RULEBOOK & RESOURCES

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

INDUSTRY CATEGORY

  • Licensed architects
  • Interior designers
  • Engineers
  • Professional firms
  • Built environment professionals

COMMUNITY CATEGORY

  • Community members
  • Schools
  • Faith communities
  • NGOs
  • Students
  • Veterans groups
  • Educators

A duplex is not merely two units under one roof. It is an architecture of relationship.

WHY TWO CATEGORIES?

A licensed architect and a group of eighth graders both have something important to say about what a good home looks like.

PRIZES & RECOGNITION

Prize Structure Options:

Industry prize

$5,000

Community prize

$5,000

collaboration

TBD

Bonus Collaboration Prize:

Potential sponsored $5,000 award.

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Download flyers, guides, and other resources to learn more about the competition, participation requirements, and how you can help shape the future of intergenerational housing.

WHAT EVERY WINNER RECEIVES

  • Public recognition
  • Featured winner profile
  • Inclusion in PORCH Housing Resource Library
  • Certificate of recognition
  • Press features

WHO CAN COLLABORATE

Schools

We welcome participation from accredited high schools, technical schools, colleges, universities, and other educational programs whose students and faculty are interested in creating innovative, affordable, and age-friendly housing solutions.

FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS

churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other faith-based organizations committed to strengthening communities. Through advocacy, volunteerism, outreach, and collaboration, faith communities can help inspire innovative housing solutions that promote dignity, accessibility, and affordable living for older adults.

Senior Organizations

organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Senior centers, aging service providers, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations bring valuable insight into the needs and preferences of aging populations, helping inspire innovative, accessible, and affordable housing solutions.

ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS

licensed architects, builders, engineers, planners, landscape architects, interior designers, and other design and construction professionals to contribute their expertise to the Generations by Design Duplex Design Competition. Their knowledge of innovative design, sustainability, accessibility, and constructability helps create practical, affordable, and age-friendly housing solutions.

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

youth organizations, student groups, educators, and mentors who are passionate about shaping the future of affordable housing. Through collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning, participants can develop innovative, age-friendly housing concepts while gaining valuable real-world experience and making a meaningful impact in their communities.

NONPROFITS

nonprofit organizations committed to strengthening communities and improving quality of life. Organizations focused on housing, health, education, aging services, environmental sustainability, neighborhood revitalization, and community development bring valuable perspectives that can help inspire innovative, affordable, and age-friendly housing solutions.

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.

THE INTERGENERATIONAL TEAM BONUS

Teams including at least one member age 55+ and one member age 25 or younger receive special recognition.

SUBMISSION TOOLS

  • TinkerCAD
  • SketchUp
  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • Hand drawings
  • Physical models
  • Google Slides

TEAM SIZE

2–4 encouraged

NO PROFESSIONAL LICENSE REQUIRED

Ideas and empathy matter more than credentials.

AGE-FRIENDLY DESIGN CRITERIA

Universal Design

  • Zero-step entry
  • Wide doorways and hallways
  • Lever handles
  • Accessible bathrooms
  • Adaptable kitchens
  • Non-slip flooring
  • Bright natural lighting
  • Single-level living

Safety & Resilience

  • Hurricane-rated windows
  • Flood-resistant construction
  • Secure entrances
  • Exterior lighting

Sustainability & Low Maintenance

  • Durable materials
  • Passive cooling
  • Solar-ready roof
  • Low-water landscaping

Community & Connection

  • Shared spaces
  • Visual privacy
  • Informal mutual care
  • Neighborhood compatibility

JUDGING CRITERIA & SCORING

  • Age-Friendly & Universal Design — 30%
  • Intergenerational Design Thinking — 25%
  • Livability & Functionality — 20%
  • Florida Context & Resilience — 15%
  • Design Quality & Presentation — 10%

A NOTE FROM THE JUDGES

“We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for genuine empathy.”

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All entries submitted through the PORCH competition portal.

  • REQUIRED

    • Site Plan
    • Floor Plans
    • Exterior Elevation or 3D View
    • Design Narrative (500–800 words)
    • Team Information

  • OPTIONAL

    • Intergenerational Process Note
    • Collaboration Statement

  • ACCEPTED FORMATS

    • PDF
    • TinkerCAD
    • Sketch
    • UpImages

Max File Size

25MB

WHAT WE DO NOT REQUIRE

  • Structural calculations
  • Permit-ready drawings
  • Expensive software
  • Prior competition experience