With South Australia's election just days away, the Australian Institute of Architects urges all parties to prioritise climate-adaptive design in housing reforms amid intensifying weather shifts like prolonged droughts and flooding rains.
"Housing is climate infrastructure," said SA Chapter President Kirstie Coultas.
"Good design reduces energy demand, lowers household bills and improves health outcomes during heat events."
The Institute calls for robust, transparent implementation of the National Construction Code to deliver clear gains in energy efficiency, accessibility and resilience. This can provide industry certainty and clarity while addressing SA's housing challenges.
"Good design is not an added cost — it is long-term economic protection for families and communities," Ms Coultas added.
The upcoming election offers a critical change to embed these principles statewide.
