Aires Mateus, MA+Co, Neometro: Building the Mori House Dream

#house #architecture #housedesign The Australian coastline, with its untamed beauty and dramatic horizons, often calls for architecture that respects its raw power while offering sanctuary. Yet, few homes embody this delicate balance with the profound artistry of Mori House. Nestled in Mount Martha, Victoria, this coastal dwelling is more than just a structure; it's a testament to a unique collaboration, a shared philosophy, and the belief that a house truly finds its soul when lived in. As Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus, the visionary behind its form, aptly puts it, "Architecture is an incomplete art, only finished by the life that fills it." This sentiment resonated deeply with Jeff Provan, director of Melbourne-based Neometro, and his wife Mariko Mori Provan. Having spent years admiring Aires Mateus’s work, they knew their dream home demanded his distinctive touch. Their quest began with an earnest, yet initially unrewarded, attempt to connect with the renowned architect. A month of silence followed their initial outreach, but fate, it seemed, had a plan of its own. On their last night in Lisbon, a desperate call led to a swift and unexpected response. "Within 10 minutes, he'd read our brief and called me back to discuss it," Jeff recalls, the surprise still evident in his voice. What followed was an hour-long meeting, an immediate connection, and the genesis of a remarkable partnership. Architecture: Aires Mateus, MA+Co and Neometro Interior design: Aires Mateus and Neometro Build: Neometro Projects and Robert Brotto Landscape design: Myles Baldwin Design Photography: Tom Ross