Question 1

Does each submission team need a licensed architect?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 2

What financial resources exist for groups submitting designs?

Accepted Answer

The competition does not include financial support for submitters. Winning entries will receive a cash prize and publicity via the competition announcement.

Question 3

What is the format for submissions?

Accepted Answer

All submissions must be made digitally. See the Competition Guidebook and contact hannahp@udinstitute.org if you have further questions.

Question 4

Should the designer's name and information be on the submissions or are these judged anonymously?

Accepted Answer

Submissions will be judged anonymously. Please include your project’s name, your name and contact information on the cover page of the PDF drawing set. Include ONLY the project name on all other pages of your submission. The cover page will not be seen by the jury during the judging process.

Question 5

Can we submit plans for homes already built?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome designs of existing homes as long as the design can be replicated on the competition sites.

Question 6

Why is the competition emphasizing Age-Friendly Criteria?

Accepted Answer

While many residential design competitions are conducted, none focus on homes with universal and age-friendly features despite the growing population of older adults and the lack of appropriate housing. Through this competition and others like it, we hope to increase public and professional awareness of the need for more universal homes and to showcase good examples.

Question 7

Why are you using this Age-Friendly criteria?

Accepted Answer

We selected the competition criteria to include essential universal design features that make a significant impact in the lives of residents. This relatively short list of age-friendly features should make the design process simpler and incorporate design elements the jury can meaningfully evaluate.

The competition criteria are a subset of a longer and more comprehensive home feature list. Feel free to include additional age-friendly items, features, elements, or products that might enhance the home’s usability.

Question 8

Can submitters select innovative elements such as off-grid energy, water and waste lines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the design elements are consistent with local building codes.  The intent of this competition is to serve as a catalyst for key conversations regarding current codes and potential changes that might better serve the needs of the community.

Question 9

How do you define affordable?

Accepted Answer

Missing Middle homes like duplexes are typically more affordable than single-family houses due to their smaller units and the fact that they spread fixed costs like land across more units. The duplex home concepts created for this competition should be designed to provide housing affordable to households making 120% of Omaha’s area median income or less.

Question 10

Do the design specifications include wheelchair accessibility?

Accepted Answer

We are asking for universally designed (UD) submissions which are inherently age-friendly. Age-friendly features such as step-free entrances, wider doorways, and bathrooms with maneuvering room all make living easier for people who use walkers or wheelchairs. All UD housing is more easily customizable and adaptable than traditional homes. For instance, bathrooms include grab bars, shower benches, and open kneespace. Visit the Resources page of the website to learn more about universal housing.

Question 11

The Criteria document mentions designs should have “a mainstreamed appearance”. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

To be successful, a UD home needs to have generally accommodating features integrated that are both higher function than traditional housing and appealing to a mainstream audience. Traditionally rendered accessible home features might include add-on ramps, grab bars, lowered counters, and open knee space. While these are great features for some, they generally are not useful to most residents. A UD home needs to look like other homes in a community, inside and out.

Question 12

Will additional points be awarded for using LEED?

Accepted Answer

The competition will not specifically reward submissions using LEED. We are looking for projects that incorporate green building features, like stormwater management, passive heating and cooling, and sustainable materials. Consider short- and long-term environmental impact when developing your design.

Question 13

Are the homes meant to be designed for a single occupant, a family, or something in between?

Accepted Answer

These are smaller than traditional single-family detached dwellings and are not intended for large households.

Question 14

Do we need to be hyper specific to the given site? Consider the existing trees? What setbacks should we use?

Accepted Answer

No need to be hyper specific. Please consider the larger context of the neighborhood, but no need to figure in exact location of buildings on adjacent lots, or trees on the existing lot.
For the purposes of this competition, use the setbacks listed in the Competition Guide of: 
 • Front Yard: 25 feet
 • Rear Yard: 25 feet
 • Side Yards: 5 feet

Question 15

Can the alley be used for driveway access from the back of the residence.

Accepted Answer

Yes, the alley can be used for access.

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