CAPLA Faculty Stand Out in Tucson's Casita Model Plan Competition for Innovative Housing Solutions
CAPLA faculty members have been recognized in the recently concluded Casita Model Plan Competition—a strategic initiative by the City of Tucson, funded through the AARP 2023 Community Challenge grant, to address housing challenges. The competition, open to architects, engineers, designers, builders, contractors, design-build teams, and students, included an engaging three-week public voting period, attracting over 1,400 votes for 63 unique model designs. The jury, consisting of local architects, designers and builders, thoughtfully followed scoring guidelines to select the top 10 designs.
Notably, Jonathan Bean's Tux2, Valerie Lane's Roost, and the collaborative work of Anneheliza Jordaan and Stefan Mostert on Casita Sama were among the top 10 designs chosen by the local jury. These winning designs earned recognition for their innovation, each receiving a $1,000 prize along with waived building review fees. Beyond individual accomplishments, these faculty-designed models are poised to shape Tucson's housing landscape.
Featured in the Casita Model Plan Library—an online repository of pre-approved model plans—these designs will serve as inspiration for future Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) projects and offer a streamlined pathway for builders. The success of CAPLA faculty members in the Casita Model Plan Competition underscores their commitment to providing innovative solutions to Tucson's housing challenges through community-driven initiatives.
