SMA

Sparano & Mooney Architecture created a flexible urban model with this design—essentially single-level living with a lower level that can function as part of the main home or as two separate apartments. This gives the clients the option to travel, rent out the lower space, or age in place with a caregiver unit. Their brief—living in a smaller footprint while focusing on a few meaningful elements—is truly inspiring. 

The home's compact public areas made material choices especially important. Polished concrete floors flow seamlessly to the exterior—a practical solution for family life and dogs. Wood paneling in the kitchen and ceiling balances the cool grey tones, adds warmth, and provides acoustic comfort. A plate steel fireplace adds drama while maintaining a clean, cohesive material palette. Generous windows are well-proportioned with the wall space, creating beautifully lit interiors and providing natural settings for the client’s favorite artworks. Furnishings were kept minimal and intentional to support the home's quiet simplicity. 

We often think of interior design as predominantly focused on furnishings and a ‘final reveal’ of the finished curated space. In reality, good interiors are about making you feel comfortable in a space without all the things. Material selection and getting the basics right including mechanically efficiency is really critical to making a home comfortable and warm.