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 continued to partner with OneHolyoke CDC and delivered an innovative, small-scale, single family residential affordable housing unit the “Paper House“.
This year, 2024, students were challenged to design a third small house for OneHolyoke CDC. It will again be a single family residence located in an urban infill site in the “Flats” neighborhood of Holyoke. The students’ proposal – named the “8th Sister” in reference to Holyoke’s nearby Seven Sister Mountain Range – is an approximately 600 square foot house that includes one bedroom and bathroom and an expanded open space for entry, kitchen, dining , and socializing. As an alternative approach from Paper House, the 8th sister continues to explore the opportunities of small-scale housing.
As energy codes in Massachusetts continue to become more stringent, UMDB projects continue to improve on energy efficiency while also reducing embodied carbon through the incorporation of alternative sustainable materials, including wood fiber insulation compressed straw-bale, and the elimination of a full concrete foundation.
Latest Blog Posts
Follow this project along on our blog. See below for the latest posts:
- One Month Later and Prep for the Move to HolyokeJust a brief update to let you know the 8th Sisters status. Final Holyoke Planning Committee and Building Official approvals and permitting have been completed for all three buildings: Hygge House, Paper House, and 8th Sister. This Fall, each will arrive at their permanent homes in Holyoke: 808 Dwight St., 800 Dwight St., and 160… Read more: One Month Later and Prep for the Move to Holyoke
- The Final Week!We’ are excited to share the final updates from the 2024 UMass DesignBuild project! This last week has been incredibly productive, as we wrap up the “8th Sister” for its future residents! The weather did not treat us any better as we completed our final week of the Build. The heat and humidity has been… Read more: The Final Week!
- Penultimate Week — Unusual Happenings!Of course, all work already begun continued and headed toward completion, i.e. Electrical Rough-in, Board and Batten Siding Install (just the Boards at this point; Battens come next), Deck Framing, and Front Porch Ceiling Framing. You have probably seen enough of those photos. 🙂 Three exciting events happened. First, Mike DeSorgher, principal, of Yeoman Design… Read more: Penultimate Week — Unusual Happenings!
- Week 7: Short Week!The reason it was a short week is because last week the students voted to work on Saturday, a sixth workday for the week. The purpose of that Saturday replacing the Friday after Thursday, July 4th Holiday, allowing us all to have a four day weekend. Although last Saturday it did not seem like such… Read more: Week 7: Short Week!
- UMass Administrator’s VisitThis week has been full of progress and special moments as we continue to bring the “8th Sister” to life. On Monday, we had the honor of welcoming UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, Vice Provost Shane Conklin, and CNS Dean Michael Fox to our build site. Their visit was an exciting break from our morning… Read more: UMass Administrator’s Visit