The sponsors of an affordable housing design competition have announced the winner; a two-story house featuring a front porch “conservatory” that can be converted into living space as a family grows.

In addition to receiving a $5,000 first prize, the winning team – Tim Lai AchirtecT, Titan Facility Services and COhatch – will now have the chance to enter into a contract with the Central Ohio Community Land Trust to actually build a version of the home on two lots; one on the Hilltop and the other in Whitehall.

The two homes will be built on parcels held by the Central Ohio Community Land Trust, which is structured to encourage long-term affordability.

“I’m thrilled to see the winning design for the Next Home 2021 Design Competition that will serve as a model for other future low-cost construction projects throughout the Central Ohio region,” said Columbus City Councilmember Shayla Favor, in a statement. “As we continue to seek out innovative and affordable options to address our housing challenges, we know that partnerships such as this will be critical to our success.”

A total of 32 design teams submitted proposals for the competition, which is sponsored by Neighborhood Design Center, along with the Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation, the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Columbus, and the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio.

For more information see nexthome2021.org.

Originally from Columbus Underground