Helping Homeowners Become Home Creators
It’s no secret: the Monadnock Region has a housing shortage. Home prices and rents are going up. Vacancies and inventory are low. There is no one size fits all solution. We need a variety of approaches to address the issue. We need a full cast of community members to step up to the challenge.
Everyday homeowners have a role to play. On many residential sites, opportunity exists to develop an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a home on the same property as a primary dwelling unit. An ADU can be physically attached to the primary dwelling or detached. They are gaining attention as a housing option that can fit within a wide variety of neighborhood contexts, whether urban or rural. ADUs can also address urgent housing needs, such as the prevailing desire among older adults to age in place.
The Monadnock Region ADU Design Challenge aims to connect interested homeowners with architects, students, and building professionals who can provide design services and help homeowners imagine how an ADU could take shape on their property. The homeowners benefit from free design services. The architects, students, and building professionals competing in the challenge benefit from the positive publicity and have a shot at winning a minimum cash prize of $5,000. The region as a whole benefits from a better understanding of how ADUs can fit within our local communities. A triple win.
All designs, participant bios, and contact information are available to the public on this page to encourage community members to engage with a participating firm.
Resources from the event – including the slide deck from NH Housing – are available at the bottom of the page.
Awards Celebration and Submission Showcase
Homeowners explore design submissions.
Todd Horner and Andrew Schott in front of Bruce Hamilton Architects’ submission.
SWRPC Executive Director Todd Horner making opening remarks at the Monadnock ADU Design Challenge Awards Celebration.
Todd Horner and Bob Sutherland in front of kcs ARCHITECTS’ design submission.
Event attendees peruse the 25 design submissions, enjoy food from B Bakes, and view the slideshow.
Todd Horner and Rik Ekstrom awarding Hallie Black via Zoom.
Cardboard ADUs created by children earlier in the afternoon (thanks to the Monadnock Resource Alliance Entrepreneurial Housing Solutions group!).
A story accompanying the cardboard ADU creations.
Peterborough Director of Planning and Building Danica Melone discussing what ADU development means to her community.
Event attendees peruse the design submissions.
Event attendees peruse the design submissions.
Event attendees peruse the design submissions.
Bob Sutherland accepting the award for the New Freestanding Structure category on behalf of kcs ARCHITECTS.
Event attendees peruse the design submissions.
Participating designers peruse the submissions.
Rik Ekstrom introduces Hallie Black as the awardee for the Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure category.
Event attendees perusing the three awardee submissions.
Event attendees network while perusing the submissions.
SWRPC Executive Director Todd Horner making opening remarks.
A story accompanying the cardboard ADU creations.
Sarah Wrightsman, Manager of Community Engagement and Education at NH Housing, discusses resources for homeowners interested in building an ADU.
Andrew Schott receives the award for the Addition to the Primary Structure category on behalf of Bruce Hamilton Architects.
Sarah Wrightsman, Manager of Community Engagement and Education at NH Housing, discusses new home improvement financing products.
Conceptual ADU Design Submissions
Participating designers selected from one of 11 case study sites, each representing a homeowner in the Monadnock Region, to form the basis of their submission. The case study homeowners were interested in ADUs for different reasons, but a common theme was a desire to age in place or support multi-generational households. Each case study fell into one of three ADU categories: Addition to the Primary Dwelling, New Detached Structure, or Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure.
Winning Designs
“Sugar Onwards”
Hallie Black
Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure
Designed for Marcia and Gary’s Case Study SiteAward Winner
Hallie Black is an independent designer and educator working in Los Angeles, CA. She has projects in construction and planning located in Colorado and California. She was the director of Stray Dog Café, the personal art and research space of Pritzker Prize winning architect Thom Mayne from 2020 to 2023. There she conceptualized, edited, and graphically designed Morphosis’ latest book, M³: modeled works [archive] 1972-2022 (Rizzoli, 2023). She graduated from the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University in May of 2019 with a Bachelor of Architecture concentrating in visual representation and a minor in German studies. Her thesis, “Building Up in Flames”, published in the German Monitor won the Charles Goodwin Sands Memorial Thesis Award for design and academic excellence and nominated for the Michael Rapuano Memorial Award. Black was the managing editor of the Cornell Journal of Architecture for issues 11 and 12. Cornell and Yale University, a83 Gallery, and A+D Museum, among others, have featured her work in exhibitions and several print and online publications. Black taught at Cornell University and University of Southern California and is a lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles.
hallie.black@protonmail.com
(424) 256-6076
Hallieblack.com
Homepage – Hallie Black“Prairie Addition”
Bruce Hamilton Architects
Addition to the Primary Dwelling
Designed for Amee and ClairAward Winner
Andrew Schott is a recent graduate of Keene State College’s Architecture program. He now works at Bruce Hamilton Architects in New Ipswich, NH. The firm has over 30 years of experience working on residential and commercial projects all over New England. Andrew also received a sustainability minor from the school and enjoyed researching passive and active houses and how to capitalize off solar heating. Andrew noted that Amee and Clair’s project lined up perfectly with the work of the firm as well as what he has been looking to design.
