by Granny Flat Builder | May 9, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
As demand for multi-generational and flexible housing continues to grow, Canberra granny flats have become an increasingly popular solution for families seeking more independence, accessibility, and long-term value on their property. A project in Kambah, in the ACT highlights how thoughtful design and a focus on adaptability can deliver a high-quality secondary dwelling that supports both present needs and future possibilities.
Understanding Adaptable Housing Rules in Canberra (ACT)
In the ACT, granny flats (secondary residences) on blocks over 500m² must either be designed to meet full Class C (accessible) standards—or demonstrate they can be easily adapted to suit the needs of people with a disability. This means that the dwelling doesn’t need to be fully accessible from day one, but must be designed in a way that can accommodate accessibility features in the future with minimal structural change.
To meet these rules, a granny flat must have all essential living spaces—including a bedroom, bathroom, and living area—located on the ground floor. This ensures the space can be modified for mobility access if needed down the track.
For this particular project, the client incorporated several forward-thinking design features to meet adaptability requirements while still maintaining flexibility in the final layout. The initial plans included a ramp to demonstrate access could be achieved, but after discussions with building certifiers, low-rise steps were approved instead—since the site allowed for easy installation of a ramp later without altering the core structure. This is a great example of how ACT regulations allow for practical, site-sensitive design decisions, as long as adaptability is clearly demonstrated.
As required, the submitted floor plans included “post-adapted” layouts to show how the space could be modified in future—removing the need for a formal report from an independent assessor, which is not required for secondary dwellings.
Practical Accessibility Features
The granny flat was designed for long-term adaptability, making it ideal for occupants who value both independence and ease of movement. Some of the key accessibility-friendly design elements include:
- Wider Doorways: All internal doorways were widened beyond standard dimensions to allow easy passage for mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs—now or in the future.
- Spacious Bathroom: The bathroom was built with open shower access, reinforced walls for future grab rails, and plenty of turning space.
- Flat Thresholds: Flooring transitions were designed to be smooth and level between rooms, reducing trip hazards.
- Ramp-Ready Entry: While the dwelling currently uses steps, the front entry was built in a way that a ramp can be easily installed later if needed.
These design features not only support current comfort but also increase the value and flexibility of the flat for future use—whether as a rental, guest space, or accessible accommodation.
Kambah Canberra Adaptable Granny Flat Gallery
Smart Layout for Independent Living
The internal layout of the granny flat was carefully considered to offer both functionality and privacy. It includes:
- A fully equipped kitchen with accessible bench heights and smart storage
- Open-plan living and dining area with natural light
- A generously sized bedroom with built-in storage
- A modern, adaptable bathroom
Each space was designed with long-term comfort in mind, using durable and low-maintenance finishes suited for everyday living.
Navigating the Canberra Approval Process
Building a granny flat in Canberra means working within a clear regulatory framework. This project required compliance with:
- Plot ratio and block size restrictions
- Adaptable housing guidelines under ACT planning rules
- Open space and site coverage requirements
- Drainage and stormwater considerations
By incorporating adaptability into the early design phase and providing post-adapted plans, the approval process remained straightforward and stress-free.
A Flexible, Future-Proof Investment
This custom granny flat shows how adaptable design can meet a wide range of needs—without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort. The result is a secure, private, and flexible living space that can evolve over time.
As more families in Canberra look to support loved ones or create independent living solutions, granny flats remain a valuable and practical option. With a strong understanding of ACT regulations and thoughtful design choices, homeowners can build with confidence, knowing their investment will meet both present and future needs.
Whether you’re planning for accessibility, independence, or multigenerational living, an adaptable Canberra granny flat offers a smart solution built to grow with you.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat anywhere in NSW or ACT
by Granny Flat Builder | Apr 24, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Granny Flats
If you’re planning to build a secondary residence—commonly called a granny flat—in the ACT, there’s a key design requirement you may not have come across: the Adaptable Housing Standard.
