A 3-bedroom, 1½ to 2-bathroom, single-family house up to 1,400 SF and appropriate for four people. If a garage is included, its SF must be included in the total number of SF of the project. Carports need not be included in SF but will add to construction cost. Two on-site parking places are required, but they do not have to be covered and can be one behind the other. The design should be flexible and appropriate for construction, either as infill or as block redevelopment within Houston’s underdeveloped inner city neighborhoods.

All entries should address the following considerations:
   • Climate in the Gulf Coast region
   • Maintenance and material life span
   • Energy efficiency (www.energystar.gov)
   • Affordability ≤ 99K
   • LARA guidelines: (www.houstontx.gov/lara/)
   • The principles of Social, Economic, Environmental Design

Houses may be of pier-and-beam or slab-on-grade construction. Houses may be constructed on-site or may consist of modular units, constructed off-site. Houses may not exceed two stories, shall have space for a stacked washer and dryer, a 30" cooking range, and a 36" refrigerator. Appliances should be included in the construction budget.

The successful competitor will use sustainable building practices and materials with a special concern for affordability, longevity, energy savings benefits, and appropriateness for the hot, humid Houston climate. All entrants should design with as many energy-efficient standards as possible. The winning design should use the fewest resources (labor and materials) to achieve the highest design impact.

While the competition provides a specific site, the house design should demonstrate its adaptability to other site conditions and orientations.

The $99,000 construction limit must include construction costs, financing, closing costs, commissions, overhead, and profit. The actual construction budget in the Houston area will be approximately $75,000. The lot and infrastructure are not included in this figure.

To download budget template (excel), Click here.