WHAT IF YOUR NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR CHANGED EVERYTHING?

An intergenerational duplex design competition challenging communities to reimagine housing through connection, dignity, and age-friendly design.

Mission Statement

Inspire all generations to design age-friendly, intergenerational duplex homes that build connection, community, and a stronger Charlotte County.

About PORCH

Charlotte County, Florida sits at an extraordinary crossroads. It is home to one of the fastest-growing 55+ populations in the state — and, at the same time, it is a community where homeless youth, aging-out foster children, and veterans without stable housing are searching for a place to belong.

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"This competition is something fresh, new, and needed. It has the ability to spark curiosity, collaboration, and creativity amongst audiences who may not traditionally cross paths."

WHO CAN COLLABORATE

Schools

Charlotte County Public Schools, Charlotte Technical College, Florida SouthWestern State College, STEM clubs, robotics teams, career academies.



Faith

Communities

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda, Deep Creek Community Church, St. Vincent de Paul conferences, local outreach ministries.

Senior Organizations

PORCH Communities, Charlotte County Healthy Living Center, AARP Chapters, senior centers, retirement community associations.



ARCHITECHS & Builders

Banks Engineering, DMK Associates, local general contractors, Habitat for Humanity Charlotte County, Southwest Florida building professionals.

STUDENTS &

MENTORS

Leadership Charlotte, Junior Leadership Charlotte, Charlotte County Chamber Young Professionals, FSW students, community mentors and volunteers.

NONPROFITS &

DESIGN FIRMS

Habitat for Humanity Charlotte County, Charlotte Community Foundation and local planning and design professionals.



CHARLOTTE DESOTO

BUILDING INDUSTRY

Home builders, general contractors, architects, engineers, developers, subcontractors, and building suppliers.

NGOs & Veterans

Organizations

Habitat for Humanity, United Way, American Legion, VFW Posts, Homeless Coalition, veteran support groups.

AGING SPECIALISTS & HOUSING DEVELOPERS

PORCH Communities, senior housing providers, assisted living experts, affordable housing developers, AARP advocates.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • HOW DO I KNOW WHICH CATEGORY TO ENTER?

    Professionals enter Industry. Everyone else enters Community.

  • CAN PROFESSIONALS MENTOR COMMUNITY TEAMS?

    Yes, mentorship is encouraged.

  • CAN SCHOOLS ENTER MULTIPLE TEAMS?

    Yes.

  • IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE?

    No.

  • DO I NEED TO VISIT CHARLOTTE COUNTY?

    No, but it is encouraged.

  • WHO OWNS SUBMITTED DESIGNS?

    Entrants retain copyright while granting PORCH and AARP display rights.

Ready to Design the Future?

Join architects, students, nonprofits, and community leaders in creating age-friendly homes designed to bring generations together.

REGISTER