This standard is a planning tool that ensures new homes are designed with future accessibility in mind. And if you’re working with Acrow Granny Flats, you can rest easy knowing that we apply this standard from the start—helping you secure approval faster and avoid costly design changes later on.
What Is the ACT Adaptable Housing Standard?
The ACT Adaptable Housing Standard is based on the Australian Standard AS4299. It outlines features that make homes easier to use for people with limited mobility, including those who use wheelchairs, walking frames, or who want to age in place.
The Territory Plan applies this standard to various types of developments to ensure housing diversity and long-term accessibility. In practice, it means certain dwellings must be either built to meet the standard (compliant), or at the very least be designed to be easily modified to meet it in the future (adaptable).
Why Does It Exist?
As Canberra’s population grows and ages, accessible housing becomes more important. The ACT Government has introduced these requirements to:
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Provide greater housing choice
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Allow people to remain in their homes as their needs change
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Reduce the cost and disruption of future modifications
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Make communities more inclusive
Adaptable homes benefit not only those with mobility needs but also families with young children, carers, and people recovering from injury.
How Does This Apply to Granny Flats (Secondary Residences)?
If you’re planning a granny flat on a block over 500m², your design must either:
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Meet Class C of AS4299, meaning it includes all essential adaptable features from the start, or
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Be easily adaptable to meet those features in the future.
The ACT planning authority considers a granny flat to be “easily adaptable” if it includes all essential rooms (like the bedroom, bathroom, and living area) on the ground floor and can be modified without major structural changes.
Unlike larger developments, you don’t need a formal certification report from a third party—but you must submit floor plans that show how the home can be adapted after construction.
At Acrow, we prepare both the initial layout and the adapted (post-modification) plan with every granny flat application. That means you meet the ACT’s requirements from the start and avoid approval delays.
So What Are “Essential” Features?
The Australian Standard outlines 119 features, categorised as:
For secondary dwellings, the essential features are the focus. These typically include:
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Wider doorways and hallways
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Step-free entry
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A ground-floor bedroom and bathroom
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Reinforcements in bathroom walls for future grab rails
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Kitchen and laundry layouts that can be adjusted
You don’t need to build with all the features immediately—but the home must be designed in a way that makes future adaptations simple and cost-effective. This might mean you don’t build a step free entry but the design is such that the steps can be removed and replaced with ramps or other step free access at a later date.
We Design with Adaptability in Mind—So You Can Build with Confidence
At Acrow Granny Flats, we’re experienced in meeting ACT planning rules and adaptable housing standards. When you work with us, we’ll:
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Ensure your design meets or exceeds Class C adaptability
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Provide the required post-adaptation plans for submission
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Eliminate the need for redesigns that can slow down your approval
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Help you build a granny flat that suits your needs today and into the future
By aligning your plans with the ACT Adaptable Housing Standard from the beginning, we keep your project moving—so you can get building sooner.
CHECKLIST – Adaptable Housing Standard
Essential Design Features – Required at Time of Build or Easily Adaptable
Access & Entry
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☐ Step-free path of travel from street or parking to entry door
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☐ Minimum 820mm clear opening at entry door
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☐ Thresholds at entry no higher than 5mm (or ramped where necessary)
Circulation Space
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☐ Hallways minimum 1000mm wide (preferably 1200mm)
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☐ Doors throughout with minimum 820mm clear opening
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☐ Circulation space of at least 1550mm diameter in key areas (bedroom, bathroom, living)
Bedroom (Ground Floor)
Bathroom
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☐ Located on ground level
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☐ Step-free shower
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☐ Toilet with clear space beside (min 900mm width)
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☐ Reinforcement in walls for future grab rails
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☐ Sink with knee clearance and lever taps
Kitchen & Laundry (Optional for Secondary Dwellings – but ideally planned for adaptation)
General Design
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☐ Slip-resistant flooring throughout
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☐ Provision for future installation of handrails or stair lifts (if applicable)
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☐ Power points and switches within reach (900–1100mm above floor)
Post-Adaptation Planning Tip:
Even if not all features are installed from the outset, your floor plan must show that they can be added later without major renovation.
