207 HOME: Design Competition Winners Announced

In 2025, the Maine Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Maine) announced their launch of 207 Home: Design Competition, which aimed at identifying innovative and sustainable housing solutions to address community needs across Maine. The competition opened August 8, 2025, and invited Maine design firms, professionals, residents and students enrolled in Maine high schools or colleges to submit visionary housing designs through November 14, 2025. Thanks to a generous AARP Community Challenge Grant, this design contest intended to spark innovation to improve Maine communities for people of all ages.

WRKroom Interiors and Northends Architecture received Honorable Mention for their entry, 207 x MOD.

Their collaboration focused on creating a unique design solution that emphasizes connection, community, and customization. In their words:

Connection is the driving force behind these homes. Using a single structural module, each home can expand and adapt over time, forming single-family homes, duplexes, or even entire pocket neighborhoods.

The modular approach provides more than flexibility, it delivers efficiency. By standardizing a core building unit, the cost of individual homes is significantly reduced through streamlined fabrication and repeatable construction methods. When these modules come together as a community, the savings grow exponentially. Lower land costs, shared driveways, septic systems, and other site improvements further reduce expenses while reinforcing neighborhood connections.

Beyond economics, this model supports people at all stages of life. It offers first-time home buyers an attainable entry point into homeownership, while also accommodating seniors who desire in-home care and families seeking multi-generational living. The result is a framework for community that evolves with its residents over time.

Choice remains central. Residents can select from a range of materials, layouts, and accessibility options. Each decision has been thoughtfully balanced within sustainable and economic parameters to create homes that are affordable, adaptable, and connected.

View all entries and learn more about the competition here.