Bicentennial Logo Competition Info

2011 Bicentennial House Design Competition

In anticipation of New Harmony’s bicentennial in 2014, Historic New Harmony and the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, have sponsored the 2011 Bicentennial House Design Competition. Individuals and teams were invited to submit designs inspired by the traditional Harmonist construction with emphasis on sustainable, energy efficient and affordable housing.

The objectives of the Bicentennial House Design Competition were to contribute sustainable, affordable, contemporary design to unique architecture of New Harmony; create healthy, comfortable homes; minimize monthly gas and electric expenditures by conserving energy; and reduce New Harmony’s impact on natural resources.   Single family housing was expected to be attractive, functional and affordable with a minimum living space of 1,200 square feet.

The exhibition includes the presentation boards submitted by each individual or team of designers. Each a work of art, they include aerial views, floor plans, elevations, renderings of elaborate interior views, and specifications for energy efficiency.  Plans for energy efficiency include more common options like energy efficient windows and appliances, cross ventilation, and as well as prefabricated structural insulated panels (SIPS), flyash additives to concrete slabs, “gray water” systems, and solar voltaic systems. 

Architects, designers and builders from around the country submitted designs, including Tim Blatner, Oak Park, IL; Larry Stock, Centrailia, PA; Alex Martinson, Indianapolis; the firm of Pohl/Rosa/Pohl, Lexington, KY; Andreas Mede, Woodside, CA; Charlie Gaston, New Harmony, and Anthony Costello, Muncie.  The judges chose three finalists from the submissions, which include Rupert Condict, Evansville; Samuel Lima, South Bend; and Kevin Parma, Dallas, TX. 

Special thanks go to our esteemed judges who chose the top three designs.

Bernhard Karpf, Associate Partner with Richard Meier & Partners Architechts LLC in New York, NY

Charles Durrett, Principal of the Cohousing Company McCamant and Durrett Architects in California

Sarah Schuler, Professional Partner and Director of Architecture with VPS Architecture in Evansville

 Kent Schuette, Clinical Associate Professor at Purdue University in Lafayette, IN. 

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts

Download Competition Requirement and Registration Form

Download Lenz (Harmonist) House Plan

Look for HABS HAER