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AIA Announces 2006 Housing Award Winners

Categories included Single-family Housing, Multifamily Housing, and Innovation in Housing Design.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 3/15/2006 12:00:00 AM

From 115 submissions, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected 13 recipients to receive 2006 Housing Committee Awards. Organized to recognize “the best in housing design and promote the importance of good housing as a necessity of life, a sanctuary for the human spirit, and a valuable national resource,” according to press material, the awards program is now in its sixth year. The jury honored projects in three award categories: Single-family Housing, Multifamily Housing, and Innovation in Housing Design.

The Kessler Residence, in Chevy Chase, Maryland is one of the Single-Family award winners. Architect Robert M. Gurney, based in Alexandria, Virginia, created a modern home complete with 75-foot lap pool, elevator, and bold geometry. A steeply pitched roof eases the structure's transition into a historical neighborhood.

K Lofts in San Diego, spearheaded by San Diego-based architect Jonathan Segal, received a Multifamily Housing Award. Designed with help from residents, community stakeholders, local government officials and civic groups, the building supplies private and public spaces. The structure incorporates a former convenience store and gas station and focuses on social interaction, shared use, affordability (the building does not receive government subsidy), and sustainability. “Elegant! The design looks like a Mondrian painting,” the jury notes.

Pugh + Scarpa’s solar home in Venice, California received one of two Innovation in Housing Design awards. The firm’s Solar Umbrella is a home which produces 100 percent of its electricity, courtesy of a revamped solar canopy which absorbs sunlight instead of deflecting it.

Pugh + Scarpa took home two awards. Additional winners are Noroof Architects; Lee & Mundwiler Architects; Fernau & Hartman Architects; Frederick Phillips and Associates; Hammel, Green and Abrahamson; Kanner Architects; University of Washington; Perkins + Will; and Resolution: 4 Architecture.

A complete list of projects recognized and jury comments is available online.