PROJECT Sandbox

PROJECT SITE Princess Anne, Maryland

PROJECT CATEGORY  AIA Potomac Valley Emerging Professional Design Awards

Entrant: Brandon Clear

Team Members: Brandon Clear, Thomas Long, Rafael Gonzalez, David Otieno (Firm: Torti Gallas + Partners, Inc.)
School:
Professor:

Project Type:

Date of Completion: 6/10/2026
 

Studio Prompt:
 

Project Summary: After years of growth and excess, the American suburban house is at a turning point. The original competition prompt was for the world to participate in redefining this iconic housing model.

This moment calls for rethinking what makes a house great. Size is no longer the only measure of success. Today, factors like affordability, adaptability, expandability, environmental performance, and community connection are more important than ever. Participants are encouraged to propose a house prototype that balances comfort and innovation, respects dignity and delight within a compact space, and responds meaningfully to the cultural and ecological realities of the United States.

To keep the challenge realistic, the competition uses simple reference points. Designs should target a typical household of two adults and one child, aiming for a well-sized home rather than an oversized one. Affordability is crucial: the home must be achievable and livable within a cost that keeps total housing expenses accessible to a middle-income family. Generally, housing should not exceed 30% of household income, following the "3 out of 10 dollars” rule. Instead of seeing these as limits, participants are encouraged to view them as opportunities to prove how thoughtful design can do more with less—creating homes that are affordable, sustainable, adaptable, and truly livable. More detailed suggestions and examples are provided in the brief.

The original competition looked for not just ideas, but workable prototypes that could set a new standard for suburban living. It was an open call to architects and designers worldwide to imagine a house that can inspire communities, influence policy, and become the foundation of a renewed suburban dream—smaller, smarter, adaptable, expandable, replicable, improved, adaptable, expandable, replicable, and better.

Jury Comments (if applicable): 

The judges were highly impressed by this thoughtful, well-developed project, particularly its innovative approach to creating flexible, adaptable housing that can evolve with homeowners’ changing needs. They appreciated the emphasis on long-term sustainability and the broader vision of fostering neighborhood interaction and community connections. The simplicity and versatility of the homes, combined with the strong overall concept and clear, compelling graphic presentation, made this a standout submission.

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD

Project PDF

Project Narrative (AIAPV)
Design Panel Project PDF (AIAPV)