The ACSA's Climate Positive Concrete Housing competition winners look to the future of sustainable residential design

Students: Ryan Bramlett & Nikolas Makela
Faculty Sponsor: Matthew Shea
Institution: University of Colorado at Denver

Jury Comments: "1717 Andry St., Precast Prototype is the winner for the South region, showcasing an integrated community design using precast concrete construction systems. The project includes vernacular design of porches, with public program strategies integrated. The depth of the façade is effectively presented by pushing back the balconies, thus activating the zone between the private and the public. Programmatically the project introduces solutions in having higher density plans built for Habitat homes."

Central Region Winner: Tilt, Austin, Texas

Students: Stella Coble & Michelle Powell
Faculty Sponsor: Martin Hättasch
Institution: University of Texas at Austin

Jury Comments: "Tilt is the winner for the Central region, selected for the project’s clarity in the overall design, which is presented through a series of investigations. It is a sophisticated design that walks you through the environmental conditions in relation to the site, the inhabitants, and the material focus of this competition, namely concrete. The design also references how concrete can be deployed for residential construction using tilt-up construction."

North Region Winner: Nelson Plaza + Box House Extension, Vancouver, British Columbia

Student: Bella Scott
Faculty Sponsor: Randall Deutsch
Institution: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Jury Comments: "Nelson Plaza + Box House Extension is a top winner with a thorough understanding of how to site and respond to the North region. The use of fly ash based concrete as the main construction material shows a good understanding of low-carbon cement alternatives. The student brought a holistic approach from concrete material consideration through an impressive environmental response. The design also emphasized inhabitation through higher density living and flexible live/work space that is quite compelling."

West Region Winner: INTER[B]LOCK, Avon, Colorado

Student: Abby Loftus
Faculty Sponsor: Margaret McManus
Institution: Savannah College of Art and Design

Jury comments: "Inter[B]lock is the selected winner for the West region. The proposal presents insulated concrete forms (ICF) and the plausibility for use in Habitat home construction. The project is well presented through beautiful renderings and responds to a difficult topography with a wonderful design solution. The design idea brings forward a logical solution in using concrete in a creative higher density solution."

Honorable Mention: Pulelehua – Precast Concrete Housing, Hilo, Hawaii

Students: Jason Kennell & Lucas Wylie
Faculty Sponsor: Matthew Shea
Institution: University of Colorado at Denver

Jury Comments: "Pulelehua – Precast Concrete Housing is an honorable mention using a volunteer friendly aspect and how the design can increase density for Habitat projects. The exterior renderings are thought-provoking and well suited for Hawaii’s climate."

Honorable Mention: Ring’ Habitat, Avon, Colorado

Student: Sanket Gunjal
Faculty Sponsor: Margaret McManus
Institution: Savannah College of Art and Design

Jury Comments: "Ring’ Habitat receives an honorable mention. The students paid meticulous attention to the scheme and arrangement of spaces. The interior and exterior are beautifully presented and the sheer amount of effort is highly commendable."

Honorable Mention: Sheltered by Concrete, Austin, Texas

Student: Veronica Geschwend
Faculty Sponsor: Przemyslaw Swiatek
Institution: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Jury Comments: "Sheltered by Concrete receives an honorable mention with innovative use of brise soleil design, which addresses multiple issues of climate response. Overall building layout and plans create a good balance with public and private areas."