The Howard Waterfall Retreat Competition invites architects and designers from around the world to envision a multi-generational family retreat that embraces the extraordinary natural and historical context of Howard Falls in Northwestern Pennsylvania, USA. This competition presents a unique opportunity to create a timeless design that respects the rich heritage of the Howard Family while looking toward the future.
Participants are tasked with designing a new structure that harmonizes with the site’s natural beauty and historical significance. While the original summer cottage, built in the early 1900s, does not require to be preserved, its legacy should be reflected in the new design. The project must provide shared spaces for family gatherings, private accommodations, and a strong connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.
The property features the original summer cottage, built in the early 1900s by attorney A.P. Howard as a retreat for his family. Over time, the structure underwent various expansions and modifications, altering its original form and footprint. While the cottage itself is no longer required to be preserved, its legacy and historical significance remain central to the project. The competition encourages participants to honor the spirit and character of the original structure by incorporating design elements that reflect its architectural features. This could include gestures such as echoing its roofline, facade, or other defining details. Designers are also encouraged to creatively repurpose materials or structural components from the original cottage, ensuring a thoughtful connection between the past and the future of the site.
The submissions should present a versatile, sustainable, and forward-thinking architectural proposal. Designs must demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, incorporating features such as green roofs, energy-efficient systems, and responsibly sourced materials. Proposals should also carefully consider the site’s constraints, including floodplain setbacks, elevation changes, and the preservation of local biodiversity.
Entrants are expected to develop innovative concepts through detailed plans, sections, perspectives, and visualizations that communicate the spatial quality and functionality of their designs. Submissions should capture the essence of the Howard Falls site, demonstrating how the proposed structure integrates with its surroundings, acknowledges its history, and meets the needs of a modern, multi-generational retreat. Winning designs will have the potential to be realized, leaving a lasting architectural legacy at this remarkable location.
Download the full competition brief for more information!
Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.
