Annual Contest Recognizes Innovative, Forward-Thinking Home Design

By Andrea Tullman

These homes and communities are pretty and pioneering, but they're also comfortable for living. With the idea of creating properties that change along with residents' needs, the four winners of the 2009 Livable Communities Awards sought to please occupants.

For the third year, AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have collaborated to recognize forward-looking builders, developers, and architects who make residential living more comfortable for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The winning projects represent a unique combination of style, universal design, and energy efficiency to make them desirable homes and neighborhoods for people of all ages to live in. These properties listed below are best in class for 2009.

Eskaton National Demonstration Home
Builder, Less than 2,500 square feet
Eskaton Senior Residences
Roseville, Calif.
eskaton.org

Green Lake Residence
Architect, Home design
Seattle
ZAI Inc.
zai-inc.us

NorthCenter Senior Campus
Developer, More than 250 units
The Lakota Group
Chicago
thelakotagroup.com

North Morningside Craftsman
Builder, More than 2,500 square feet
Yorkshire Enterprises
Atlanta