The 10 Best Housing Designs Of 2017, According To The American Institute of Architects

Locations: Marble Falls, Texas

This category recognizes outstanding designs for custom and remodeled homes for a specific client. The retreat that takes the top prize was designed to celebrate the memories of the client’s childhood summers spent on the lake, and honor the legacy of her father who was an architect.

Location: Los Altos, California

This residence, designed for a single family, is a modernist play on the ranch-style homes of Northern California.

Location: Tehachapi, California

This 5,200-square-foot house is located in the middle of the California desert. The owners hoped to create a self-sufficient retreat and a lasting marker of their presence in the area.

Location: Truckee, California

These residences challenge the concept of the traditional mountain chalet one might find in Switzerland. The glass windows open up the space, welcoming in sweeping views of the surrounding environment, including the Martis Valley and Carson Range.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

This housing complex consists of four three-story wood-frame homes and was build as part of the City of Boston’s Energy Plus (E+) Green Building Program.

Location: San Francisco, California

These two new blocks of affordable family housing were a part of the first phase of San Francisco’s ambitious program to rebuild parts of San Francisco’s deteriorated public housing. They have a modern feel and fit in the with city's existing architecture.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This housing unit is made up of a variety of single-family town homes and duplexes, as well as two small apartment buildings. The homes were built in hopes of keeping up with the character of the surrounding community, and have been made available at a range of prices to meet the needs and budgets of residents.

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

This category recognizes outstanding design in single room occupancy residences (SROs), independent living for the disabled, residential rehabilitation programs, domestic violence shelters, and other special housing. These lofts cover over 280,000 square feet, and were built to keep students closer to campus.

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

This specialty housing location offers four- and six-month residential substance abuse treatment programs in a setting that keeps families together while giving mothers the intensive, support they need while getting sober. The designers used a contrast of warm colors and textures to complement the cool palette of the concrete.

Location: Los Angeles

This housing project consists of 52 units and provides a home, support services and rehabilitation for previously homeless and/or disabled veterans. The project is located by MacArthur Park and features energy efficient amenities that exceed standard practice.