Tucked into the woods of western Pennsylvania, the Mori Residence is a 1,200-square-foot cabin renovation that reimagines a dated, disconnected structure as a calm and intentional retreat. Originally dark and closed off, the cabin has been transformed through a collaborative design-build process that emphasizes simplicity, warmth, and natural materials.

The client approached architect David Stumpf with a clear vision rooted in Japandi design—a blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. She imagined a quiet space that felt connected to the surrounding landscape and was grounded in texture, light, and honest materials. Uniquely, she also chose to act as her own general contractor, managing the construction process from start to finish despite having no prior experience.

The design response focused on clarity and restraint. The cabin was stripped to its bones and rebuilt with intention. Small, inefficient windows were replaced with larger openings that frame views of the forest and bring in soft, natural light. Reclaimed wood flooring, white oak cabinetry, and hand-applied plaster walls bring texture and warmth to the interiors, creating a palette that feels timeless and lived in.

Though the footprint remained compact, the layout was reworked to enhance openness and flow. Built-in furniture, low visual clutter, and a tight material palette contribute to a space that feels expansive and quiet, despite its size. The result is a home that foregrounds natural light, material honesty, and a strong connection to its wooded site.

Beyond the architectural transformation, the project stands out for its process. Over the course of nearly a year, the client managed the build herself—coordinating trades, working with David to solve problems on-site, and making daily decisions with care. That hands-on approach brought a sense of purpose to every detail and gave the final result a deeply personal quality. The Mori Residence is not just a story of spatial refinement, but one of creative ownership and learning through making.

With its careful balance of design, craft, and lived experience, the Mori Residence is a study in how architecture can elevate the everyday. It is minimal but not stark, modern but warm—an example of how small-scale residential work can be both accessible and quietly transformative.