Communication

Anderson Housing & Homeless Alliance (AHHA), in collaboration with Touch the Future Inc (TTF), was awarded a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant to host a community design competition for a safe and affordable housing option for older adults and people with disabilities. We invite you to submit innovative concepts for modest cottages that would contribute to positive transformation within our county’s neighborhoods.

Key Dates

  • The design competition will start on October 11, 2024.
  • The last date to submit a design is October 31, 2024.

Registration and Submission

Competition Process

Each design will be blindly scored by a selection jury of community members representing a wide range of subject matter experts across Anderson County. The community will also be invited to view submissions and select their top choices as part of the final score in a three-week window. The original designer retains the rights to build the designs included in this document. AHHA and TTF shall have the right to share the winning designs in a design book and on the AHHA website with individuals and not-for-profits as an architectural set only.

Community considerations

You must have at least seven units, which may include a mix of single-story townhomes and single-family dwellings. You must have zero-step homes. No garages will be provided. The minimum driveway for accessibility is 16’ by 20’ to allow for van and mobility access. You must include a multi-use community building that has the capacity for 20-25 occupants, with a covered pavilion and accessible parking. This community building must provide broadband access to the community. The winning design will receive a $500 prize and recognition at our November design reveal event.

Minimum Square Footage (sf) considerations:

    • 400 sf        efficiency unit with an accessible bathroom
    • 448 sf        1 bedroom unit with an accessible bathroom
    • 880 sf        2 bedroom unit (one bedroom accessible) with an accessible bathroom
    • 1,100 sf    2 bedroom unit (two bedrooms accessible) with an accessible bathroom

Design requirements: 

    1. Project description (150-word maximum), including unit size (may be in a separate document). Include a name for the residential area.
    2. Design narrative (500-word maximum) describing how the solution satisfies the design guidelines, highlighting key features of the cottages.
    3. Designed floor plan (1/4” scale) with dimensions, room names, and furniture layouts.
    4. Building sections (1/4” scale) showing wall and roof assembly.
    5. Building elevations (1/4” scale)
    6. 3D views
    7. Description of major construction materials and mechanical systems
    8. Other visuals depicting the project on at least one site plan from one scenario
    9. File format: PDF and CAD.

Design guidelines:

Universal Design/Accessibility: The design incorporates elements to make the house inclusive for a range of users and mobilities. This could be ramped/level entry ways, open concept, pocket doors, or other universal design elements.

Innovative Construction/Design: The design includes elements to make the house affordable to construct. This could be DIY aspects, cost-effective materials, or innovations that lower costs for homeowners.

Aesthetics and Contextual Integration: The design is broadly feasible for various lot sizes and shapes and is compatible with common architectural styles.

Scenarios:

The use of specific plats in Anderson County does not imply or guarantee the use of those for housing development. Referenced plats provide scale and features for your design. You may visit the plats in person.

Scenario site one: Just over 1 acre.

Scenario site two: Approximately .85 acres.

Scenario site three: Approximately .85 acres. An industrial building conversion. 9,779 square foot existing space with one drive-in door. Existing parking lot.

Contact Info

For questions or clarification, please contact Zoë Hale, 703-398-9376, zoe@ahhasc.org.