Competition Information Coming Soon!
Background + Purpose
National Crisis – Local Reform
The United States is facing a significant housing crisis characterized by a shortage of affordable homes and high housing costs. Research estimates there is an insufficient supply of up to 4 million homes and half of renters pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities, which is considered cost-burdened.2 Focusing locally, Knoxville, TN has had the fastest-rising property prices in the country over the last five years, with median home listing prices rising 83%. 1
Knoxville has been taking a multifaceted approach to addressing these housing issues both through progressive zoning reform and most recently, through updated code adoption. Late in 2024, Knoxville City Council adopted the 2024 International Building Code with local amendments and, opting in to state law, legalized ‘Single Stair’ multifamily buildings. Also known as ‘Point Access Blocks’, this middle housing typology is an apartment building that can serve up to six stories with a single egress stair rather than the typical dual egress stair multi-family building. Single Stair Housing can be a potent option in addressing present-day housing shortages effectively on urban infill sites.
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 that seeks to investigate how unique multifamily projects can address the housing crisis through the recently codified Single Stair typology. In a time of extant climatic issues, lack of housing access, and a high demand for walkable neighborhoods, we have the chance to be thought leaders of housing progress through design. By curating what is possible with these new codes, we hope to share a vision of development that is more approachable, sustainable, accessible, and beautiful for all.
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 that seeks to investigate how unique multifamily projects can address the housing crisis through the recently codified Single Stair typology. In a time of extant climatic issues, lack of housing access, and a high demand for walkable neighborhoods, we have the chance to be thought leaders of housing progress through design. By curating what is possible with these new codes, we hope to share a vision of development that is more approachable, sustainable, accessible, and beautiful for all.
Competition Guidelines:
Anyone and everyone interested is invited to submit designs that meet the competition criteria. Our Jury will review the submissions and select finalists, which will be announced at our Annual Design Awards Gala on October 2nd. All finalists will have their submissions printed and displayed at the Gala for public voting on a “People’s Choice Award.”
Questions and Answers
1. What’s the team size for this?
For this competition, submitting teams can be no more than (4) people per project. In the spirit and intent of this competition to rapidly generate ideas towards the potential of Single Stair Housing , the submissions should focus on conveying idea efficacy rather than assembling a large team working on a single expertly represented design presentation. If an office has more than (4) people wanting to submit a design, please form/register separate teams and submit multiple projects.
2. Outside of the (up to 4) people on the submitting team, can others in our office comment on the submitting design team’s project?
Yes, so long as they do not contribute to producing any content on the submitted boards.
3. Can we change the names/people of the registered team later?
Preferably not, but if there is an extenuating circumstance, email Cameron Bolin or Jonah Pruitt to confirm.
4. Where is the Provided Documentation located on the website?
These documents will be sent to each team after they have officially registered. Please allow a few days after registration to receive these documents. The provide documentation will include a CAD file of the site plan of the project sites as well as a vector logo for this year’s competition to be placed on each submitted board.
5. Does the 6-story limit for the single stair building include a basement or can that be in addition to the 6-story limit?
The Code states: The building has not more than six (6) stories above grade plane. It is up to the design team to interpret, if a basement is included in their design, if it meets the IBC definition of a “basement” and would not be included in the “above grade plane” determination of stories per the IBC.
6. What about when there is a lower grade and so there is access from two or more stories?
Again, The Code states: The building has not more than six (6) stories above grade plane. It is up to the design team to determine per the IBC if their approach to the site design allows them to include stories or not “above grade plane” in the 6-story limit.
7. Can sites be combined into larger sites?
No. Each site can only be used individually and cannot be combined with other sites.
8. What is the required fire separation distance for an exterior egress stair and the adjacent property/property line?
See 2024 IBC and Knoxville City Muni-Code
9. Are there parking requirements?
No. The competition site is located in the Downtown Edge District (DKE) and this is exempt from parking requirements, thus encouraging use of public transit and walkability. See the Knoxville Municipal Code HERE under “Exemptions and Flexibilities”.
10. What exterior façade materials are contextual/allowed to be used in Knoxville’s downtown?
DK District Building Material Restrictions: https://library.municode.com/tn/knoxville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=APXBZOCO_ART5COOFDI_5.4DEST
11. Does Knoxville have any specific comment on exterior insulation requirements etc.?
See City of Knoxville Code series
12. Does that competition guide specify a required unit mix?
No. Each site and design will dictate the unit mix possibilities. But the guide does mandate at least (1) fully accessible unit is included. Given the competition guide also mandates an elevator system in the projects, the fully accessible unit can be located on any floor the design team chooses.
13. How will the projects/project sites be judged?
Each site/project will be judged according to its own merit and not compared to any other submitted design or project site.
14. On the sites that are shown to allow (2) point access block housing projects, if the design team can fit more than (2), is that allowed?
Yes.
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