residential architecture

May 9, 2019

Design Insights: Romence House

The owner was able to secure a serene vacant lot in an established neighborhood in the City of Grand Rapids, which backs on to a beautiful wooded parcel to the north. The goal of the project was first and foremost to design a home that met contextual needs from the street-side, but took full advantage of the unique natural setting in the rear. MMA saw the opportunity for horizontal extension of the residence to quiet the home and ground it into its surroundings, and in so doing maximize rear courtyard space for a homeowner who has long term permaculture aspirations. A detached garage was used to take full advantage of side-setback requirements. Additionally, the garage completes the open courtyard and creates an open moment of outdoor reception to the secluded outdoor space. The L-shaped plan form created a simple diagram for living–a public arm of space that includes the mudroom, kitchen, dining, and living room, then a private arm of space with office, bedrooms and bathrooms. To accentuate the difference in use and experience, a 12 ft high wood ceiling space covers the public area, allowing ample clerestory light, while a lower ceiling provides intimacy, punctuated by skylights, in the […]

January 31, 2019

Design Insights: Riverglass House

The family intelligently acquired a piece of property whose natural attributes eclipsed its suburban surroundings. The lot lines create a compressed, modest street presence and then expand in a gesture to the unique pointed setting on the Thornapple River, with a 200 degree water view. The concept of a long, welcoming landscape to a house that re-dramatizes the opening to a river view was foundational for the design process. Thinking about the house as a threshold to the river experience was an organizational tool for the project. A three story central core is a quotation of the outdoors—a large interior void around which all the individual uses of the house are organized. The core welcomes, but also negotiates egress between offset levels on either side. A large semi-public living room with high ceilings and prominent river views couple with the Master suite above to comprise the southern half of the house. Family function is supported to north: an expansive casual living, dining, and kitchen area on the main level, and children’s bedrooms and play area on the second level. At the highest point of the house, the third level provides multi-directional views and is reserved for focused work, reflection, wellness, […]

December 5, 2018

MMA Earns the Cover of Grand Rapids Magazine!

Thanks to the Grand Rapids Magazine for featuring both our Deer Haven House and our Romence house in their December 2018 issue. We were excited to see our Deer Haven House on the cover. The issue is available at newsstands around Grand Rapids now! “At first glance, passersby might not assume that two homes — one on a large, secluded plot in the woods of Cascade, the other on a small lot in residential Grand Rapids — have much in common beyond a modern façade. They would be surprised to discover, however, that the homes, while unique in their own ways, share striking similarities once you step through their thresholds.” Read more of an excerpt of the article found online HERE. Read more about Deer Haven House HERE and Romence House HERE

October 25, 2018

Deer Haven House Wins AIA Award

MMA accepts an AIA Grand Rapids residential design award for Deer Haven House.

Each year the AIA recognizes excellence in design from its architectural members. Mathison I Mathison Architects is humbled to accept a residential design award from AIA Grand Rapids for their Deer Haven House project.

October 17, 2018

The Lake Residence: Design Insights

This new family home is located on a beautiful wooded lot that slopes down in two directions to wide, sunset views over the lake.

The family wanted a primary living space on the main or street level that still felt connected to the lake. While decks are a simple solution to adding main-level exterior space on lake-front homes, they often feel like an after-thought, creating a damp shadowy space below, and block daylight to the lower level. This large patio is over lower level living space, so it feels integral to the home and still allows for unhindered light and views at the lower level. The kitchen, sitting, and dining room open directly to the patio with a wide lift-slide door. A gracious stair leads straight to the lakefront below, creating an easy pathway for guests from the entry down and out to the lake.

June 1, 2018

Boston Common Magazine Features Berkshire Residence

Thanks to Boston Common Magazine and writer, Marni Katz for featuring our Berkshire Residence in their May 2018 print edition.

Cabin Fever

How to design a dreamy Berkshires getaway with luxury decor, sweeping views and, above all, coziness.

For five years, a particularly nature-loving Boston family escaped to a one-room cabin in the Housatonic River Valley in Great Barrington. That’s right, one room. Designed by Cambridge architect Maryann Thompson, it was a cozy cabin, resting on a slice of the mountainside and overlooking the valley. Still, it was time for a change. The family wanted to live larger. The goal was to replicate the design and feel of their beloved cabin, but to triple the size. Enter Evan Mathison of Mathison | Mathison Architects, who had assisted Thompson on the cabin and who employed a similar approach for the new, 5,600-square-foot low-slung home. Inspired by the stunning Berkshires landscape, the property follows the contours of the ridgeline; captures spectacular light and views; incorporates a warm materials palette; and blurs the line between indoors and out. Upon entering, visitors…