STUDIO · MATERIAL CONSULTING FOR ARCHITECTURE
MATERIA is an independent studio for materials, surfaces and their application in space. We support architects from the first idea to the realised surface—with material research, sampling, technical consultation and an international network of manufacturers and specialist craftspeople.
Born of experience.
MATERIA grew from a personal experience of building. While restoring a listed house, it became clear how difficult it is to find materials that truly honour a place, its history and its architecture. The market was extensive, yet only a small part of it felt authentic, enduring and convincing in design.
The house could not ultimately be saved, yet its story was meant to endure. Engaging deeply with the existing fabric, its setting and the right materials became the starting point for a new professional direction. The idea of material scouting emerged then, in conversation with the architect. The path from that idea to MATERIA took time.
Marcel Götze
Founder & Design Curator
Before founding MATERIA, Marcel Götze oversaw complex raised-floor projects within his family business—from consultation, costing and tendering to technical planning, coordination, delivery and on-site execution. These projects included the EPFL Rolex Learning Center by SANAA in Lausanne and KARL München by David Chipperfield Architects.
Working on internationally significant architecture sharpened his eye for precision, technical rigour and the relationship between material and space. It also created the wish to enter a project before material decisions are made, rather than afterwards. MATERIA was founded from that conviction.
Long-standing experience in material consulting, technical planning and the realisation of demanding architectural projects.
Strengthening architecture.
At MATERIA, materials are not selected on price, availability or marketing alone. The decisive question is whether they can carry an architectural idea.
A good material must respond to the conditions of a project. It should not overshadow architecture, but strengthen it. If an existing product cannot do this, the search begins again.
This is why MATERIA works across manufacturers and in direct response to each project.
Material must be allowed to age.
We are interested in surfaces that do more than perform at handover. A good material may take on traces, develop a patina and grow older with the architecture.
A surface that appears technically unchanged after twenty years may nevertheless have lost its relationship to the space. Material quality is not measured by resistance alone. It is revealed in how naturally a material becomes part of its setting—today and over time.
The right material does not impose itself. It belongs naturally to the architecture.
From the outset.
MATERIA should be involved as early as possible. Together with architects, we develop an understanding of place, use, design intent and technical requirements.
From there, we research and curate suitable materials, develop samples, review build-ups and interfaces, and coordinate with manufacturers and specialist craftspeople. Our consulting is project-specific and, where needed, delivered on site.
Our role is not to change architecture. Our role is to strengthen it materially.
Services.
Material research and curation
Concept development and project-specific selection
Sampling and individual development
Technical consultation and build-up review
Tender and procurement support
Introducing specialist craftspeople
Project and site support
Manufacturers with conviction.
MATERIA works with manufacturers, workshops and craftspeople who bring a recognisable conviction to their material.
Many of these partners are based in Italy, where craft tradition, industrial development and an exceptional sensitivity to material often come together. Yet origin alone is not decisive; what matters is the quality of the idea, technical substance and the willingness to develop project-specific solutions.
Project enquiries, materials and collaborations.
MATERIA STUDIO
materials · surfaces · space