The Mori Residence: Japandi Minimalism & Owner-Builder Collaboration

Project Narrative

The "Japandi" Ethos: Restraint & Warmth

Tucked into the woods of Western Pennsylvania, The Mori Residence reimagines a dated, disconnected cabin as a study in intentional living. The design brief was rooted in Japandi principles—a fusion of Japanese rustic minimalism and Scandinavian functionality.

The renovation stripped the structure to its bones, replacing visual clutter with honest materials. We utilized a tight palette of reclaimed wood flooring, white oak cabinetry, and hand-applied plaster walls to create a texture that feels timeless. By retaining the original structural columns and beams, we allowed the history of the home to remain visible, using the timber grid to define circulation zones without erecting partition walls.

The Owner-Builder Partnership

Uniquely, the client chose to act as her own General Contractor, managing the build despite having no prior construction experience. This required a highly collaborative architectural process. David Stumpf Architecture provided rigorous detailing and on-site problem solving to support the client-builder. The result is not just a spatial transformation, but a testament to the clarity of the design documents and the resilience of the partnership.

Light as a Material

In a compact 1,200 SF footprint, light is the most critical material.

• The Axis: We reorganized the plan to create a clear visual axis connecting the kitchen, living room, and sunroom. Aligning large picture windows across this axis draws the eye outward, expanding the perceived size of the home.

• The Corner Glazing: In the master suite, we introduced dual 5’x5’ energy-efficient corner windows meeting at the bed. This dissolves the corner of the room, creating a panoramic connection to the forest and immersing the occupant in the landscape.

Technical Retrofit & Health

During demolition, significant mold issues were uncovered in the existing wet walls. This challenge drove a comprehensive redesign of the plumbing core. We utilized European-style wall-hung toilets and curbless walk-in showers to maximize hygiene and floor space, transforming a remediation necessity into a modern, spa-like amenity.