The American Institute of Architects established the Housing Awards 16 years ago to recognise the best in housing design, and to promote 'the importance of good housing as a necessity of life'.

The projects are awarded in four categories.

One/Two Family Custom Housing

Hog Pen Creek Retreat, Austin Texas, Lake|Flato Architects

The house is designed to connect with nature, and with extra office space to facilitate the owners' transition to retirement. The jury said, "Delicate placement amidst mature landscape and creek waterfront views."

Independence Pass Residence, Aspen Colorado, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

This house stretches between two knolls on the edge of a nature reserve. The jury said, "Beautiful use of stone and lines to frame views of conversation land" and "A simply spectacular house totally attuned to its Aspen setting."

Island Residence, Honolulu, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

Designed for an active family of hour, the focus of this house is on flexible living. The jury said, "Excellent place-based design marrying modernism with hand-crafted details."

Newberg Residence, Newberg Oregon, Cutler Anderson Architects

The 1,440 square foot main residence and 550 square foot guest house were designed to broaden the owner's connection to the site, a man-made overgrown pond. The jury said, "Elegant design demonstrates the joy of living with nature."

Oak Ridge House, Jackson Mississippi, Duvall Decker Architects

This house was commissioned to encourage the family to be together, while taking advantage of Mississippi's wonderful environment. The jury said, "An understated, well designed home."

Multifamily Living

1180 Fourth Street, San Francisco, Mithun

This project houses 150 low-income, very-low-income, and formerly homeless families and individuals. It is currently home to 261 children. Tenants are selected by lottery from a long list of applicants. The jury said, "It does some really neat things architecturally and is rich in many ways."

Cloverdale749, Los Angeles, Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects

Located in a cultural hub of Los Angeles, the project maximises its land use. The jury said, "Very well thought out, detailed, and elegant."

Specialised housing

Commonwealth Honors College, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Massachusetts, William Rawn Associates Architects

This complex provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings for the Honors program at this university. The project brings together all classes of students in a mix of unit types. The jury said, "It was well thought out and integrated" and "They spent so much time on careful spaces for social engagement."

Homeless Veteran Transitional Housing, Los Angeles, LEO A DALY

The design team repurposed a disused historic building into a new home for veterans. The jury said, "This carefully considered the specific building users and their particular therapeutic needs."

Whitetail Woods Regional Park Camper Cabins, Farmington Minnesota, HGA

​Three camper cabins reinterpret the tree-house concept. The jury said, "The light footprint is lovely and the low impact on the environment is wonderful."

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