(603) 878-4823
Homepage – Bruce Hamilton Architects“The Shou Shed”
kcs ARCHITECTS
New Freestanding Structure
Designed for Carlotta’s Case Study SiteAward Winner
The office of kcs ARCHITECTS is a woman-owned New Hampshire business with five architectural professionals working together on a variety of local projects. The firm’s growth and success over the past decade are driven by its talented design team, which includes Katie Sutherland, Jon Graves, Kayleigh Marshall, Eli Mead, and Nick Tolman. Together, they have delivered outstanding work across residential, commercial, municipal and institutional projects, with an emphasis on creativity, sustainability, and community. kcs ARCHITECTS has contributed to the architectural landscape of the area designing community buildings such as Monadnock Food Co-op, MoCo Arts, Nova Arts & Brewbakers, Jenna’s Butcher, Swanzey Fire Station, Our Town Dental Mixed Use Building on Grove Street in Peterborough, and more.
kcs ARCHITECTS has received the prestigious 2020 AIA New Hampshire Rick and Duffy Monahon Award for Design Excellence in Architectural Restoration and Preservation, celebrating its expertise in historic renovations. More recently, the firm was honored with the 2024 NH AIA Merit Award for its thoughtful design of the “Not-So-Tiny Lake House” on a Monadnock-area lake, a project that highlights kcs ARCHITECTS’ talent in crafting innovative, site-sensitive architecture. kcs ARCHITECTS’ projects have been widely recognized in the field, with residential works featured in NH Home Magazine, on Dwell Magazine’s website and a local Dublin, NH ADU project published in Sheri Koones’ architecture book, ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution.
(603) 439-6648
Homepage – kcs ARCHITECTSHonorable Mentions
Additional Submissions
“Upstairs”
Bardh Maraj
Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure
Designed for Adam and Lisa’s Case Study Site
Bardh Maraj is a freshly graduated architecture student with passion for design and design challenges. He is a first prize award winner of the 2023 Montclair, NJ Gateway to Aging in Place ADU Design Challenge.
(914) 450-7466
“Dwelling Duo”
Alba Hysaj
Addition to the Primary Dwelling
Designed for Catherine’s Case Study Site
Alba Hysaj is a 26-year-old architectural designer with a passion for blending sustainability and aesthetics. She studied engineering and architecture in Kosovo, Europe, and then in the U.S. where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture at City College of New York. Alba works as a freelance architectural designer and junior landscape designer at Garden 26, where she is gaining experience in creating functional and beautiful outdoor spaces. Alba participated in another ADU competition, where her design was recognized and featured in the sustainable ADU’s online library.
718-213-5313
“Case Study for Daniel and Kellie”
Schatelier Architectural Studio
Addition to the Primary Dwelling
Designed for Daniel and Kellie’s Case Study Site
Karina Schacht is a licensed architect who has been practicing since 1992. She created Schatelier Architectural Studio in 2015.
She has a special interest in tailoring design services to be within reach of clients’ means, creating site sensitive design
solutions that also reduce the energy needs of the building and helping clients translate their needs into meaningful results that
speak for themselves. The studio uses key design strategies to enable projects to be more affordable in terms of cost to build and operate.
“Karen’s House – ADU”
Richard Rosen, AIA
Addition to the Primary Dwelling
Designed for Karen’s Case Study Site
Born in Philadelphia, Richard Rosen earned a B.A. in French Literature from the University of Rochester and a Master of Architecture degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1979. Over a 45– year career, he has designed a variety of institutional buildings, along with many private residential projects. For the past 35 years his focus has been on Senior Housing, from independent residences and communities through assisted, dementia and long-term care. This work has made him acutely aware of the needs of aging individuals, along with an understanding of accessibility and creating environments where people can live as the best version of themselves for as long as possible. Some of his more recent projects have included affordable senior housing, incorporating modular construction techniques and Passive House technology and certification. His interest over the past few years in Accessory Dwelling Units is what interested him in this competition. Residing in Armonk, NY, Rich is a sole practitioner concentrating on single and multi-family residential projects.
“Modern Ranch ADU”
Spencer St. Pierre
New Freestanding Structure
Designed for Amy and Matthew’s Case Study Site
Spencer St. Pierre is a dedicated Project Coordinator with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Miami University. She grew up in Chester, NH and has always had a knack for design whether it was redecorating her room or drawing pictures. Her study
abroad experience in London broadened her understanding of architectural practices across different cultures, enhancing her
understanding of design. Spencer is passionate about sustainability, holding credentials as a LEED Green Associate and Certified
Passive House Consultant (CPHC). For the last several months she has been working on multifamily housing which includes
kitchen, bathroom and overall living space designs. This will help her be able to develop a one story house to meets both client
goals as well as sustainability needs. Eager to leverage her academic knowledge and practical experience, Spencer looks forward
to contributing to innovative projects while continuing to grow within the industry.
