The United States faces a substantial housing shortage of at least 1.5 million units. Half of renters pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities, which is considered cost-burdened. For those wanting to purchase, few homes on the market are affordable for a median-income household.1 For example, in Knoxville, TN, approximately 77% of households cannot afford the median-priced new home and rental units, registering the second-fastest annual growth among the top U.S. metros last year. 2
National and local housing crisis
The United States faces a substantial housing shortage of at least 1.5 million units. Half of renters pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities, which is considered cost-burdened. For those wanting to purchase, few homes on the market are affordable for a median-income household.1 For example, in Knoxville, TN, approximately 77% of households cannot afford the median-priced new home and rental units, registering the second-fastest annual growth among the top U.S. metros last year. 2
AIA East Tennessee’s Mission
With the mission to lead East Tennessee in developing the cities, communities, and built environment of the 21st Century, AIA East Tennessee is hosting a free-to-enter design competition to elevate awareness and understanding of low-barrier entry tools, such as the accessory dwelling unit, toward increased affordable housing supply in our region.
AIA East Tennessee’s Mission
With the mission to lead East Tennessee in developing the cities, communities, and built environment of the 21st Century, AIA East Tennessee is hosting a free-to-enter design competition to elevate awareness and understanding of low-barrier entry tools, such as the accessory dwelling unit, toward increased affordable housing supply in our region.
Why Accessory Dwelling Units?
An alternative construction strategy to help increase affordable housing supply in communities is the accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit on the same lot as a stand-alone, detached single-family home. Commonly referred to as a guest home, accessory apartment, and granny flat, an ADU can have the potential to increase housing affordability (both for homeowners and tenants), create a wider range of housing options within the community, enable seniors to stay near family as they age and facilitate better use of the existing housing fabric in established neighborhoods.3
Why Accessory Dwelling Units?
An alternative construction strategy to help increase affordable housing supply in communities is the accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit on the same lot as a stand-alone, detached single-family home. Commonly referred to as a guest home, accessory apartment, and granny flat, an ADU can have the potential to increase housing affordability (both for homeowners and tenants), create a wider range of housing options within the community, enable seniors to stay near family as they age and facilitate better use of the existing housing fabric in established neighborhoods.3
Anyone and everyone interested is invited to submit detached ADU designs that meet the design criteria here. A jury will review submissions and select finalists. Finalists will be announced before the 2024 AIA East Tennessee Design Awards Gala. The finalist’s design submissions will then be printed and displayed at the awards event for public display and voting for a “People’s Choice Award.”
Designers have up to 8 weeks to submit once the portal opens.
June 28, 2024
August 23, 2024
Submissions Due
Submissions are due by 5 pm via the portal.
August 23, 2024
September 20, 2024
Finalists Announced
The finalists will be contacted via email and announced via AIA East Tennessee’s newsletter and social media.
September 20, 2024
October 3, 2024
Finalists recognized at the 2024 AIA ETN Design Awards Gala
Finalists will be invited to attend AIA East Tennessee’s 2024 Design Awards Gala on October 3rd at the Jackson Terminal and will be recognized during the awards ceremony.
