MATTIODA RESIDENCE
Naperville, IL

This spectacular 7,500sf old world Tuscan residence looks like it was transplanted from an Italian mountainside. The owners often vacationed in Italy and wanted to build their own Villa right in the middle of downtown Naperville, IL.

After the original house was torn down and the design process began, our preliminary studies showed the property was too small to build the oversize house the owners wanted. They applied for and were granted multiple front and side yard setback variances. Per the owner’s request, our design pushed the building envelope in every aspect of the city’s zoning ordinance. With little debate, the building department ultimately approved our final design. Once construction started and the building began to take shape, several neighbors and community groups expressed concern about the bulk, height and continuity within the neighborhood. In 2005, NBC’s Good Morning America featured this house in a segment debating the pros and cons of tear downs within neighborhoods. Ultimately, the City of Naperville changed their zoning ordinance encouraging new construction to be more “neighborhood friendly”.

The house in both plan and elevation is organized around a 5-story central tower element containing a continuous interior winding stair and elevator. This 4 bedroom and 6 bath home is finished on 4 levels and has a 3-car detached garage connected by an exterior trellised colonnade within the central courtyard.

The owners spared no expense in an effort to maximize the authenticity of every detail. The exterior stucco was completed by Italian craftsmen and the doors, windows, railings, etc were all custom-made specifically for this project.