On a site bordered by a river and overlooking a magnificent waterfall, the firm Buildner organized an ideas competition for a single-family home in Howard Falls, Pennsylvania, USA. The brief called for a timeless, versatile retreat that would honor the family’s historical legacy while highlighting the beauty of the waterfall—which drops more than 12 meters into the Falls Run Gorge.

The property currently features a small, heavily modified cabin—its original facades and layout have been significantly altered. The competition brief invited proposals for integrating this existing structure into a new addition through some form of architectural intervention. After careful analysis, we propose its demolition; we believe that preserving it would entail high maintenance costs and complex construction challenges, while also hindering the optimization of the new design. Instead, we seek to pay homage to the Howard family legacy through new spaces and materials.

Our proposal is rooted in a profound respect for the surroundings: no trees are removed, existing platforms are preserved, and the natural topography is utilized as a key design element. The project acknowledges and leverages the natural boundaries of the river and the view of the waterfall.

The architectural concept consists of two modules that converge to form an interior courtyard. The primary volume houses public areas and family living spaces, while the secondary volume contains the garages and guest bedrooms.

The project’s defining feature is a large cantilever extending toward the river, framing the landscape. The contemporary design—characterized by exposed concrete walls—is carefully modulated to achieve formal clarity. The use of timber, stainless steel, and glass creates a restrained, sophisticated atmosphere, emphasizing both simplicity and warmth.