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THE BEST OF 55+ HOUSING AWARDS

Eligibility Requirements for All Categories

The project or home(s) must have been completed or first model opened between January 1, 2022, and August 31, 2024. Communities or project phases for larger communities must have at least 50% of the building units and 50% of the infrastructure completed by August 31, 2024. The same project may be entered for awards in multiple categories.

Gold winning projects previously entered are not eligible to submit again for the same category. Silver winning projects may enter again if they meet the criteria for the current year’s program. Websites and online links must be active and functional at the time of submission. Any home owned or occupied by a staff member of NAHB shall be disqualified. Should the need arise, the judges reserve the right to subdivide or reassign any category or create a new category as appropriate to provide adequate competition.

Click on each category item below to view the entry requirements. 

55+ COMMUNITY DESIGN
Use the TEAM-PROJECT FORM for these categories.

Independent living communities are commonly apartments, which may be rental, entrance fee, for-sale, cooperatives or mix of types. Some communities may also offer cottages, condominiums, and single-family homes. Residents do not require assistance with daily activities or 24/7 skilled nursing but may benefit from convenient services, senior-friendly surroundings, and increased social opportunities.

Entry will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, functionality, innovative use of interior space and creative integration of the plan as it relates to the target market and sales success.

Entry Requirements:

  • Complete Team/Project Form
  • (6) to (8) images that represent entry (to be used in awards show, website, PR)
  • Floor plan saved as PDF or JPEG

Communities may be in a standalone building or part of a larger community as a part of a continuum-of-care. These communities provide services such as meals, housekeeping, wellness amenities, health care or supportive services and/or 24-hour staffing and are typically licensed through the state.

Assisted Living Communities provide assistance with daily living and health care services for residents and/or residents with special needs.
Memory Care refers to provisions of special care to address Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Entry will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, functionality, innovative use of interior space and creative integration of the plan as it relates to the target market and sales success.

Entry Requirements:

  • Complete Team/Project Form
  • (6) to (8) images that represent entry (to be used in awards show, website, PR)
  • Floor plan saved as PDF or JPEG

55+ SINGLE-FAMILY (Detached Home or Attached Home)
Use the TEAM-PROJECT FORM for these categories.

Home types include single-family detached as well as manufactured homes on fee simple or leased lots.

Detached refers to a home that is free of any shared walls and stands alone.
Square footage is defined as all living spaces as measured to the interior face of the exterior walls and does not include garages, unfinished basements, attics, covered patios and porches.

Entry will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, functionality, innovative use of interior space and creative integration of the plan as it relates to the target market and sales success.

Entry Requirements:

  • Complete Team/Project Form
  • (6) to (8) images that represent entry (to be used in awards show, website, PR)
  • Floor plan saved as PDF or JPEG

Home types include attached homes, as well as manufactured homes on fee simple or leased lots.

Attached means that a home shares a common party wall often on both sides of the property.
Square footage is defined as all living spaces as measured to the interior face of the exterior walls and does not include garages, unfinished basements, attics, covered patios and porches.

Entry will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, functionality, innovative use of interior space and creative integration of the plan as it relates to the target market and sales success.

Entry Requirements:

  • Complete Team/Project Form
  • (6) to (8) images that represent entry (to be used in awards show, website, PR)
  • Floor plan saved as PDF or JPEG

55+ SPECIAL PROGRAM OR DESIGN
Use the TEAM-PROJECT FORM for these categories.

The community amenity category applies to a single amenity built for the use of residents, or events organized to engage the residents. Indoor or outdoor amenity would qualify, a community Health and Wellness Feature and Clubhouses. Includes community centers, recreation centers, clubhouses, wellness/fitness centers, educational centers, and amenity or activity centers for any type of 55+ lifestyle community, a feature that contributes to the resident’s overall health and wellness. Examples could include air and water purification, biophilic design farm to table feature or unique exercise and fitness amenity. Other suggestions could be acafé, theatre, package lockers, garden area, library nook, barbeque and grill areas, terraces, fire pit and outdoor lounge areas, water features, community or neighborhood parks, dog parks, court games, miniature putting courses and children’s play areas. Entry will be judged on function, use of space, creativity and design.

Entry Requirements:
Complete Team/Project Form
(6) to (8) images that represent entry

55+ INTERIOR DESIGN (Interior Merchandising)
Use the TEAM-PROJECT FORM for these categories.

Interior Merchandising is the interior design of a model home and/or common area using color, textures, furnishing and accessories as it relates to their target market and how it complements the interior unit’s space.

Entry will be judged on concept, creativity, impact of furniture and accessories as they relate to the intended target market and sales success.

Entry Requirements:

  • Complete Team/Project Form
  • (6) to (8) images that represent entry (to be used in awards show, website, PR)
  • Floor plan saved as PDF or JPEG

55+ MARKETING (Integrated Marketing Strategy or Campaign, Print, Digital)

The Marketing categories are reserved for marketing and sales activities that pertain to age-qualified or age- preferred communities catering to the 55+ Consumer or Lifestyle. Websites must be live at the time of application submission.

This category includes a specific marketing effort that integrates online and offline marketing elements to attract potential 55+ residents.

Entry will be judged on creativity, design and success of materials developed to gain product interest. Includes all collateral and online platforms, print/electronic media and billboards.

Entry Requirements:

  • Complete TEAM-PROJECT FORM
  • Up to (6) images of promotion (photos of events are suggested)
  • Up to (6) images of ads that represent the campaign, including any or all of the following: print advertising, direct mail, television and radio spots, billboards, etc.
  • Radio and television submissions should be sent as audio (mp3) files and video (.mov or QuickTime) file

Includes all elements of print marketing. Includes single direct-mail piece or a direct- mail series. Examples might include letters, self- mailers or mailed sales promotions intended for 55+ consumers. A printed brochure of any length or composition that is intended to attract potential 55+ residents. A single black-and-white or color advertisement created to promote 55+ lifestyle and housing of any type to potential residents. Includes flyers and inserts.

Entry will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout and overall design, execution and continuity.

Entry Requirements:

This category includes promoting a specific, web-driven marketing strategy using new marketing channels and methodologies to 55+ potential residents. Creative use of marketing elements may include a website for a 55+ individual project, 55+ residential community or 55+ company, online advertising, banners, landing pages, videos, e- newsletters, blogs and social networking campaigns.

Entry will be judged on creativity, user experience and overall design, continuity and effectiveness. Includes banners/rich media, eblasts, microsites, landing pages and online PR.

Entry Requirements:

  • Complete DIGITAL MARKETING FORM
  • No Team/Project Form is required for this category
  • Include at least two executions of campaign
  • Up to (6) images that represent entry (to be used in awards show, website, PR)
  • Link(s) to actual campaign highly encouraged.

55+ LIFESTYLE

Nominee must be an onsite lifestyle director employed by a builder, developer or associate. Director has achieved success through implementing programs and events advancing the lifestyle pillars for the current residents and community. Judging for Lifestyle Director will evaluate an individual’s performance and advances the lifestyle for the current residents and community. Nominee must be a NAHB 55+ Housing Industry Council Member.

Entry Requirements: