Photography: David Straight
About Studio
Matter Architects is recognized for its work in architecture, urban planning, art, design, and strategic thinking. We pride ourselves on our ethical, honest, and transparent approach to all projects. We love what we do and have a profound commitment to our clients and finding innovative design solutions. We achieve these solutions through a working methodology of collaboration and disruption.
The integrity of ideas along with the process and effective communication ensure that any investment made throughout the project is done so in a well-planned and mutually agreed manner, making certain that our clients and all affected parties realize the most value from our product.













The client’s objectives were to create a functional family home with privacy and a connection to the site. Ponsobly is a beautiful neighborhood with a strong sense of community, we wanted to sew these additions and alterations into this context while creating privacy and a feeling of light and space.
Our solution was to save and enhance the character of the original villa, removing all electric additions added to this form over the years. From this point, we designed a split-level addition separated from the existing villa by modest courtyards, one service, and one used as outdoor living.
The new lover living area of the split-level addition sits flush with the landscape, blurring the lines between inside and out. The new upper level floats the master suite in the tree tops and provides a view of the lush green valley beyond. Angled wing walls provide privacy to the upper level while gaining light and passive ventilation.
Brick walls flow from the kitchen into the garden creating a private seated area within the landscape garden. The courtyards create light wells into the heart of the home, providing a sense of space and connection throughout the home.