UMass DesignBuild (UMDB) brings together 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 transformational educational experiences that empower our students to become ethical leaders in their chosen professions.
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” 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” 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.
Latest Blog Posts
Follow this project along on our blog. See below for the latest posts:
- The Total EclipseThe tenth week of the DesignBuild was unlike any other week, starting off with a rare event, a total solar eclipse, at 3:27pm on Monday. The eclipse was visible from three surrounding states: Vermont; New Hampshire; and New York, so we were given an optional class day for an opportunity to watch it. Picking up… Read more: The Total Eclipse
- Working Towards the “8th Sister” Design FinalizationThis week, we have been immersed in a whirlwind of educational design activities that have both challenged and expanded our understanding of sustainable construction. From technical lectures to hands-on tutorials, the journey has been inspiring.Mechanical Systems: Backbone of Sustainable Construction Our week kicked off with an engaging lecture on Mechanical Systems by Professor L. Carl… Read more: Working Towards the “8th Sister” Design Finalization
- Big DecisionsThis week was centered around the big review on Wednesday, where each team of 3 would pitch their design ideas to a panel of professors, architects, and community members. One of these designs would be chosen as the ultimate class decision for what will be built in the summer, so it was serious business. On… Read more: Big Decisions
- Design FocusThis week we got the ball rolling with our group concept designs; each team was tasked with developing a design focusing on certain aspects and layouts of the home. We had four groups of three students each working hand in hand to tackle the space’s layout parameters. These four different layouts strategies were: include a… Read more: Design Focus
- Concept Design PresentationsWhat a week! We started on Monday with individual concepts for this year’s build. Designs focused on a variety of features and strategies for making this small footprint feel spacious and light including moving walls, dynamic ceilings, and multi-use furniture. Students will now work in teams of three to develop ideas further and ultimately determine… Read more: Concept Design Presentations