Designing Spaces for Independent Living – Tapware & Grabrail Design

With more people choosing to age at home and an increasing focus on inclusive environments, the demand for fixtures that blend functionality, safety and style has never been greater. Today’s session explores how tapware and grabrail design can support independence, safety and accessibility in both residential and commercial spaces.

By the end of today’s session, you’ll be able to translate the principles of universal design into practical, real-world outcomes that benefit occupants. You’ll know how to interpret and apply the requirements of AS 1428.1 and the NCC across both residential and community settings.

We’ll cover how to choose and position tapware and grabrails to maximise user safety and independence and how to future-proof your designs with subtle, adaptable features that support ageing in place and evolving mobility needs.

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

• Translate universal design principles into functional outcomes for occupants.
• Interpret and implement AS 1428.1 and NCC requirements in residential and community settings.
• Understand how to select and position tapware and grabrails to support user safety and independence
• Understand how to future-proof designs by incorporating subtle, adaptable features that accommodate ageing in place and changing mobility needs.

(DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION PC39, DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION PC40, DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION PC45)

SPEAKERS

Dave Sayers, Product Design Engineer and Founder, Avail Design

Dave is a qualified Product Design Engineer and Founder of Avail Design. He designed the Mecca Care range for Nero and leads the development of Avail’s mobility and assistive equipment solutions. By collaborating with a Melbourne University, Occupational Therapists, designers, builders and end users, Dave and the Avail team focus on creating practical, well-designed products that improve the everyday living conditions of our elderly and people living with disabilities.

Clint Field, National Sales & Marketing Manager, Nero Tapware

With over 20 years of experience in the trade and construction industry, Clint Field has held various roles, including supplier, merchant, retail, and business development. His expertise encompasses Channel Business Management, National Account Management, National Sales Management, and National Marketing Management. Clint takes pride in his ability to meet and exceed the expectations of both his customers and his team.

Personal Philosophy: As a family-oriented person, Clint values working for a family-owned company that treats employees like extended family. He is passionate about design, quality, and innovation, striving to position Nero Tapware as a leader in the industry. Clint’s goal is to highlight the features and values of the Nero brand, aligned with their mission to provide Australian households with stunning, high-quality, and affordable tapware for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries, creating remarkable experiences through continuous innovation and better practices.