(603) 722-7993
How it Worked
The first phase of the competition entailed recruiting Monadnock Region homeowners to participate as Case Studies. SWRPC staff created homeowner profiles for a subset of applicants that were chosen to participate based on various criteria. The case study homeowners were interested in ADUs for different reasons, but a common theme was a desire to age in place or support multi-generational households. Each case study fell into one of three ADU categories: Addition to the Primary Dwelling, New Detached Structure, or Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure.
In the second phase of the challenge, architects, designers, students, and building professionals were invited to select one of the11 case study sites, each representing a homeowner in the Monadnock Region, to form the basis of their submission. To encourage a wide array of submissions, registrants were limited to one submission per registration, and the total number of accepted registrations per Case Study Site was limited to three. We received 25 submissions from designers across the country – 14 from New Hampshire (six from the Monadnock Region), nine from New York, one from Florida, and one from California. In the end, all 11 Case Study Site homeowners received at least one conceptual design.
The Design Jury, made up of local housing professionals, developers, and (non-competing) architects, scored the submissions and selected one awardee per category. Scoring criteria included sustainability, affordability, accessibility, innovation, aesthetics, and responsiveness to homeowner needs, goals, and site characteristics.
The Challenge culminated on March 8, 2025 with the Submission Showcase and Awards Celebration event. A total of $15,000 in prize money was awarded to the three best ADU design submissions, one per category. For Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure, the winning design was “Sugar Onwards” by Hallie Black of Los Angeles, CA. For Addition to the Primary Dwelling, the winning design was “Prairie Addition” by Andrew Schott of Bruce Hamilton Architects of New Ipswich, NH. For New Freestanding Structure, the winning design was “The Shou Shed” by kcs ARCHITECTS of Keene, NH. Each received a $5,000 check courtesy of AARP’s Community Challenge.
Next Steps
Follow up with case study households to assess interest in pursuing ADU development. Promote designs to towns in the region. Pursue funding for future work, e.g., creation of pre-approved, open-source building plans based on awarded designs. Meet with municipal officials and staff to market the competition and how submitted designs could potentially be considered for pre-approval and streamlined permitting in the future.
Meet the Homeowners
Below are the Homeowner Case Study Profiles. Each shows the homeowner’s story, their selected type of ADU, design preferences, relevant ordinances, a site map, and photos of the property.
Marcia and Gary
Marlow, NH
Adapting an existing structure
The Story
“We have a sugar house that measures about 14′ x 18′ that we no longer use and have sold the evaporator. The building has a poured concrete foundation and is in good repair. We have entertained the idea of improving the existing building and adding on make an ADU for our elderly parents. We would like to do it in a budget minded manner. It is in a perfect setting and would allow for some privacy and at the same time be close enough for us to offer assistance as needed.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
Housing for adult children or other young family members.
The homeowners will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
The property is rural and wooded on a total of 8 acres with no close neighbors.
Long driveway with lots of parking space, built off of a dirt road that has only four other houses.
Primary dwelling was built in 1999. It is not connected to either municipal water or sewer.
Structure to adapt is the sugar house, which was built a few years after the main house. The existing structure is in good shape, but it is not big enough for an ADU. This requires a redesign with an addition.
Site specifics: location is relatively level and dry. There are some sugar maples near the sugar house that should be preserved. The well is located about 50 feet behind the main house. The septic system is located just above the sugar house on the lower lawn of the main house.
Required accessibility features: single-level living for parents to potentially age-in-place.
Aesthetic requests: incorporate the feel of the sugar house.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Setback from right of way: 40 feet
Setback from other property boundaries: 25 feet
ADU maximum floor area: 40% of primary dwelling unit or 750 square feet, whichever is larger
Maximum building height: 35 feet, 2.5 stories
Additional parking: 1 off-street spot
Town of Marlow Zoning Ordinance, Marlow 2024 Property Maps, Town of Marlow Accessory Dwelling Ordinance
Site Map
Additional Photos
Front face of sugar house
View of sugar house from front yard
View of sugar house from driveway
Right side of sugar house (side that faces the primary dwelling)
Property details behind sugar house
View of house from road
View of house from sugar house
Left side of sugar house
Rear of sugar house
Adam and Lisa
Troy, NH
Adapting an existing structure
The Story
“Housing an aging parent in the near term, or housing for my wife and I when the kids are moved out and our home gets to be too large for us on our own. Would love for one of our kids to take over the main house and my wife and I move into the ADU.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
Housing for adult children or other young family members.
