A riverfront retreat brought to life with a Dekton facade

Set along the scenic banks of the Delaware River in New Hope, Pennsylvania, this stunning residential blends modern architecture with material innovation thanks to a striking Dekton rainscreen facade. Designed by Ralph Fey Architects, the home was envisioned for a European client who had long admired Dekton and sought to bring its performance and aesthetic benefits to their U.S. residence.

The architectural team had not previously worked with Dekton for exterior applications, but the client’s love for the product sparked a collaborative exploration of how to adapt it for this dynamic build. After initial design discussions and sample reviews, Dekton was ultimately selected for its unique ability to merge aesthetic sophistication with technical performance.

As an ultracompact surface, Dekton offers exceptional resistance to UV rays, thermal shocks, stains, and abrasion, paired with extremely low porosity that provides high durability and resistance to moisture. This makes it an ideal solution for a façade exposed to the natural conditions of a riverside environment. Additionally, Dekton comes with a 25-year product warranty for façades and holds the Carbon Neutral certification. Moreover, the ventilated façade construction solution enhances breathability, minimizes risks associated with condensation and moisture, and improves energy efficiency.

The design called for a layered visual effect, combining multiple Dekton colors - Kelya, Marmorio, and Domoos - to create depth and contrast in the home’s exterior. This blend of dark and cream tones played beautifully against the natural backdrop while complementing the oversized windows and doors that define the home’s front and rear elevations.

Through the process, Ralph Fey Architects and the general contractor worked closely with Cosentino to evaluate installation systems, panel sizing, and color combinations. Panel sizes were adjusted to reduce material waste, and the colors shifted several times before the final palette was locked in.

Cosentino helped connect the architect and builder with several possible manufacturers, and ultimately Onur Marble and Granite was selected. They locally cut the 20 mm Dekton slabs and installed the façade on-site using a customized stainless steel fixing system for ventilated façades. The custom-made fixings, manufactured on-site, were inserted into the groove made on the edge of Dekton pieces and attached to a 2”x6” wood stud structure with a self-adhesive waterproof membrane. This solution avoided delays from overseas manufacturing and allowed the team to stay on schedule.

Perhaps the most captivating feature of the project is the interplay of the facade and the expansive glazing facing the river. When viewed from the water, the house offers a seamless integration of texture, light, and structure. The facade acts not just as cladding, but as a design statement in its own right.