Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Contest
What is an ADU?
An ADU is a small, secondary residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling. ADUs are self contained, independent living spaces that contain their own kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping area. An ADU can be attached to, detached from, or built within the primary residence and can be converted from existing structures or new builds.
ADUs can offer an affordable housing option for renters, while providing opportunities for multi-generational living, aging in place, and rental income for homeowners to offset housing costs. ADUs are particularly beneficial for residents aged 50+, offering aging-in-place solutions that allow older adults to remain in their communities while maintaining independence. They also provide an opportunity for caregiver housing, allowing family members or in-home caregivers to live nearby while ensuring privacy.
About the Competition
The City of Jackson is excited to announce that we are holding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competition, aimed at inspiring creative new housing designs that will give Jackson residents more affordable, age-friendly housing choices!
This ADU Design Contest is an opportunity for architects, engineers, and designers of all ages and skill levels to get creative and showcase their talents. We welcome submissions from industry professionals as well as students currently studying architecture and design.
The goals of this competition are to:
- Create Ready-to-Build Designs: Develop three code-compliant, pre-approved ADU plans to simplify the design and permitting process for homeowners.
- Promote Affordable, Age-Friendly Housing: Encourage designs that support aging in place, caregiver housing, and low-cost construction to meet the needs of residents aged 50 and older.
- Increase ADU Awareness and Access: Educate the community about the benefits of ADUs and remove barriers to construction through accessible, City-approved resources.
- Foster Innovation: Engage local professionals, students, and creative designers in creating innovative, accessible, and affordable housing solutions for Jackson.
The City of Jackson intends to award three (3) winning designs to be turned into pre-approved housing design plans.
Eligibility and Submission Requirements
Submissions are welcome from both professionals and non-professionals, including students, emerging designers, licensed architects, and builders. While anyone in the United States is eligible to participate, preference may be given to those who live or work in Tennessee, especially the Jackson area.
We encourage creativity, but designs must be realistic, buildable, and meet the requirements outlined in the competition guidelines. Both new and previously developed ADU designs are welcome as long as they are original designs.
Conceptual designs and construction-ready designs will both be accepted, but concepts must be turned into construction-ready designs if awarded.
Submissions must include:
- Digital Presentation Board to include floor plan and basic site plan
- Preview Image of Design Concept
Designs will be scored on: universal design, construction, creativity, and presentation of submission packet.
How to Submit
All submissions must be sent to [email protected] by 11:59 PM on September 29, 2025 with all required documents and information. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
A drop-in virtual and in-person Q&A and design review will be held on September 8, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CST. Designers are encouraged to present their submissions for review during this session. Please email all questions to [email protected].
Timeline
Aug. 11 - Competition opens
Sept. 8 - Q&A Session (1P - 3P)
Select Here for Q&A Sign Up
Sept. 29 - Competition closes
Oct. 13 - Winners notified
Nov. 11 - ADU Design Showcase