Design Requirements

The ADU must be detached and have the following elements to be considered in the competition:

• Square footage: 350–900sf

• Height: Maximum 24’

• Kitchen: food storage/refrigerator, food prep space, sink with running water, and cooktop

• Bathroom: toilet, sink, and shower/tub with running water

• Sleeping area: minimum of one sleeping area (includes studio designs)

• Foundation: permanent foundation is required (no trailers)

Submission requirements

• Name, organization (if applicable), contact information

• Brief statement about how their design fulfills each of the scoring criteria listed below

• Scale drawings of floor plans and interior and exterior elevations with key features labeled and, if needed, explanations in an accompanying list

• Square footage of living spaces and the structure's overall footprint

Submission format

• 11" X 17" (1-3 pages) 

• 200 dpi (min) 

• PDF or JPG format (10MB max) 

• ADU rendering 

• Floor Plan 

• Site Plan (use site conditions provided)

Scoring Criteria

• Universal Design principles (30%):
  Submissions should feature ADU designs that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and universal design, ensuring usability for all, including people with disabilities. Designs should support flexible living, adapt to changing needs over time, and enable residents to age in place, remaining in their homes as long as possible.

• Cost Effectiveness (30%):
  Submissions should be economically viable, factoring in construction, maintenance, and operating costs. We seek inventive, cost-effective designs that minimize expenses and promote long-term affordability.

• Sustainability & Resilience (25%):
  Submissions should emphasize resiliency, sustainability, and energy efficiency, integrating strong energy performance, water conservation, and hazard resilience. Designs should support the use of sustainable materials, reduce waste, and minimize ecological impact. Flexibility for future upgrades—such as solar panels, EV charging, and other emerging efficiency technologies—is strongly encouraged.

• Innovation & Aesthetics (15%):
  Submissions should present innovative, space-savvy ADU designs that balance creativity with compatibility in North Adams’ historic character, supporting modern living needs now and in the future. Designs should be visually striking, well-scaled, and imaginative, with thoughtful storage solutions and originality that enhance the city’s architectural fabric.

The submission that best meets the scoring criteria will receive a commission of $2500.