The homeowners will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
Primary dwelling was built around 1970 with an addition to the south side in the 1990s and the garage in the 2000s. It is connected to both municipal water and sewer via pipes that run from the southern corner of the main house to the street.
Structure to adapt is the existing garage.
Site specifics: “Paved parking area next to the garage can be utilized for ADU entryway construction around to an enclosed stairway along the back of the garage up to the ADU if necessary.”
Required accessibility features: The homeowners are “interested in a residential elevator from the far left garage bay to the potential ADU above.”
Aesthetic requests: Blend with existing home style.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Right-of-way setback: 35 feet
Side and rear boundary line setbacks: 20 feet
Maximum floor area: 1,000 square feet
Additional parking: at least 1 off-street spot
Zoning Ordinance Town of Troy, NH, Town of Troy, NH Zoning Map
Site Map
Additional Photos
Front of house from yard
Front of garage from driveway
Side of garage
Rear of garage
Rear of house
Side of house
Yard
Looking up driveway
Yard
View of driveway and yard from street
View of street from driveway
Interior garage wall
Karen
Fitzwilliam, NH
An addition onto the primary home
The Story
“I live alone and have no relatives closer than an hour and a half. I am retired, work part time as a substitute teacher, and do everything myself. It would be nice to have another person/two nearby in case of an emergency. I have plans to add on a garage & breezeway – an apartment above for income and someone here in case of an emergency would be helpful – but with current costs of building, I simply cannot afford it.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for one or two people.
Housing for long term tenants.
Housing for workers.
The homeowner will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
The property is rural with a large frontage, open space around the house, and woods to the rear.
Driveway in front of the house is the historic passageway of the “Great Road” and should be preserved. Property also has various stone walls.
The primary dwelling is 235 years old. It is not connected to either municipal water or sewer. The addition will be built onto this structure.
The house is a front-entry Federal period Cape style home. Four rooms on the first floor, a center staircase, two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor. Two chimneys and six fireplaces.
Site specifics: the right-side entrance to the primary dwelling currently opens onto a more recently built deck. This deck should be removed to make room for the ADU and to better reflect the Federal style architecture.
The new (2023) septic system is to the rear of the house with the septic tank at the back of the fenced area behind the house. The leach fields are farther back in the yard, past the fenced area. The well (2022) is to the right of the house past the deck and parking area. This is the newest of two other wells (one within the fenced yard and one possibly located under the deck).
Required features: attached to the house, small room with heated tile floor, and a garage with the ADU.
Aesthetic requests: maintain the Federal cape style, “Great Road” passageway, and stone walls. Accommodate future solar panels.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Front yard setback: 75 feet
Side and rear yard setback: 20 feet
Maximum floor area: 800 square feet
Max building height: 36 feet
Additional parking: “adequate”
Town of Fitzwilliam Zoning Ordinances 2024, Fitzwilliam, NH Zoning Districts, Fitzwilliam Tables of Dimensional Regulations and Principal Uses
Site Map
Additional Photos
Front face of house
View of house from road
View of left side of house from road
View of driveway area
View of driveway into fenced yard
Rock wall and grass area to the right of driveway
View of right side of house from rock wall
Right side of house with deck and fence gate
Fenced-in yard area from gate
Fenced-in yard area
Canine residents
Catherine
Marlborough, NH
An addition onto the primary home
The Story
“I am a 69-year-old woman living in Marlborough and I have adult children and grandchildren living in NH. I have been interested in an ADU so that family members can be close by as I age. My four-plus acre property has the space, and I would like a chance to learn about designing an ADU in my setting.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
Housing for adult children or other young family members.
Housing for workers.
The homeowner will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
The property is a total of 4.4 acres, surrounded by woods. There are no visible neighbors.
Long driveway off of road, across the street from a marsh.
Primary dwelling was built in 1948. It is not connected to either municipal water or sewer. The home has oil heat with wood as backup.
The septic and well house are on the southern side of the house, sloping down. Electricity runs to the southern side lamp post and western side sauna house.
The addition will be built onto the primary dwelling.
Site specifics: emphasize site for natural light. There are three out-buildings, and the garage is under the house.
Required accessibility features: single-level living and safety features for aging-in-place.
