ecoMOD XS is a design effort to create extra-small housing units — accessory dwelling units for use as aging-in-place urban infill housing. Since 1950, the U.S. population has more than doubled, and the average number of Americans over age 65 has more than tripled. The over 80 demographic group is the fast growing sector of the U.S. population. As the median age has increased substantially in the U.S., the number of single person households has also exploded. Despite these trends, the average single family home has more than doubled in size since 1950: our homes are larger, and they have fewer and older people living in them. Smart growth planners are among those pushing for the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) in urban areas. ADU’s, also know as granny flats or accessory apartments, are small housing units that are attached to or sited in the yard of a larger single family home. ecoMOD3, completed in 2007, includes an ADU.
The fall 2010 ecoMOD studio is focused on making ‘extra small’ dwellings. ecoMOD is partnering with the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), a Charlottesville based non-profit that provides services for the aging population in the area. ecoMOD XS refers to ‘extra small’ unit size and environmental impact. Conceived as ADU’s that allow for the possibility of aging in place, the ecoMOD XS team is collaboratively designing several ADU units that will be made available to the public via the ecoMOD website, and via distribution to affordable housing providers. The designs aim for zero energy use and overall reduced environmental impact. The designs are informed by the needs of older Americans, and the principles of universal design.