The Contemporary architecture is undergoing a continuous process of innovation, driven by the need for sustainable solutions and the exploration of new design perspectives. In this context, international architecture competitions provide a prominent platform for experimentation and the exchange of ideas.
In this regard, the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay the initiative “Howard Waterfall Retreat,” an international architecture competition offering a €5,000 prize and inviting students, graduates, and professionals to design a multigenerational family retreat where history, nature, and sustainability converge.
Howard Waterfall Retreat
Organized by Buildner (Architecture Competition Organizers), in partnership with The Howard Falls Irrevocable Trust, “Howard Waterfall Retreat” is located near Howard Falls, a 12-meter-high waterfall located in northwestern Pennsylvania, United States.
For seven generations, the Howard family has preserved the setting in which this geological formation is located, forging a strong connection between the historical legacy of the family cabin—built in the early 20th century—and the aspiration to create a contemporary, sustainable, and versatile space.
A natural and historic setting
At Howard Falls, the gorge carved by Falls Run Gorge displays layers of Devonian shale, fossils, and rock formations shaped by ancient glaciers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-16er8q6x8
This impressive setting calls for an architectural design that respects the topography, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
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Contest Theme: Sustainable Architecture and Family Legacy
The Contest Howard Waterfall Retreat is looking for a design that:
- Respect the family historyby incorporating references to A.P. Howard’s 1900 cabin, even if its literal preservation is not required.
- Promote sustainabilitythrough green roofs, the use of local materials, and energy efficiency.
- Preserve the site's biodiversity of the site by avoiding harmful interventions in the floodplain and protecting native flora and fauna.
- Offers flexible spaces for family gatherings of up to 20 people, with private and shared areas.
The proposal must balance current needs—such as connectivity and comfort—with the preservation of the environment and historical memory.
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Awards and Recognitions
The total prize is €10,000, distributed as follows:
- First prize: €5,000
- Second prize: €2,500
- Third prize: €1,000
- Buildner Student Award: €1,000
- Buildner Sustainability Award: €500
Honorable mentions will also be awarded 6 honorable mentions and certificates to all winners. Outstanding entries may be published on international architecture platforms such as ArchDaily, increasing the participants’ visibility on a global scale.
Dates and registration requirements
- Registration deadline: July 24, 2025
- Submission deadline: September 8, 2025 (11:59 p.m., London time)
- Announcement of the winners: October 21, 2025
- Closed for inquiries (Q&A): July 29, 2025
No professional degree is required, and participants may join individually or in teams of up to 4 members. All documentation and text must be submitted in English, by uploading a maximum of 4 A2 panels in digital format via the official website.
Rules and Presentation Format
The organization provides CAD/PDF drawings, photographs, and videos of the waterfall and its surroundings to help understand the topography and natural conditions of the site. The official “Brief” includes:
- Architectural Program: spacious living room, kitchen and dining room for 20 people, four private suites, multifunctional areas, and a strong connection to the outdoor space.
- Integration with the terrain: possibility of creating cantilevers in the flood zone, with separate access points for the road area (Falls Road) and the stream area (Falls Run).
- Environmental considerations: green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and the selection of low-impact materials.
- Historical connection: reinterpretation of the original cabin through characteristic features or the reuse of materials.
The finalist proposals could serve as inspiration for the actual construction of the project, bringing together the past and the present in a sustainable family retreat.
Relevance for students and architects in Uruguay
Although the competition is not formally affiliated with the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay, it is of interest to the local academic community because:
- Enhances international experience: allows you to measure yourself against a global standard and receive feedback from experts.
- Promotes the portfolio and innovation: criteria such as sustainability, multigenerational design, and historic preservation are valued.
- Provides professional development: offers exposure to contemporary trends in green architecture.
In addition, media coverage from Buildner and ArchDaily offers opportunities for international recognition.
The Contribution of International Competitions
Participating in architectural competitions encourages the exploration of sustainability concepts, experimentation with new technologies, and improvements in the visual presentation of projects. In both education and professional practice, it serves as an incentive to adopt creative solutions that address real-world challenges.
How to Apply
To join the Howard Waterfall Retreat, the steps are:
- Register by July 24, 2025, via the official link.
- Review the available information (floor plans, photos, and videos).
- Design the proposal in accordance with the guidelines in the “Brief”.
- Upload a maximum of 4 A2 panels in English, by September 8, 2025.
- Wait for the results, which will be published on October 21, 2025.
The Howard Waterfall Retreat offers a space for architects, students, and design enthusiasts to present approaches that combine history and sustainability in a unique natural setting. For the community of the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay, this type of competition represents an opportunity for academic and professional growth, stimulating reflection on ecological architecture and integration with the environment.
The call for entries offers recognition, media coverage, and the opportunity to inspire the development of a real-world project, making it a significant initiative for those seeking new horizons in the field of architecture.
Find out all the details and enter the contest
Learn about the Architecture Degree
If you're interested in deepening your knowledge in the fields of design and innovation, you can explore the academic offerings of the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay include, among other things, professional training to participate in these types of competitions.