.

  • Investigators

      • Samantha Donnelly
        • Monash University XYX Lab
      • Sophie Dyring
        • Director, Schored Projects, Architecture and Landscape

  • Co-investigators

  • Partner organisation

    • Women’s Property Initiatives Ltd
    • Servants Community Housing
    • Launch Housing
    • Emerge Women’s and Children’s Support Network
    • Women’s Housing Limited

  • Funded by

    • Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation

  • Undertaken within

Illustrations: Samantha Donnelly

In Australia in 2020, 405,000 women aged forty-five years and over were estimated to be at risk of homelessness. This number includes 165,000 women aged 45-55 years and 240,000 women aged 55 years and over (Faulkner & Lester, 2020).

A Design Guide for Older Women’s Housing addresses a gap in research that considers older women’s housing needs through an architectural perspective and is focused on the importance of placing women at the centre of the design process by involving them in conversations about housing types and spatial arrangements.

The guide reveals design strategies that address older women’s health and wellbeing, a sense of belonging and social connection, and the importance of being provided with the choice about whether to participate. It also looks at spaces for pets and connections to outdoor areas.

As a practical document, the guide recognises that older women’s situations continually change; they do not stagnate. Design that addresses the needs of older women can have long-term benefits on their health, well-being, and outlook, which dramatically increases the investment's social value.

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The design guide is organised around nine design principles – listed below – each addressing a specific place or room within a dwelling. Download the guide for components and strategies for applying each principle to different housing types.

Outside Space

Existing and new housing should consider the importance of outside space for the health and wellbeing of older women, who often spend more time in their homes than younger generations. Outdoor space is considered here in three ways: private outdoor space, communal outdoor space, and connection to outdoor space. Older women clearly state the value of having access to private outdoor space, where they can choose to interact with others or spend time alone in the garden. Communal space is less of a priority — community facilities like libraries or local parks make good alternatives. Well-designed connections to outdoor space can enhance the experience of housing for older women.

Communal Space

Communal space provides a semi-private space within a housing development as an alternative space for older women to use outside of their homes. Communal space can assist older women in fostering an on-site community through social interaction and connection with one another.

Entry

An entry defines the boundary and threshold of an older women’s home. Entries to apartment buildings or dwelling are instantly recognisable as the secure line to older women’s private space and therefore their sense of safety and security.

Kitchen, Dining, and Living Spaces

The kitchen, dining, and living rooms have integrated, vital functions that sustain older women’s health and wellbeing. These are places of nourishment, routines and action, and an integral part of what makes a house a home for older women.

Bedroom

An older woman’s bedroom is her sanctuary and haven: it contains her most personal items and is often the most treasured place in her home.

Bathroom

Routine self-care is important to older women’s health and wellbeing. The bathroom is a highly personal space that can positively contribute to the daily ritual of washing and looking after oneself.

Additional Space

Additional space allows older women to do more varied activities within their home. Examples of additional space might include an integrated study area within a larger room or hallway, a spare room that doubles as a workshop or exercise room, or an alcove that provides space for a spare bed or desk.

Laundry

The laundry, like the bathroom, is a place of routine and care. Older women’s ability to wash their clothes and linen is a vital part of their independence and important for their overall hygiene, health and wellbeing.

Urban Location

Buildings for older women should be centrally located, close to community infrastructure and easily accessible to integrated public transport systems to keep older women socially connected so they can live independently.