Highbury Triangle Senior Housing Development: A Case Study in Accessibility & Compliance

The Highbury Triangle Senior Housing Development, based in Auckland New Zealand, is a community-focused project designed to enhance accessibility and safety for elderly residents. With an increasing focus on inclusive design, the project required a good-quality handrail and balustrade system that not only met stringent compliance standards but also ensured durability, ease of maintenance, and seamless integration into the overall design.

Moddex played a crucial role in the Highbury Triangle project by supplying and installing Conectabal® CB30 Commercial Balustrades and Assistrail® AR150 Disability Handrails throughout multiple stairways and walkways. These systems were carefully selected to meet NZS4121:2001 (Design for Access and Mobility) and NZBC Clause F4 (Safety from Falling) standards, ensuring a safe, durable, and low-maintenance solution that enhances accessibility for residents.

A key strength of Moddex’s involvement was their ability to streamline the entire process, from design and compliance verification to installation. Their team provided comprehensive support, including PS1 documentation and BPIR information, helping to ensure full regulatory compliance while minimizing project delays.

Enhancing Accessibility with Assistrail® AR150

Ensuring that the built environment supports residents with mobility challenges was a key priority for the Highbury Triangle project. The Assistrail® AR150 Disability Handrails were specifically chosen for their compliance with Australian Standards and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) guidelines. These handrails provide a continuous, smooth gripping surface reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls while improving accessibility for senior tenants with limited mobility.

The modular nature of the Assistrail® system allowed for quick and efficient installation, with no need for on-site welding. This not only minimised installation time but also ensured a more precise finish that aligns with current safety and compliance standards.

Safety and Compliance with Conectabal® CB30

In addition to handrails, the development required a durable balustrade system for added safety in high-traffic areas such as communal walkways and staircases. The Conectabal® CB30 Commercial Balustrades were selected for their strength, compliance, and ability to integrate seamlessly with the overall architectural design.

The CB30 balustrades offer fall protection while maintaining a modern aesthetic, contributing to the development’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Like the Assistrail® system, these balustrades are pre-engineered and modular, making them easy to install and maintain. Their high-quality construction ensures long-term durability, even in outdoor or high-use environments.

High-Quality BIM Integration with Moddex

Moddex’s comprehensive BIM library provided designers and specifiers with detailed, high-performance models that balanced complexity, functionality, and file efficiency.

Available in Revit, Archicad, and AutoCAD, Moddex’s BIM content allowed architects and engineers to seamlessly integrate the handrail and balustrade systems into their designs, ensuring compliance with structural, safety, and accessibility standards. The benefits of using BIM technology included:

• Improved project visualisation, allowing stakeholders to see how Moddex systems would integrate within the development.

• Accurate documentation output, reducing errors and ensuring precise material specifications.

• Enhanced coordination, minimising clashes with other building elements and optimizing on-site installation efficiency.

By leveraging Moddex’s BIM-enabled solutions, the Highbury Triangle development successfully combined functionality, compliance, and aesthetic appeal, demonstrating the value of digital modeling in modern construction projects.

Benefits of Partnering with Moddex

One of the key advantages of working with Moddex was their ability to meet tight project deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality. The prefabricated, modular design of the handrails and balustrades enabled fast and efficient on-site assembly, significantly reducing installation time and site disruption. By leveraging offsite manufacturing, Moddex ensured that all components arrived pre-engineered and ready for installation, eliminating the need for on-site welding or fabrication.

This streamlined approach, combined with Moddex’s expert project management, played a crucial role in ensuring the Highbury Triangle development progressed smoothly and on schedule. Their end-to-end service provided a seamless experience, covering:

• Consultation and Compliance Advice – Ensuring designs met accessibility and safety standards from the outset.

• Detailed Proposal Submission – Providing precise costings, plans, and specifications to support informed decision-making.

• Design and Engineering – Delivering detailed shop drawings and 3D BIM models, improving coordination and accuracy across the project team.

Setting a Benchmark for Senior Housing

The successful implementation of Moddex’s Assistrail® and Conectabal® systems, alongside advanced BIM workflows, highlights how innovative solutions can enhance safety, accessibility, and efficiency in senior housing developments. The Highbury Triangle project serves as a benchmark for future residential developments, showcasing the importance of pre-engineered, compliant solutions that prioritise both safety and design.

With a focus on accessibility, durability, and modern construction methodologies, the project reinforces the role of Moddex’s modular systems in creating built environments that support the needs of all users, ensuring long-term safety and inclusivity for senior residents.