Women over the age of 55 are the fastest growing cohort of homeless in Australia and current research estimates that more than 400,000 women over the age of 45 are at risk of homelessness. In this context, how can we best design homes for older women at risk of homelessness?

The Design Guide for Older Women’s Housing is founded in a deep understanding of the dignity and opportunity a safe and secure place to call home offers older women at risk of homelessness. The Guide addresses the pragmatics of everyday living for older women. Through the evaluation of four different housing types, the research looked at how interior and exterior spaces were valued and how these housing types could be further improved. The Guide identifies the physical and practical qualities required to deliver functional, safe and secure housing. And, most importantly, the Guide places emphasis on older women’s emotional wellbeing by addressing the design considerations that allow women to make their houses, homes.

Architects Samantha Donnelly and Sophie Dyring present their recent research – the Design Guide for Older Women’s Housing – delivered for Monash University’s XYXLab and supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. This presentation was followed by a panel discussion with Sophie Dyring (Schored), Sam Donnelly (XYX Lab_), Helen (lived experience research participant) and Natasha Liddell (WPI).