Aesthetic requests: simple style, natural light.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Setback from “gateway corridor” right-of-way: 60 feet
Side yard setback: 25 feet
Rear yard setback: 40 feet
Maximum floor area: no more than 1/3 of the combined total square footage of living space in the primary dwelling and ADU
Maximum building height: 35 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less
Additional parking: 2 spots
Town of Marlborough Zoning Ordinance, Marlborough Parcel and Zoning Map,
Site Map
Additional Photos
“Front” of house (facing backyard)
Rear of house
Rear of house from hill
Wrap-around driveway looking towards garage (“right” face)
Right side of house looking over garage roof
Picnic table at left side of house
Backyard view from “front” of house
Backyard looking left from front of house
Driveway behind house
Property Details
Site Plan
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He is a first prize award winner of the 2023 Montclair, NJ Gateway to Aging in Place ADU Design Challenge.”,”field_5e6f7d05eb590″:{“title”:””,”url”:””,”target”:””}},”row-1″:{“field_5e6f7bc3eb585″:”13616″,”field_5e6f7c1beb586″:”\u0022Sugar Onwards\u0022 \u003cbr\u003e”,”field_5e6f7c2deb587″:”Hallie Black”,”field_5e6f7c5beb589″:”Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure”,”field_5e6f7c7aeb58b”:”Designed for Marcia and Gary’s Case Study Site”,”field_5e6f7cc5eb58d”:””,”field_5e6f7cbbeb58c”:{“field_5fbdae66d0476″:””,”field_5fbdae7ed0477″:””,”field_5fbdaeacd0478″:””,”field_5fbdaebcd0479″:””},”field_5e6f7cd7eb58e”:”\u003ch4\u003eAward Winner\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.swrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Black_presentation_boards-1.pdf\u0022\u003eSugar Onwards Presentation Boards\u003c/a\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.swrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Black_narrative-2.pdf\u0022\u003eSugar Onwards Narrative\u003c/a\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cimg class=\u0022alignnone size-medium wp-image-13639\u0022 src=\u0022https://www.swrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/att00002-257×300.jpg\u0022 alt=\u0022\u0022 width=\u0022257\u0022 height=\u0022300\u0022 /\u003e\r\n\r\nHallie Black is an independent designer and educator working in Los Angeles, CA. She has projects in construction and planning located in Colorado and California. She was the director of Stray Dog Café, the personal art and research space of Pritzker Prize winning architect Thom Mayne from 2020 to 2023. There she conceptualized, edited, and graphically designed Morphosis’ latest book, \u003cem\u003eM³: modeled works [archive] 1972-2022 \u003c/em\u003e(Rizzoli, 2023). She graduated from the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University in May of 2019 with a Bachelor of Architecture concentrating in visual representation and a minor in German studies. Her thesis, “Building Up in Flames”, published in the \u003cem\u003eGerman Monitor\u003c/em\u003e won the Charles Goodwin Sands Memorial Thesis Award for design and academic excellence and nominated for the Michael Rapuano Memorial Award. Black was the managing editor of the \u003cem\u003eCornell Journal of Architecture\u003c/em\u003e for issues 11 and 12. Cornell and Yale University, a83 Gallery, and A+D Museum, among others, have featured her work in exhibitions and several print and online publications. Black taught at Cornell University and University of Southern California and is a lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles.”,”field_5e6f7d05eb590″:{“title”:””,”url”:””,”target”:””}},”row-2″:{“field_5e6f7bc3eb585″:”13643″,”field_5e6f7c1beb586″:”\u0022Home Sweet Home\u0022 \u003cbr\u003e”,”field_5e6f7c2deb587″:”David Cunningham Architecture and Planning”,”field_5e6f7c5beb589″:”Adaptive Reuse of an Existing Structure”,”field_5e6f7c7aeb58b”:”Designed for Marcia and Gary’s Case Study Site”,”field_5e6f7cc5eb58d”:””,”field_5e6f7cbbeb58c”:{“field_5fbdae66d0476″:””,”field_5fbdae7ed0477″:””,”field_5fbdaeacd0478″:””,”field_5fbdaebcd0479″:””},”field_5e6f7cd7eb58e”:”\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.swrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dcap_PRESENTATION-BOARDS-1.pdf\u0022\u003eHome Sweet Home Presentation Boards\u003c/a\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.swrpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dcap_NARRATIVE-1.pdf\u0022\u003eHome Sweet Home Narrative\u003c/a\u003e\r\n\r\nDavid Cunningham Architecture Planning PLLC (DCAP) is committed to creating spaces that are beautiful and functional. Our studio has two decades of experience with adaptive reuse challenges like the Sugar House in both urban and rural settings. We love blending the charm of the past with the needs of the future and transforming derelict structures into new homes. We view every project as a collaboration between owner, architect and builder. Building the team is the first step to building the project. We always encourage our team to embrace sustainable and accessible practices. Our designs are guided by a respect for craftsmanship in order to create spaces that inspire our clients while meeting their needs for years to come. Every site and building has a story. Our mission is to discover and understand these stories and carry them forward for the next generation.”,”field_5e6f7d05eb590″:{“title”:””,”url”:””,”target”:””}}}},”mode”:”edit”} /–>
Pearl and Leo
Keene, NH
An addition onto the primary home
The Story
“Our home is a distance from food, medical, health care etc. At 81 it’s becoming difficult to sustain basic needs and care with a car being the only way to get around. Our son has a home near Keene’s downtown and is willing to add an ADU to assist us. Being that we know so little of the process, your project seems so helpful and much needed. Thank you for considering us.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
The homeowners will live in the ADU once it is built.
