Project Details

with Paxton Marshall, School of Engineering and Applied Science; Eric Field, Department of Architecture

In a parallel effort during the fall of 2010, ecoMOD developed the ecoMOD XS designs -- referring to ‘extra small’ unit size and environmental impact. The over-80 demographic group is the fast growing sector of the U.S. population and the average single family home has more than doubled in size since 1950. Our homes are larger, and they have fewer and older people living in them. Smart growth planners are pushing for the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in urban areas. ADU’s are small housing units that are attached to or sited in the yard of a larger single family home. ecoMOD3, completed in 2007, includes an ADU designed for aging in place. The ecoMOD XS team also designed ADU’s that allow for the possibility of aging in place. The designs will be made available to the public via the ecoMOD website, and via distribution to affordable housing providers. The designs aim for zero energy use and overall reduced environmental impact. The designs are informed by the needs of older Americans, and the principles of universal design. ecoMOD partnered with the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), a Charlottesville based non-profit that provides services for the area’s aging population.

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