New building rules require homes to be easier to adapt

New accessibility requirements for buildings have entered into force in Estonia, ERR reported. The rules will apply to new apartment buildings from January 1 next year, with at least 10 percent of apartments required to be easily adaptable for people with special needs.

The requirements are intended to better account for people with disabilities, older people, children, people using prams and those with temporary health problems when buildings are designed.

Ivo Jaanisoo, deputy secretary general for the living environment and circular economy at the Ministry of Climate, said accessibility should be an original feature of a building rather than a special solution added later.

The updated rules cover doors, stairs, ramps, lifts, entry phone systems, evacuation routes and toilets. Existing buildings do not have to be completely reconstructed, but accessibility must be improved during major renovations where technically possible.

Jaanisoo said the requirement that 10 percent of apartments be adaptable was a compromise reached with construction sector representatives. Mari Tuulik, an accessibility advocacy adviser at the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People, said regulations alone would not be enough.

Tuulik said organisations representing people with disabilities should be involved by architects, planners and clients from the earliest stages of planning. Adapting completed solutions later is more difficult and expensive, she said.