Question 1

Does each submission team need a licensed architect?

Accepted Answer

No. All are invited to submit designs suitable for aging-in-place that meet the criteria described here.

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

Why is the competition emphasizing the Age-Friendly Criteria?

Accepted Answer

There are many residential design competitions each year. In spite of the enormous growth in the number of older adults and the lack of appropriate housing, none of them focus on homes with universal and age-friendly features.  Competitions such as this are intended to begin to change public and professional awareness of the need for more universal homes, and to showcase good examples.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

How do you define affordable?

Accepted Answer

The smaller, middle-income housing (MMH) in this competition is regarded as more affordable than traditional homes. With smaller units, MMH can provide housing at price points attainable to many middle-income households. MMH is not considered deeply affordable -- a housing category that targets households below 80% of area median income. The MMH in this competition should be financially feasible for middle-income residents earning between 80–120% of area median income.

Question 9

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. View the Resources section of the website for more guidance.

Question 10

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 needs to look like other homes in a community, inside and out.

Question 11

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 12

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 13

Do garages need to be attached or can they be detached from the primary dwelling unit?

Accepted Answer

We will accept either, but one garaged parking spot is required per dwelling.

Question 14

What is included in the total square feet?

Accepted Answer

The unit size minimum refers to interior space measured from the inside faces of the design’s exterior walls. If the home is two stories it is the total square footage of both floors. Unconditioned porches, patios, and decks are not included in the square foot calculation.

Question 15

If I choose the cluster development option, may I include duplexes in that development?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 16

How is the selection committee ensuring inclusive and diverse applicants into this competition?

Accepted Answer

Outreach was intentionally designed to reach a diverse audience. Additional points will automatically be added to entries submitted by women and minority-owned businesses.

Question 17

Can people submit plans for homes that are already built?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome you to submit designs of existing homes as long as the design can be replicated and located on the given site(s).

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