1st Place, Residential
Overlooking the Susquehanna River in Wrightsville, Pa., stands Faith River—a former Baptist meetinghouse reimagined as a warm, modern single-family home. Constructed in 1868, the church served many congregations throughout its history, remaining an active place of worship until 2022. Despite its longevity, the structure saw minimal upgrades over the decades. After acquiring the property, the new homeowners sought to preserve the simplicity and soul of the building while establishing a refined, contemporary living space.
“TONO Group entered this project with the philosophy that historic homes carry a distinct narrative shaped by heritage, legacy and cultural connection,” says Kyle Solyak, AIA, LEED AP, TONO Group’s operations director and architect for Faith River. “Preserving this character while adapting these spaces for modern living requires a holistic and thoughtful process.”
A generous double-height living area exposes the original brick walls and wood trusses—features once hidden behind a plain, flat ceiling. 
Utilitarian spaces, like the laundry room, pay homage to the past through historically inspired details— an intricate floral ceiling, patterned tile flooring, and the navy-and-white palette carried throughout the home. 
A heritage-inspired mix of materials—brick, steel and reclaimed wood—anchors the design. These traditional, handcrafted elements evoke authenticity and enduring quality while modern finishes add sophistication. 
TONO Group restored the original wood floors to preserve the home’s integrity while salvaged timber was repurposed into stair treads leading to the mezzanine. Black metal railings introduce a slight industrial edge. 
The primary suite’s adjoining bath blends contemporary fixtures with the building’s timeless architecture. 
BEFORE 
BEFORE
PHOTOS: TONO Group
Using a multidisciplinary, turnkey approach to placemaking, the architect-led firm integrated real-estate assessment, architectural design, construction and interior design to transform the 150-year-old church into a home rich with modern comfort. By carefully studying the client’s spatial needs, TONO Group utilized the church’s soaring interior height to develop a multi-level design that delivers 3,000 square feet of open, functional living space. The design maximizes natural light while maintaining the integrity of the original architecture.
Thoughtful Design
The homeowners’ wish to celebrate the chapel’s existing timber frame became the foundation of the design concept. TONO Group preserved and highlighted the building’s authentic character by creating a generous double-height living area that exposes the original brick walls and wood trusses—features once hidden behind a plain, flat ceiling. Removing this interior canopy revealed the structure’s craftsmanship and made way for a new mezzanine level that seamlessly bridges past and present.
“This project was all about uncovering what was already there,” Solyak says. “Once we removed the old ceiling, the building revealed its own story—the trusses, the brick, the scale—it helped guide our design decisions.”
This 982-square-foot upper level accommodates a bedroom suite with bath, a library and a maker’s studio. The suite’s location offers privacy and tranquility, enhanced by direct sightlines to the river. To fulfill the clients’ request for abundant daylight, TONO Group incorporated multiple skylights that illuminate the loft and main living spaces with natural light.
On the reimagined first floor, the church’s original entry doors now welcome guests into a bright, open-plan living area centered around the brick fireplace. This 2-story focal point anchors the room and serves as the home’s primary gathering space. Beyond it, expansive windows frame sweeping views of the river while the adjacent dining area and kitchen encourage a seamless flow between spaces. The kitchen’s exposed beams and tongue-and-groove ceiling contrast beautifully with navy cabinetry, white tile backsplash and heritage pendant lighting—creating a space that is sophisticated and grounded in the building’s history.
The first floor’s private wing continues the home’s thoughtful balance between old and new. The primary suite offers a serene retreat beneath exposed trusses while the adjoining bath blends contemporary fixtures with the building’s timeless architecture.
Faithfully Authentic
Faith River’s streamlined aesthetic distinguishes it from the ornate styles typical of the 1860s. Clean lines and unadorned surfaces allow the architecture itself to tell the story. Even utilitarian spaces, like the laundry room, pay homage to the past through historically inspired details—an intricate floral ceiling, patterned tile flooring, and a navy-and-white palette carried throughout the home.
A heritage-inspired mix of materials—brick, steel and reclaimed wood—anchors the design. These traditional, handcrafted elements evoke authenticity and enduring quality while modern finishes add sophistication. Classic colors and textures ensure harmony between historic and contemporary expression.
TONO Group restored the original wood floors to preserve the home’s integrity while salvaged timber was repurposed into stair treads leading to the mezzanine. Black metal railings complement the wood and introduce a slight industrial edge.
To reinforce the structure, the team added upward-facing c-channels finished to match the existing steel-truss straps. These not only provided lateral stability, but also served as discreet channels for wiring and uplighting. Insulation upgrades were integrated throughout to enhance energy efficiency without compromising architectural heritage.
“Balancing modern performance with historic preservation was key,” Solyak explains. “We wanted the home to feel as solid and efficient as any new-build but without losing the patina and personality that comes from its age.”
Externally, TONO Group maintained the church’s historic charm. The brick façade was repointed, the cupola restored and structural reinforcements leveled the floors—all ensuring that modern interventions complemented, rather than competed with, the original character.
Challenges and Craftsmanship
Renovating a 150-year-old structure required foresight and flexibility as unanticipated challenges arose. “A structure of this age rarely has straight lines,” Solyak says. “We had to make multiple adaptations as the project progressed.”
One such challenge involved adding a cantilevered deck to extend the main living area toward the river. With four full-length original windows on that elevation, TONO Group had to carefully balance symmetry, maintain the roofline and preserve the views—all while keeping access to the basement and septic system below. The result is an elegant solution: the deck frames panoramic views while a discreet stair below offers access to the lower level without disrupting the building’s façade.
Legacy Renewed
TONO Group’s commitment to preserving historic integrity while adapting spaces for modern life resulted in a residence that feels timeless and distinctly current. Faith River now stands as a bespoke home that honors its 19th-century origins while embracing the rhythms of contemporary living—a place where architectural legacy and modern comfort meet in perfect balance.
Judge’s Comment
Beautiful ‘unveiling’ of a neglected building. What a joy to find those trusses above the ceiling. It will be interesting to
Daryl Johnson, AIA, NCARB, president, Johnson Architecture
see how the homeowners use this grand space.”
Retrofit Team
Architect: TONO Group
General Contractor: PROTO Construction
Plumbing and Heating Subcontractor: Ranck
Electrician: D&T Electric LLC
Masonry Subcontractor: Steve Groff Masonry Inc.
Materials
Thin-brick Veneer: Glen-Gery
Windows and Doors: Marvin
Wallcoverings: Astek
Casework: 3D Custom Cabinetry
