A six-figure prize will be up for grabs in a design competition to create an ultra-low energy use home. The city of Phoenix is using leftover federal stimulus funding to launch a contest with the potential to help communities across the Valley.

The competition will challenge registered architects to create a three-bedroom home that meets three goals: it’s suitable for the region, it uses 80 percent less energy than common construction, and can be built for about the same price. 

“We’re really excited about this program,” said Caroline Lobo with the American Institute of Architects during a recent city meeting.

Her group has been working with the city on the contest rules. While the winning architect will collect a hundred grand, the designs will be posted online for anyone to use. 

“If a good sustainable home can be replicated over and over again, it makes so much of a difference to the quality of our environment,” she said. “It’s better for us, it’s better for our communities, and it’s better for our future generations.” 

Staff said they hope the winning design will lead to at least ten homes being built right away. 

“Not only will this house offer people the opportunity to come in and build it without going through a plan review,” said Mo Glancy with the city’s planning department. “But, it’ll also give people ideas of the best ways, the best practices to reduce energy and still meet current construction costs.”

The contest is expected to launch by early May with finalists announced around September.