With the introduction of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, Australia has entered a new era of liveable housing design. Builders and frame and truss manufacturers are rethinking how they approach internal wall construction, particularly in bathrooms and sanitary areas, to meet updated accessibility and performance standards.
At the centre of these changes is Part 6 of the Liveable Housing Design Standard (LHDS) , which requires reinforced wall backing in bathrooms and sanitary compartments. This reinforcement allows for the secure installation of grabrails, shower seats and other mobility aids, ensuring that homes remain safe and accessible for all occupants. The intent is to make housing adaptable for ageing residents, people with disabilities, families with young children and anyone recovering from injury.
Meeting these standards is about more than compliance. It is about building homes that are safer, stronger and designed to last. STRUCTApanel® 12mm offers a purpose-built solution that delivers high performance, reliability and sustainability for modern Australian construction.
LHDS Part 6 applies to all new Class 1a and Class 2 buildings and outlines the following requirements:
These requirements are designed to future-proof homes, providing peace of mind for occupants while avoiding costly modifications in the future.
STRUCTApanel® 12mm has been tested to achieve a fixing capacity of 1600 N, exceeding the NCC’s minimum requirement and providing long-term confidence that fixtures such as grabrails and fold-down seats remain secure over time.
In addition to superior fixing strength, STRUCTApanel® 12mm is bracing certified, meaning it can serve a structural role within wall assemblies. This adds flexibility for builders and simplifies construction by reducing the number of products required on site.
Built for Australian conditions, the board features H2 termite treatment for protection in high-risk zones and long-
