B. Architecture
C_ABE Thomas Jefferson University
Matthew J. Behler
3RD YEAR ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
( 5 7 0 ) - 7 8 0 - 7 1 0 3
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Martina Bacarella Architect (May 2024 - Aug 2024)
Contributed to several of the firm’s ongoing projects Responsibilities included AutoCAD drafting, Rhino modeling, conducting research, participating in site visits, and preparing an application for the National Register of Historic Places.
Gallagher Athletic Center (Jan 2023 - Pres)
Contribute to maintaining a clean and welcoming fitness environment Since January 2025, served as a manager, providing support to team members and utilizing design skills to enhance the fitness center's aesthetic and functionality.
A W A R D S
D e a n ’ s L i s t
Thomas Jefferson University (Fall 2022 - Pres)
T a u S i g m a D e l t a
Thomas Jefferson University (Spring 2025- Pres)
B i l l y H a r r i s S c h o l a r s h i p
Gallagher Athletic Center (January 2025)
L u z e r n e F o u n d a t i o n S c h o l a r s h i p
NEPA AIA (Nov 2023 & Nov 2024)
01 Northeast Médiathèque
Design 6
Spring 2025
Castor Gardens, NE Philadelphia
Northeast Philadelphia is a region of Philadelphia divided into two sectors, separated by class. This multimedia library focuses on career development skills to alleviate the divide of the Northeast. The building itself opens itself to each side of the Northeast, to reinforce this space as a unifying connector. The facade, a series of perforated bricks, opens and closes depending on public and private spaces of the interior.
Gardens, NE Philadelphia
CASTORAVE.
Castor
Slicing
Sectional Model Wall Section
Model Photo Perspective
Model Photo Isometric
Design 5
Fall 2024
Valley Youth House
Francisville, Philadelphia Francisville, Philadelphia
Valley Youth House is a non-profit organization that provides housing, education, and counseling services to homeless youth from the ages of 18 - 24. This center seeks to provide these three services in one moment with adjacanices that ensure comfort and security to the temporary residents. Clad in corten steel, this building is inspired by the works of Richard Serra, using curvature to emphasize the push and pull of public and private spaces.
Scale: 1/8” = 1’
Scale: 1/8” = 1’
North Section
West Section
Intersection II
03
Hardanger Retreat
Visualization 3
Fall 2023
Ricketts Glen, PA
The Hardanger Retreat, an existing cabin built in 2003, has elements of circulation through it’s large exterior space. I placed this cabin in Ricketts Glen State Park, a heavily wooded area with lots of rivers. To emphasize it’s circulation elements, I chose to place the cabin between a river, allowing the cabin itself to “stretch the stream.”
Both Renders are taken at 7 AM, as to show the natural filter sunlight through the trees of Ricketts Glen State Park, and to emphasize the beauty of the wooden materiality of this cabin.
Ricketts Glen Sketch Site Map
In accordance with the priciples of a Passive House, this wall section retains elements that ensure the reduction of waste and needless energy usage. Not only is it focused on multiple levels of insulation, but also minimizing the amount of thermal bridging. Passive building is a better way to reduce energy usage, carbon emissions, and general waste.
This project was not only my introduction to drafting wall sections, but also methods of sustainability. I attribute the beginning of my interest in minoring in sustainable design to this project.
Passivhaus Section
Matt Behler
Rubio
ROOF
Roofing Membrane | R = 0.33
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
8” Rigid Polystyrene Panel | R = 5
12” Batt Insulation | R = 3.5
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
Total R Value: 83.575
WALL
1.5” VM Zinc Panels | R = 8.62
1/2" Air Gap
2” Rigid Polystyrene Panel | R = 5
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
1” Rigid Polystyrene Panel | R = 5
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
6” Batt Insulation | R = 3.5
Window Track
Window Jamb
Flashing
1/2” Plywood Sheathing | R = 1.25
4” Polyurethane Spray Foam | R = 6.5 Vapor Barrier
5/8” Gypsum Board | R = .9
Total R Value: 76.18
FLOOR & FOUNDATION
Tongue and Groove Flooring
2” Rigid Polystyrene Panel | R = 5
1” Rigid Polystyrene Panel | R = 5
2.5” Rigid Polystyrene Panel | R = 5
10” Concrete Footer | R = 1
Total R Value: 37.5
This custom mission style coffee table was my first ever design project. During my senior year of high school, I designed, drafted, and built this with assistance from my teacher at the time. I wanted to construct a project that would not only last for a very long time, but also challenge myself and explore forms of woodworking without the use of screws, nails, etc.
The orthographics allowed me to understand the joints I needed to create - and also was the first axonometric drawing I ever created. The table is composed of mainly oak wood, with a subtle cherry trim on the top.
Mission Style Table
Thank you.
