Matthew Millan Exceeding expectations
Founder Matthew Millan believes in the power of sustainable architecture. From adaptive reuse projects and modular housing, Millan believes architecture should be a response to the environment in which he designs.
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Matthew Millan Architects For the firm of MMA sustainability is a core principle and every project aims utilize its natural environment. by Byline Here
Sustainability has always been an important factor in architecture, for the purposes of structural integrity, efficiency and longevity. But only in the past few decades have we seen technology evolve to the point where houses and entire business complexes can exist entirely off the grid. For Matthew Millan and his eponymous architectural firm, this responsible mindset is only a mere step in the right direction. “The green movement is in no way a fad,” said Matthew. “The federal and state governments are much more behind the idea than ever before. It is not a mindset that is politically oriented or subject to a political or cultural pendulum.” Before founding Matthew Millan Architects in 1995, Matthew ran the design department of a company that specialized in the preservation and salvaging and reuse of timber frames from old barns, houses, churches, mills and other similar structures with timber roofing. His expertise in dealing with antique timber framing methods and the construction and deconstruction processes of older buildings has helped to establish his mindset of “architecture as a response to the environment you’re designing your buildings for,” as he put it. “I was brought up looking at the design of structures as both a response to natural forces and to the preexisting building context. These ideals have been captured in the public attention by the green movement, but they’ve been around for quite a bit longer.” Matthew Millan Architects recently completed a project that involved refitting an old pasta factory that was converted into a Class A office building. “This project was a combination of challenge and opportunity. The existing building was ideal for sustainable offices. The structure was very narrow, with the longer dimensions facing east and west, exposing the broad side of the building to the sun for the majority of the day. The environment was already oriented for solar power, and we 2 Architecture Leaders Today
were able to design the interior in such a way that maximized the sun as a source of natural heating and day lighting, as opposed to relying on the use of on-grid electricity. “This is a perfect example of our vision: to minimize energy use with appropriate technology, but also to use the natural environment of each and every site as a way to reduce the amount of new technology required. We always observe how the sun moves on a site, how the terrain and winds can be harnessed for natural ventilation, and understanding how the space will be used for its purpose.” Matthew also stressed the psychometrics of using day lighting, geothermal heating and natural ventilation. “The effect that these organic techniques have on people, especially in a work environment, can be quite substantive. They can improve productivity, focus and attitude in such a way that it makes financial sense to take advantage of these ideas that also save considerable amounts of energy and money. Having natural light fill the rooms brings a feeling of liveliness and warmth that simply can’t be achieved with costly electrical light fixtures.” These design initiatives seem all too sensible when looking into the future. However, with recent economic downturns, clients have been just as cost-conscious as they are environmentally-conscious. Structured as THIS PAGE: South Moon Under, Philadelphia, PA. Part urban ruin, part sleek modernism and part funky chic, this complete rehabilitation combines multiple design influences into a fresh approach that combines gritty texture, glassy transparency and local art. Opening up the physical volumes of the existing structure createded visual connections that remove the traditional limitations of long narrow, multi-floor stores. Changes of level and shifting floor plates draw the visitor through the store, with each vantage point inviting one deeper into the spaces. Photo by Matthew Millan. OPPOSITE PAGE: Canopy Cathedral Treehouse, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA. This ornate timber-framed treehouse was inspired by Norwegian stave churches and was built from reclaimed Douglas Fir timbers. Nestled among existing trees, it was designed to have minimal impact on the forest landscape. Photo by Matthew Millan.
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an essentially natural architectural firm, MMA helps their customers achieve a better understanding of value and longevity. This can lead to a better understanding in the client’s mind of what their money is really buying them and how they can achieve a better return on their investment. As important as it is to consider the intended use and purpose of a structure, “it’s important to keep in mind how a building might be adapted for alternative uses over the years.” Matthew continued, “We understand how some systems may need to be changed out every 5 years or so. Also, we think about how a structure could be sustainably deconstructed so the materials can be easily reused and recycled.” On rethinking traditional architecture, Matthew noted how MMA has “found that modular construction is gaining ground in the construction industry. The efficiencies in design and construction are becoming more and more important. These systems can easily be coordinated and engineered so that they allow efficient modifications at a later point in time.” Matthew has been able to see firsthand how value-based decisions are concerning green efficiency in architecture are slowly giving way to market-based decisions. “Landfill space is steadily decreasing. Also, as the technology improves, we’ve seen how recycling is now becoming much more cost effective OPPOSITE PAGE: Schwartz Residence, Villanova, PA. This custom home weaves traditional massing with contemporary design. Transom windows and a two-story entry hall on the south-facing façade allow daylight to fill the house. Inside the house, the first floor public rooms double as a series of galleries designed to showcase the client’s large-scale works of art. Photo by Frank Zadlo, Jr. THIS PAGE: Sheep Hole Farm, Bucks County, PA. During the adaptive reuse of a stone barn complex, MMA retained and magnified the structures’ inherent strength of character, complementing historic materials with sympathetic and sophisticated contemporary details. Plaster covered fireplace masses with raw steel lintels contrast the red fieldstone but blend with the existing pointing. Photo by Electronics Design Group.
Davis Frame Company Davis Frame Company has been designing and building some of the finest timber frames homes in the industry. By combining the art of traditional timber framing with modern technology, they produce beautiful, energy efficient timber frame homes of unparalleled warmth and charm that will last for generations. Fall 2010 5
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than dumping, regardless of the obvious environmental impacts of those two alternate methods.” As MMA has applied their efficient mindset to commercial and institutional architectural undertakings, they have also specialized in designing residential buildings and communities. In designing the Playa Flamingo Condominiums in Ocean City, Maryland, MMA’s remediation and restoration of the local wetlands provided on-site storm water treatment facilities for continuous use. The Longwood Gardens located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania currently feature three tree houses designed by MMA in partnership with two nationally renowned treehouse design-build companies. Though designed mainly for aesthetic purposes for visitors to the gardens, the tree houses serve as an example of MMA’s ability to design pragmatic and kinesthetically pleasing buildings that use reclaimed resources and are environmentally sustainable. These structures further demonstrate how buildings can be used in and around the environment, rather than on top of it. MMA utilized an innovative pin foundation to integrate the structures into the dense woodland in a way that did not require any excavation or support from the trees. Despite employing more than a few associates, Principal Matthew Millan remains involved in every project from start to finish. In addition to their deep commitment to green buildings, Matthew Millan Architects is dedicated to designing interesting, comfortable and inspiring structures, working closely with clients and contractors alike to resolve problems on site and make the necessary modifications at the spur of the moment to optimize the process every step of the way. ALT TOP: Adler Residence, Gladwyne, PA. This light-filled, airy Garden Room has wrap-around windows that overlook a stream. The room projects out between two mature sycamore trees that frame the exterior of the addition. The focal point inside the room is the timber frame truss ceiling with curved bottom chords and radial pattern. Photo by Marquart Photography. OPPOSITE PAGE & BELOW: The Mask & Wig Clubhouse Renovation, Philadelphia, PA. Matthew Millan Architects led The Mask & Wig Club through the multi-year preservation and comprehensive renovation of their historic Clubhouse. This heavily used and much loved building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation work could not significantly alter or detract from the historic interiors and exteriors. Original Maxfield Parrish paintings on wood paneling and plaster were cleaned and restored by nationally renowned conservators. The successful completion of the renovation preserves the historic charm and character of the Clubhouse while dramatically improving its’ amenities and protecting its’ assets. Photo by Tom Crane Photography.
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