Information from the homeowners
The property is on a corner lot in central Keene.
Primary dwelling was built about 100 years ago. It is connected to both municipal water and sewer.
The addition will be built onto the right-hand side of the existing, two-bay garage.
Site specifics: Location should be left as undisturbed as possible.
Required accessibility features: Single-floor living, wheelchair accessible, bathroom adjustments (walk-in shower with support hand rails and chair, no tub, etc.), minimal clutter.
Aesthetic requests: “Vaulted ceilings, roof windows if possible, small screened porch, full basement for storage”
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Front setback: 15 feet
Side and rear setback: 10 feet
Maximum building coverage: 55% lot size
Maximum floor area: 1000 square feet (site conditions may necessitate a smaller footprint)
Maximum building height: 35 feet or 2 stories.
Additional parking: 1 spot
City of Keene, NH Land Development Code, 2023 Amendment to the Land Development Code – Accessory Dwelling Units, Keene, NH Zoning Districts and Grid
Site Map
Additional Photos
Front of house from street
Side of house and front of house
View of side yard from driveway
Full view of side yard from street
View from rear of side yard
Rear face of house from street
View of back porch from street
View of side alley
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<p>The first phase of the competition entailed recruiting Monadnock Region homeowners to participate as Case Studies. SWRPC staff created homeowner profiles for a subset of applicants that were chosen to participate based on various criteria. These homeowner profiles are shown in the expandable tiles below and contain important information about each case study, as well as the registration link. </p>
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<p>In the second phase of the challenge, architects, designers, students, and building professionals were invited to develop <strong>ONE </strong>conceptual ADU design in response to <strong>ONE </strong>homeowner profile of their choosing. Registrants were limited to one submission per registration, and the total number of accepted registrations per Case Study Site was limited to three. These decisions were made to encourage a wide variety of participants over many Case Study Sites. The effort was successful as 31 out of 33 potential spots were filled, all by unique registrants, and spread over all 11 Case Study Sites. In the end, 25 designs were submitted and every Case Study Site homeowner received at least one conceptual design. </p>
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<p>The original goal was to specifically recruit Monadnock Region architects and designers, but it quickly became clear that the pool was simply too small to support this challenge. By reaching out broader New Hampshire, and then to other states via AIA (American Institute of Architects) chapters, architecture magazines, architecture schools, and the general news media, word about the Monadnock ADU Design Challenge spread across the country. Out of the 25 final submissions, 14 were from New Hampshire (six from the Monadnock Region), nine from New York, one from Florida, and one from California.</p>
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Sign up for Pearl and Leo’s Case Study Site
Amee and Clair
Keene, NH
An addition onto the primary home
The Story
“Our beloved home no longer meets our needs. My husband needs one-floor living; our split-foyer home requires stairs to access kitchen/shower/bath. Our 38-year-old son and his toddler have moved in to help us. Our plan is to have a multi-generational home that will allow my husband and I to age-in-place; it must provide one floor living for my husband and I, and a comfortable home for my adult son and his family.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for one or two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
Housing for adult children or other young family members.
The homeowners will live in the ADU once it is built.
Information from the homeowners
Primary dwelling was built 50 years ago. It is not connected to either municipal water or sewer.
The addition will be built onto the primary dwelling.
Site specifics: Various slopes must be taken into consideration. Homeowners are “willing to move the grape arbor, and other gardens/trees as needed for the construction.” The well and septic are both located behind the house.
Required accessibility features: Single level living and wheelchair accessibility.
Aesthetic requests: “Very fond of Prairie-style and Craftsman-style,” not-so-fond of the primary dwelling’s existing exterior. Would like to use the southern-facing exposure as it “seems prime for making use of passive and active solar heating and power.”
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Front setback: 50 feet
Side setback: 50 feet
Rear setback: 10 feet
Maximum floor area: 1000 square feet
Maximum building height: 35 feet or 2 stories.
Additional parking: 1 spot
City of Keene, NH Land Development Code, 2023 Amendment to the Land Development Code – Accessory Dwelling Units, Keene, NH Zoning Districts and Grid
Site Map
Additional Photos
Property view from street
Driveway, front of house and garage
Side of garage
Downward slope below garage
Rear of house and backyard
Back-door/trellis area
Close up of trellis
Corner view of house
Side of house and yard, view into fenced yard
Fenced yard facing road
View of yard from side of house
Backyard
Garage-side yard
Site plans
Floor plans
Sign up for Amee and Clair’s Case Study Site
Daniel and Kellie
Spofford, Chesterfield, NH
An addition onto the primary home
The Story
“We are considering the addition of an ADU to our primary residence for a dual benefit. In the immediate future it could provide supplemental income as a short-term rental near Spofford Lake, but ultimately we will need a place for aging parents in the long term.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two to four people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
Housing for adult children or other young family members.
