Mattermake – designs with a sense of wonder

Established in 2019, Mattermake is an architecture and design studio that works at the intersection of architecture, computational design and digital manufacturing. Owner and founder Steve De Micoli talks about the studio’s designs and ideas.

“I always found myself happiest and most productive in the workshop. Materials have an honesty about them, they tell you what they are capable of. For me, design is always a collaboration between material and design intent – a collaboration that I, as a designer, try to shape in the best possible way,” underlines Steve, who, before opening his studio had become increasingly frustrated that his profession had become so removed from the actual building process. “Submitting drawing packages, a task that has become so common in our profession, made me feel alienated from the actual creative process. Mattermake changes this and the creative process provides new impact.”

Photo: Mattermake

Multidisciplinary approach for many needs and purposes

A team of 18 multidisciplinary experts is responsible for Mattermake’s designs – designs that create a sense of wonder while enhancing the users’ environment. “Mattermake is split into three departments,” explains De Micoli, “namely Architecture and Interiors, Fabrication and Building Technologies. This approach allows us to design AND manufacture our ideas and designs ourselves.”

A unique selling point indeed, as the combination of design and manufacture not only allows Mattermake to work with third-party designers or contractors. It also makes the studio a one-stop shop that can take on a wide range of projects, from residential, commercial or retail to child-friendly spaces.

As a result, Mattermake’s client and project portfolio is correspondingly broad and varied. One of their current projects is a collaboration with a multinational IT company. The aim is the creation of a design that reflects the company’s excellence while taking into account the neurodiversity of its workforce. “In this project, we are designing task-oriented, uplifting spaces with bespoke and carefully thought through office furniture that saves up to 35% of the available office space. Adapted to the staff’s needs, the workspaces are extremely flexible, encouraging creativity and a proactive mindset. On projects like this, the close collaboration between our interior design and technical departments is incredibly useful, as it creates a new perspective, a fresh look at the way buildings and objects are designed. That’s a huge advantage!”

Award-winning design!

Mattermake’s ability to cater for a wide range of industries is also demonstrated by one of its most recent projects, Cinema Visiona, a recently completed home cinema project that won the studio the German Design Award in the category ‘Excellent Architecture’. The project was praised for its ‘unusual interpretation of a seating landscape in cinemas’ and applauded by the jury as ‘an extraordinary project that inspires’.

“Cinema Visiona,” explains De Micoli, “is an example of the unlimited possibilities of the holistic design process that we promote. At Mattermake, the architect is not only the designer, but also the manufacturer, the craftsperson as well as the contractor. This, in a way, democratises innovation as it opens up the possibility of innovation to a wider audience, while design solutions can be specifically adapted to local needs.” Mattermake’s approach and designs are therefore not just about exploring new, innovative forms; the studio is an active creator of innovative uses of space, aesthetics and human experiences.

Photo: Sean Mallia

A current project very close to Mattermake’s heart is Sikka, a collaboration with Zibel, a Maltese NGO. What is Sikka? “Sikka,” says Steve, “is a programme that can be described as social housing for marine life. The background is this: While the hundreds of tonnes of debris that has been washed up and removed from the Maltese coast is a threat to nature and people alike, they have also become a new habitat for marine life. So while car tyres, trawling equipment etc. have to be removed from the sea, this step also disrupts these new micro-habitats.

Mattermake has developed a series of modular structures to be installed along Malta’s coast to provide a sustainable solution to accelerate the creation of environmentally friendly habitats for marine organisms to colonise.”

Photo: Sean Mallia

What lies ahead?

With such a colourful and truly diverse range of projects, Mattermake is currently in the process of restructuring its studio to become a more impact-driven company. Other stimulating ideas are already being discussed.

“Well, the housing crisis and the lack of affordable living space is prevalent in many cities and countries around the world. We are currently looking at developing micro-living and affordable housing projects for the so-called ‘stretched classes’. We would like to develop a series of designs and projects – also with an international client base – to enable this particular lower-middle class to get on the property ladder in an affordable way, while enjoying a high level of comfort.”

Photo: Sean Mallia

Web: www.mattermake.com