Actual.AC Places in ADU Competition

Actual Architecture Co.’s CoreADU won third place in An ADU for U, a design competition organized by AARP Nebraska seeking age-friendly Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs for Omaha.

“The growing population of older adults in the Omaha area and across the U.S. is putting a squeeze on the supply of housing for this demographic. ADUs are an affordable but underutilized housing option that could be the answer for many families,” shared AARP Nebraska’s State Director Todd Stubbendieck.

The CoreADU is an adaptable prototype Accessory Dwelling Unit for Omaha designed for aging in place, affordability, and energy efficiency. The concept and its adaptability foreground the diversity of family and household profiles, and lot types that make up the Omaha community. The proposal features a fixed “core” containing an accessible bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and a utility attic, surrounded by accessible and flexible living spaces (living/dining, bedroom, entry, kitchen). The core design is fixed but the dimensions of surrounding spaces can vary allowing the concept to be configured for the available spaces on different lots. 

“Many Omaha residents desire to age in place; however, their current homes are either too large, too maintenance heavy, or simply not designed for them to live safely and independently,” added Karna Loewenstein, AARP Nebraska’s Volunteer Lead on this effort.

The dwelling is designed for energy efficiency, low embodied carbon construction, and low maintenance. Affordability is a result of extreme efficiency and smart construction practices. The core, which contains the most intensive construction demands, along with the storage elements, maybe built off-site as modules or prefabricated as “flat-packed” components to be delivered and installed on site, thus limiting construction time and disruption to the existing neighborhood.

Plans will soon be available for purchase and pre-approval by the City of Omaha’s new Fast Track permitting program.