Housing for short term renters.
The homeowners will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
Wraparound driveway; main entrance of house faces away from the road.
Primary dwelling is 36 years old. It is not connected to either municipal water or sewer.
The addition will be built onto either the attached garage OR the porch-side of the primary dwelling.
Site specifics: Slope on garage-side of property. Tree on porch-side of primary dwelling should be preserved. The well is located behind the house. The septic system is located in between the house and the road.
Interior layout specifics: Main entrance opens to the living room, which connect to an attached sunroom and screened porch. Entrance from within the garage opens to the family room. All of these are on the first floor.
No required accessibility features.
Aesthetic requests: “We would like to maintain a similar look to the exterior of the house, although we are also interested in reroofing and residing the house in the future, so we could choose something that will be done to the whole house eventually. In regards to interior design, we like a modern farmhouse aesthetic.”
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Front setback: 50 feet
Side and rear setbacks: 20 feet
Minimum floor area: 300 square feet
Maximum floor area: 800 square feet
Maximum building height: 35 feet or 2.5 stories
Additional parking: at least 1 per bedroom
Town of Chesterfield, NH Zoning Ordinance 2024, Town of Chesterfield, NH Tax Property Map #5, Town of Chesterfield, NH Building Ordinance 2024
Site Map
Additional Photos
Driveway-facing corner
“Front” of house (rear from road)
Side of house facing road
Front yard from road
Side yard from driveway to
Wraparound driveway
Wraparound driveway
Backyard
Garage
Side of garage from yard
Side of garage showing fence
Interior of exterior wall of garage
Far side of house (behind garage)
Road view left of driveway
Road view right of driveway
Site plan
Floor plan
Brian and Eileen
Keene, NH
A new, freestanding ADU
The Story
“We currently live in a four-bedroom home in Keene. Our three older sons have moved out and are starting their careers, our youngest is in high school. My vision is to build an ADU for one of our sons and his future wife to move into, and after a few years when they start their family, they move into the main house, and my wife and I move into the ADU. We can then age in place with family to assist us if needed, but without encroaching on their living space.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
Housing for adult children or other young family members.
The homeowners will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
Primary dwelling was built in 1967. The garage and mudroom breezeway were built in 1987. The main house is connected to both municipal water and sewer (location of pipes unclear).
The structure will be a new, freestanding ADU.
Site specifics: “The area is behind our garage; it is a flat courtyard area with a hill sloping up behind it. There is a small yard with a dry stack stone wall that can be excavated back to the riprap boulder wall/hill to expand the footprint. The rear carport will need to be removed for this project. The woodshed will likely need to be relocated too.”
Required accessibility features: single-level living requested; wheelchair-accessibility not required.
Aesthetic requests: resemble the style of the main house.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Front setback: 15 feet
Side and rear setback: 10 feet
Maximum building coverage: 35% of lot size
Maximum floor area: 1000 square feet
Maximum building height: 35 feet or 2 stories.
Additional parking: 1 spot
City of Keene, NH Land Development Code, 2023 Amendment to the Land Development Code – Accessory Dwelling Units, Keene, NH Zoning Districts and Grid
Site Map
Additional Photos
View of front of house from street
View of garage
Rear of house
Wood shed area
Wood shed area from behind
Wood shed area from yard behind house
Side view of house and yard
Street looking towards house (left)
View of driveway from street
Street looking towards garage (right)
Lot location
Amy and Matthew
Temple, NH
A new, freestanding ADU
The Story
“We have a beautiful 11-acre lot that is not subdividable, and a home that is too big for us now that we are empty nesters. Our lot sets up perfectly for a detached ADU, with a curb cut that would allow for a completely separate driveway etc. My husband’s parents are in their 80’s and we’d love a single level place for them to age in place, as well as provide us with living space when our turn comes. Our fear with selling is that our children will struggle to ever own a home and we want to hang on to our property for them.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
The homeowners will ultimately live in the ADU.
Information from the homeowners
The property is rural, on 11 acres of primarily field.
There are two points of frontage. The ADU’s separate driveway will connect to the road on the stretch of frontage labeled 530. This stretch does not include the existing driveway for the primary dwelling.
Primary dwelling was built in 2001. It is not connected to either municipal water or sewer. The square footage is:
The structure to build is a new, freestanding unit.
Site specifics: the desired area for the ADU is generally on the southern section of the property. This area is currently field with woods at the southern end. Around the primary dwelling, there is a generator on the left side of the garage and a pool directly behind the garage. The well is located in front of the house on the right side. The septic system is located directly behind the house.
Required accessibility features: single-level living, two bedrooms and two bathrooms (to accommodate any potential 24/7 care). The goal is to provide family a space to age-in-place.
Aesthetic requests: maintain the “country” feel.
