PORCH Launches ''Generations by Design'' Duplexd Design Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2026

PORCH Launches “Generations by Design”
Duplex Design Competition

Community competition, made possible through an AARP Community
Challenge grant, invites professionals, students, and residents to reimagine
affordable intergenerational housing

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL — Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH) has
officially launched Generations by Design, an innovative duplex design competition challenging
professionals, students, community organizations, and residents to imagine a new model of
affordable, age-friendly and resilient housing. The competition was made possible through an
AARP Community Challenge grant awarded to PORCH to advance innovative, age-friendly
solutions within the community.

The competition asks participants to design a duplex that brings different generations together as
next-door neighbors while preserving independence, privacy and dignity. The concept responds
to two important community needs: older adults seeking to remain independent as they age and
younger residents, including young adults transitioning from foster care, veterans and others
facing housing instability, who need access to safe, affordable housing and stronger community
connections.

“Generations by Design is about much more than designing a duplex,” said Denise Dull, Director
of Marketing & Operations for PORCH. “We are asking people to think about how housing itself
can create connection. A porch, courtyard or shared garden can become the place where
neighbors get to know one another, and generations begin to support one another.”

TWO COMPETITION CATEGORIES

Industry Category
Open to architects, designers, engineers, professional firms and other built-environment
professionals.

Community Category
Open to students, schools, community members, nonprofit and faith-based organizations,
Veterans groups, educators and other community teams.

There is no registration fee, and professional design experience is not required for Community
Category participants.

Entries will be encouraged to incorporate universal design, accessibility, affordability,
sustainability, hurricane resilience and long-term livability, along with a shared outdoor feature
that promotes connection while respecting privacy.

PORCH plans to award $5,000 in the Industry Category and $5,000 in the Community Category,
along with public recognition and inclusion in PORCH’s housing resource materials. Special
recognition is also planned for intergenerational collaboration.

With support from the AARP Community Challenge grant, PORCH is using Generations by
Design to engage the broader community in exploring creative housing solutions that support
aging in place, encourage intergenerational connection and expand the conversation around
affordable housing in Charlotte County.

“Some of the strongest ideas may come from people who have never entered a design
competition before,” Dull said. “An architect, a student, an older adult and a young person
beginning life on their own each bring a different perspective. Generations by Design is about
bringing those perspectives together.”

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Competition guidelines, design criteria, resources and registration information are available at:

www.PORCHGenerations.org

Media & Competition Contact
Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH)
941-289-7628
connect@porchgenerations.org
www.PORCHGenerations.org

ABOUT PORCH
Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH) is a Charlotte County nonprofit
Community Land Trust working to expand access to safe, affordable and sustainable housing
through innovative development, community partnerships and permanent affordability strategies.
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