The Howard Waterfall Retreat Competition invites architects and designers from around the world to reimagine a multi-generational family retreat that embraces the extraordinary natural and historical context of Howard Falls in Northwestern Pennsylvania, USA. This competition is a unique opportunity to create a timeless design that honors the rich heritage of the Howard Family while looking forward to the future.
Participants are tasked with designing a new structure that harmonizes with the site's natural beauty and historical significance. The design should integrate the preserved southern portion of the original summer cottage, built in the early 1900s, as a symbolic and functional element. The project must provide shared spaces for family gatherings, private accommodations, and thoughtful connections between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.
The submissions should deliver a versatile, sustainable, and forward-thinking architectural proposal. Designs must reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, with features like green roofs, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials. Proposals should also demonstrate a clear understanding of the site's constraints, including floodplain setbacks, elevation changes, and the need to preserve local biodiversity.
Entrants are expected to present innovative concepts through detailed plans, sections, perspectives, and visualizations that illustrate the spatial quality and operational functionality of their designs. Submissions should capture the essence of the Howard Falls site, showcasing how the proposed structure blends with its surroundings, respects its history, and fulfills the needs of a modern, multi-generational family retreat. Winning designs will have the potential to be realized, leaving a lasting legacy at this remarkable location.
PRIZES
3 winning proposals, 2 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:
1st Prize - 5,000 €
2nd Prize - 2,500 €
3rd Prize - 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions
Buildner Student Award - 1,000 €
Buildner Sustainability Award - 500 €
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
Early Bird Registration: JANUARY 20 – MARCH 6
Advance Registration: MARCH 7 – MAY 29
Last Minute Registration: MAY 30 – JULY 24
Final registration deadline: JULY 24, 2025
Closing date for submission: SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 (23:59 LONDON TIME)
Announcement of the winners: OCTOBER 21, 2025
More: https://architecturecompetitions.com/howardretreat
Title
Howard Waterfall RetreatType
Competition Announcement (Ideas)Website
Organizers
Registration Deadline
July 24, 2025 01:55 PMSubmission Deadline
September 08, 2025 01:55 PMPrice
70 € - 110 €