Note from homeowner: the Site Map is slightly askew: the dataset for the projection of the boundary lines does not entirely match up with the physical locations of the lines. Additional lot maps and satellite imagery are provided at the bottom of the page.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
All setbacks: 35 feet
Minimum floor area: 400 square feet
Maximum floor area: 750 square feet or 67% of the floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is larger
Maximum building height: 40 feet
Additional parking: “adequate” off-street parking for 1 car
Town of Temple, NH Zoning Ordinance, Property Map 5B Temple, NH (plot 5-103)
Site Map
Additional Photos
Satellite imagery of the property, the proposed ADU site circled in red (curb cut just below)
Proposed location of ADU
Curb cut for the proposed ADU site
Looking towards the primary home from the proposed ADU site
Looking back across the field from the main house towards the proposed ADU site and curb cut
Front face of house and yard of the primary dwelling
Side of the primary dwelling
Backyard
Pool area looking towards rear of garage of the primary dwelling
Side of garage attached to the primary dwelling
Garage and driveway of the primary dwelling
Driveway of the primary dwelling from street
Looking left from driveway of the primary dwelling
Looking right from driveway of the primary dwelling
Temple, NH Property Map
Sign up for Amy and Matthew’s Case Study Site
Carlotta
Fitzwilliam, NH
A new, freestanding ADU
The Story
“I currently live in my childhood home. [My boyfriend and I] would like his sister & her long term boyfriend to move in. They’re both disabled, but his sister helps us with grocery shopping. Originally, we hoped they could move in downstairs, but our basement leaks too often, making it unlivable. An ADU would help us all live affordably as we age.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for two people.
Housing for yourself to age in place or for family members to do so.
The homeowners will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
The property is rural with woods and rough open areas.
Dirt driveway built off of a dirt road.
Primary dwelling was built around 1976/1979. It is not connected to either municipal water or sewer.
Structure to build is a new, freestanding ADU.
Site specifics: The well is located in between the primary dwelling and the road. The septic system is located northwest of the house.
No required accessibility features.
No aesthetic requests.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Front yard setback: 75 feet
Side and rear yard setback: 20 feet
Maximum floor area: 800 square feet
Max building height: 36 feet
Additional parking: “adequate”
Town of Fitzwilliam Zoning Ordinances 2024, Fitzwilliam, NH Zoning Districts, Fitzwilliam Tables of Dimensional Regulations and Principal Uses
Site Map
Additional Photos
Front face of house
Shed and sauna, view from northwest corner of house
Rear view of sauna and shed out-buildings
View of west side of house and leach field area
Leach field area
Property view from west side of house
Property details continued
Septic location (in between west side of house and white shed)
East side of house, driveway in rear
Well location (in between road and front face of house)
Left side view of road from driveway
Right side view from driveway
Zach and Liz
Keene, NH
A new, freestanding ADU
The Story
“I have a remote employee that wants to move to Keene but they can’t find housing. The couple is living with family in the Boston area and love the idea of living in an ADU walking distance from work and downtown Keene. My idea is to build a carriage barn of sorts with a garage below and living space above.”
The purpose of the ADU is…
Housing for three people.
Workforce housing.
Housing for long term tenants.
The homeowners will live in the primary dwelling once the ADU is built.
Information from the homeowners
The property is in central Keene.
Circle driveway in rear.
Primary dwelling was built in 1870, with significant renovations and an addition in the 1920s. It is connected to both municipal water and sewer.
Structure to build is a new, freestanding structure: “a garage large enough to accommodate two to three vehicles and a workshop with a ADU that is one to two bedrooms above.”
Site specifics: location of the new structure is outlined in green on the site map (last photo). The circle driveway should be preserved.
No required accessibility features.
Aesthetic requests: The new structure should match the style of the house as much as possible. A carriage house style matches the surrounding neighborhood aesthetic.
Key Land Use and Building Regulations
Front setback: 15 feet
Side and rear setback: 10 feet
Maximum building coverage: 45% of lot size
Maximum floor area: 1000 square feet
Maximum building height: 35 feet or 2 stories.
Additional parking: 1 spot
City of Keene, NH Land Development Code, 2023 Amendment to the Land Development Code – Accessory Dwelling Units, Keene, NH Zoning Districts and Grid
Site Map
Additional Photos
View of house from street
Close-up of front face of house
Close-up of front face of house
Left side of house
Main entryway on right side of house
View of main entry door
Back entrance
Driveway (right side of house)
Detached garage
Side yard
Site map
Design Brief
For More Information
Contact Executive Director Todd Horner at (603) 357-0557 or [email protected].
Thanks to Our Sponsors
The Monadnock Region ADU Design Challenge is made possible through an AARP Community Challenge Grant and the support of the NH Community Development Finance Authority and Point32Health.
Top Photo Credit: Backyard ADUs.
