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A group of 11 students from UMass Architecture, UMass Building & Construction Technology, and Five Colleges Architecture are collaborating with East Branch Studio to complete the design and construction of a small Accessory Dwelling Unit this Spring. This is the continuation of a project that was started in 2020 pre-pandemic.

The ADU is a model for net-zero and low carbon residential construction. Students will have a hand in all phases of construction from framing through finishes. Students completed a four-day design intensive in January where they reviewed the drawings, built framing models, worked on full scale wall sections, and completed the interior material specifications. They began construction in February. When complete, the building will be displayed at the Green River Music Festival and then donated to OneHolyoke Community Development to become part of their affordable housing portfolio in Holyoke. This collaborative effort is led by Assistant Professor Rob Williams, Five College Associate Professor Naomi Darling, Senior Lecturer Carl Fiocchi (UMass BCT), and Kent Hicks (East Branch Studio).