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UMass DesignBuild (UMDB) is a collaborative effort of the students from the UMass Department of Architecture, the UMass Building and Construction Technology Program, and the Five College Architectural Studies Program to design and build innovative, small-scale, affordable housing for under-served communities in Western Massachusetts. Our mission is to provide a transformational educational experience that empowers our students, as they enter the Architecture, Engineer, Construction (AEC) industry in their chosen discipline, to become ethical leaders addressing the pervasive social inequities of housing, gender, and climate.
In 2022, UMDB completed the construction of a 350 square foot, net-zero ready accessory dwelling unit (ADU). After being showcased at the Green River Music Festival, the "Hygge House" (HH) was donated to OneHolyoke Community Development Corporation, a not-for-profit community housing provider in Holyoke, MA.
In 2023, UMDB is continuing to partner with OneHolyoke CDC to deliver innovative, small-scale, affordable housing. This year, students were challenged to design a small, complementary house to be co-located with the first house on a small, urban infill site in “the Flats” neighborhood in Holyoke.
The students’ proposal – named the “Paper House” (PH) in reference to Holyoke’s heritage as the Paper City – is an approximately 500 square foot house that includes two small bedrooms to maximize the utility and flexibility of small-scale housing. Designed to be low-carbon and energy positive, the student design exceeds the MA stretch code performance standards and provides a compelling vision for contemporary affordable housing.
Contact the faculty members listed above directly for any inquiries.
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