99K House

This two-stage, international design competition sponsored by Rice University and the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects, called for a single family house with up to 1,400 SF, including 3 bedrooms and 1½ - 2 bathrooms, on a 50' x 100' site in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward. The project goals are straightforward:

• Broaden awareness of green building strategies within a framework of affordability.
• Produce a creative and innovative design that can be replicated throughout the Gulf Coast
• Generate publicity for sustainable affordable house that can be built and sold for $99,000 or less.

The winning entry, Core, was designed by a team from Hybrid Architects and Owen Richards Architects based in Seattle. Their 1,200 square foot design features a wood balloon frame that rests atop a raised wood floor. Geothermal heating, a solar powered fan, and movable walls for easy adaptation round out some of the other green highlights.

APA is working closely with the design team on materials and construction options and will have more information in the coming weeks.