by
Howard Waterfall Retreat
The Howard Waterfall Retreat is an international architectural competition initiated by the Howard family in collaboration with Buildner.
The goal is to design a multigenerational, sustainable family retreat that honours the site's historical and ecological significance. Rooted in seven generations of stewardship, the project seeks innovative design solutions that integrate harmoniously with the dramatic natural landscape centred around Howard Falls—a 12-metre waterfall flowing through the Falls Run Gorge. The retreat must reflect the legacy of the original early 1900s summer cottage while accommodating the modern needs of a large family through environmentally sensitive and functional architecture.
Location
Sector
Residential
Intervention
New Building
Tender Portal
Tender Stage
Open design competition
Deadline
24 Jul 2025 – Registration Closes, 8 Sept 2025 – Submission Deadline
Consultant Team
The competition is open to individuals and teams (up to four members) from any background, and no professional qualifications are necessary.
Submission Criteria
1st Prize – €5k, 2nd Prize – €2.5k, 3rd Prize – €1k
– Buildner Student Award: €1k
– Buildner Sustainability Award: €500
Deliverables for the Competition
– Four (4) A2 horizontal presentation boards (max 10MB per board), including:
– Sketches, renderings, site plans, sections, elevations
– Diagrams showing circulation, public/private spaces, energy systems, etc.
– Visualisations and artist impressions
– Construction and environmental feasibility outlines
– Evidence of sustainability and integration with site heritage
– Cover image (2000×1680 px, JPG, horizontal)
– Project description (overview, objectives, concept, materials, challenges, results)
– Optional Preliminary Panel Review is available by Buildner
Submission Fees
For architects / enthusiasts / companies:
– Advanced (7 Mar – 29 May 2025) – €120
– Last Minute (30 May – 24 Jul 2025) – €140
For students:
– Advanced (7 Mar – 29 May 2025) – €110
– Last Minute (30 May – 24 Jul 2025) – €120