The Future of Water at Home: Architectural Design Challenge

A Global Call to Reimagine Residential Water Use Design

 

The Shaping the Future of Water Use at Home Architectural Design Challenge (ADC) is an international ideas competition organized by USGBC California and supported by regional and international partners and prize funders.

It invites architects, engineers, designers, and students to create innovative, water-efficient living spaces. By reimagining residential design, participants propose scalable solutions that make water and energy efficiency effortless, importantly without compromising comfort, beauty, or livability.

The goal: inspire residential solutions that can be applied in the next one to three years, accelerating progress toward a water-positive future.

 

Key Features

• • Innovative architectural and home design solutions that integrate water and energy efficiency seamlessly
  • Scalable and market-ready ideas for both new construction and retrofit homes
  • Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and landscaping re-envisioned for water-efficient living
  • Integration of smart home technology and leak detection
  • Use of passive and net-zero design principles
  • Nature-based approaches that reduce irrigation demand

 

Building on Success

This challenge builds on lessons from the 50L Home Los Angeles Pilot, which proved water and energy savings are achievable without disrupting daily routines:

• Reduced average water use to 87 liters (23 gallons) per person per day — nearly 50% less than the Los Angeles average
• Achieved 40% hot water savings at kitchen faucets and laundry cycles
• Delivered overall household energy savings of more than 15%
• Learn more here (press release)

These results set the stage for the next wave of innovation through architecture and design.

 

Official Challenge Overview

Although the design challenge s now complete, with final winners to be announced on May 28, 2026, you can review the full details of the Architectural Design Challenge in our 8-slide Applicant Overview guide. It highlights the competition’s goals, eligibility, and design prompts, along with prize details.

Challenge COMPLETE

Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted design proposals. Our team and judges have selected the finalists with winners to be announced on May 28, 2026 at our California Green Building Conference in Berkeley, CA.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: September 24, 2025
• Applications Close (Date Extended): December 12, 2025
• Challenge Begins: December 18, 2025*
• Submissions Due: February 22, 2026 (extended one week from February 15)
• Winners Announced: May 28, 2026 (California Green Building Conference)

Cash Prizes: $50,000 awarded across professional and student categories:

• • First Place (Professional & Student): $15,000 each
  • Second Place (Professional & Student): $7,500 each
  • Third Place (Professional & Student): $2,500 each

Recognition: Winning designs showcased at the California Green Building Conference

Visibility: Featured in USGBC-CA publications, networks, and partner communications

In addition to fostering real-world and necessary solutions, the design challenge will foster collaboration between thought leaders, startups, and other innovators committed to a sustainable future.

Supporters include Accelerate Resilience LA, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Metropolitan Water District, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and other community members, all committed to driving sustainable innovation.

     

Contact Us!

For general questions about the challenge, please contact Kyle Pickett, kyle@usgbc-ca.org.

For inquiries to sponsor or otherwise support the challenge, contact Carrie Hester, carrie@usgsbc-ca.org.

For interest in future design challenges and innovation pathways including the Net Zero Accelerator, contact Colin Mangham, colin@usgbc-ca.org.