✔ Planning with Acrow?
We include these essential features—or pre-plan for them—so your design meets ACT Adaptable Housing requirements from day one.
by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 20, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
A Customised Ellerslie That Fits Just Right
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Scullin, ACT, this modified version of The Ellerslie granny flat proves that smart design and personal touches can go a long way—especially when space is at a premium. The clients chose to tailor their design to better suit the shape and slope of their block, resulting in a beautifully finished 70m² home that meets both lifestyle needs and ACT compliance requirements.
Design Adjustments That Made a Difference
While the standard Ellerslie design spans a generous 82m², this build scaled things back by approximately 10m². The removal of the kitchen island bench helped streamline the internal layout, opening up the living area while retaining the home’s practical functionality. The result is a secondary dwelling that fits comfortably on the block while still offering two large bedrooms and two bathrooms—including an ensuite for the main bedroom.
Although the granny flat was constructed with steps, it was built to meet ACT Liveable Housing Design requirements, making it future-ready for conversion to full accessibility if needed. This consideration gives the client long-term flexibility while working with the existing site levels.
Personal Style Within Budget
The clients explored Acrow’s standard colour range and found clever ways to make the design their own, without stretching the budget. Highlights include bold black window frames, a striking teal-green paint choice, and a naturally stained deck that softens the exterior with a warm, organic finish. These simple touches give the home a distinctive personality, while keeping construction costs manageable.
Designed for the Slope
Built on bearers and joists to accommodate the natural fall of the land, this project demonstrates how Acrow can adapt even a standard design like the Ellerslie to suit the unique topography of a suburban block. The result is a home that feels grounded, well-zoned, and tailored to the site.
Granny Flat Living in Scullin and the Belconnen Region
Scullin, located in the heart of Belconnen, is an ideal area for secondary residences. The suburb’s established feel, proximity to amenities, and generous block sizes make it a smart choice for families looking to add space for relatives or secure a rental investment. With the ACT’s regulations allowing for up to 90m² for secondary dwellings, homeowners in the area are increasingly turning to flexible designs like this one to make the most of their land.
Scullin Granny Flat Gallery
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat anywhere in NSW or ACT
by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 13, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Granny Flats
by Granny Flat Builder | Mar 9, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
Just a few minutes from Canberra’s border, in the quiet suburb of Crestwood, NSW, one family found the perfect solution to support their daughter’s return from overseas—and to invest in their property’s long-term potential. Thanks to more flexible New South Wales regulations, they were able to build a spacious 60m² granny flat that combined practicality with personal touches.
This case study offers inspiration for those considering a secondary dwelling in the ACT, as all our NSW designs can be adapted to meet ACT requirements. So even if you’re based in Canberra, granny flats like this one are absolutely achievable—just reach out to discuss how.
The Motivation: Helping Family While Planning Ahead
When their daughter returned from working overseas, the Crestwood homeowners wanted to help her save money on rent and build up a deposit for her first home. They also saw the opportunity to increase their property’s versatility in the long term—providing potential rental income, guest accommodation, or even a downsizing option for themselves one day.
Their block, located just over the ACT-NSW border, gave them access to New South Wales planning rules, which currently allow secondary dwellings up to 60m² without the need for subdivision. This opened up more room for thoughtful design and living comfort than ACT regulations typically allow. However, it’s important to note that many of our NSW designs can be adjusted to comply with ACT planning codes—so if you’re in Canberra, granny flats like this are still within reach with the right planning and advice.
The Design: Based on “The Prime” – with Personal Flair
The family chose to base their build on our popular “The Prime” design, a 2-bedroom layout that balances space efficiency with privacy and functionality. But what made this granny flat truly special were the customisations that reflected the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle.
