Miami’s natural beauty presents a canvas like no other – where the earth and water whisper stories of leisure, and the sky dances overhead. The “Housing+ Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)” competition, organized by AIA Miami / MCAD, invites architects and designers to contribute to this enticing landscape by creating affordable housing for the local community. This contest is not just about designing an ADU home but crafting an idea and experience that embodies regenerative living.

Participants are tasked with designing a small-scale ADU to add to an existing single-family home. This structure should blend functionality with enchanting neighborhood aesthetics, providing a livable space for those 50+ that caters to functionality and resiliency while framing views of the surrounding environment. The ADU must integrate features such as a living area, a place to sleep, a changing room, a toilet, a bathing area, a place to cook, and an exterior wall without openings.

This competition invites you to imprint your vision upon the Miami landscape and what affordable living can be. It is a chance to design a small yet significant addition to the urban condition – a place that will welcome housing affordability through thoughtful design and create a more resilient, inclusive, and aspirational place for all.

The Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (a maximum of 4 team members). Participants must live in Miami. And comply with FBC 2023 and ADA requirements.