One standout feature was a stained glass front door—a beautiful, personalised touch that instantly set the tone for a warm and welcoming space. Inside, layout changes were made to accommodate extra storage and an open-plan living area that felt spacious despite the compact footprint.
Large windows were added to maximise natural light, and accessibility was considered throughout, ensuring the space would remain flexible and age-friendly in years to come. Every detail was carefully considered, creating a home that felt far from standard.
Built for Today, Flexible for Tomorrow
The result was a comfortable, stylish home that gave their daughter her own private space while staying close to family. But beyond the immediate benefits, the granny flat also gave the homeowners peace of mind. In the future, they could rent the space for extra income, offer it to other family members, or even use it as a home office or studio.
This kind of forward-thinking approach is something we encourage for anyone exploring Canberra granny flats. Whether your motivation is family support, rental income, or downsizing, a custom secondary dwelling can offer enormous lifestyle and financial flexibility.
Crestwood, near Canberra Granny Flat Gallery
The Crestwood granny flat is a great example of how thoughtful design, family priorities, and long-term planning can come together beautifully. While it was built under NSW regulations, the possibilities it represents are just as relevant for Canberra residents.
Interested in building a Canberra granny flat that’s custom to your needs? Get in touch today to learn how our designs can be tailored to meet ACT requirements and bring your vision to life.
Considering a Granny Flat in Canberra?
If you’re based in Canberra or the surrounding region, don’t assume NSW designs are off the table. We regularly adapt our designs to suit ACT planning regulations and accessibility standards. Whether you’re working with a larger suburban block or a tight inner-city site, we can help you explore the possibilities.
From accessible design features like ramps and wider doorways to tailored aesthetics and practical layouts, our approach is always client-led. Every family’s needs are different—so your granny flat should reflect that.
Book a free site inspection for your Granny Flat anywhere in NSW or ACT
by Granny Flat Builder | Feb 17, 2025 | Canberra Granny Flats, Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats
Now Complete! Modern Barnhouse Granny Flat for Maddy & Blake
At Acrow Granny Flats, we take pride in delivering high-quality, custom homes—especially when stepping in to help clients whose projects have stalled. That was the case for Maddy and Blake, who had DA and CC approvals for their granny flat but no work had commenced. We took over the project and are now bringing their modern barnhouse vision to life.
A Striking Barnhouse Design
Nestled in a BAL 19-rated area, this granny flat blends contemporary design with practical living. The TrimDek roof profile and James Hardie Axon Cladding create a sleek, barnhouse-inspired exterior, complemented by a 43m² wrap-around porch—a standout feature that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces.
Inside, the expansive open-plan living area is enhanced by cathedral ceilings, square-set cornices, and a highlight kitchen window designed to frame the stunning surrounding views. The two oversized bedrooms each have private doors leading out to the porch, offering a sense of retreat and connection to the outdoors.
Premium Finishes for Comfort & Style
Maddy and Blake opted for a high-end interior, featuring:
✅ Matte black finishes throughout, including door hardware, PC items, and appliances
✅ Loose-lay longboard vinyl flooring in living spaces, with plush carpet in the bedrooms
✅ Floor-to-ceiling tiled bathrooms with luxurious wall-hung vanities and recessed shaving cabinets
✅ Double-glazed windows for insulation and energy efficiency
✅ Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning for year-round comfort
Delivering Quality & Supporting Our Community
With construction progressing at pace, this project is a testament to Acrow’s expertise in delivering high-quality, custom homes—on time and to the highest standards.
As we complete Maddy and Blake’s dream home, we also celebrate the grand opening of our Fyshwick showroom in Canberra. Here, prospective clients can see our craftsmanship firsthand and explore tailored solutions for their own projects.
If you’re looking for a custom granny flat designed for style and functionality, Acrow Granny Flats is here to help. Visit our showroom or contact us today to discuss your project.
