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PORTFOLIO 2021- 2025

MATTIA HAJMELI

2ND YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT

ABOUT ME

Mattia Hajmeli

I’m a second year graduate student with a strong passion for design. Originally from Rimini, Italy, I’m fluent in Italian and bring a diverse perspective to my work. My focus is on robotic fabrication, where I can combine innovation with precision. I’m driven by a curiosity for new possibilities and a dedication to exploring how technology can transform the design process. I’m adaptable, eager to learn, and excited to bring my skills and enthusiasm to the field.

CONTACT Graduate Architecture Student

Work Experience

Phone

512-920-8546

Email hajmelimattia@gmail.com

Address

5202 Auburn St Apt. 1116

Rhinoceros 3D Grasshopper

Chaos 3D: Vray

Adobe

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Indesign

Enscape

Studio TA

August 2023-present

Teaching assistant for first year studio has been extremely illuminating both as a leadership role an a constant return to basic design origination.

3 Axis Architects - Architectural Intern

June 2023 - May 2024

Interning at 3 Axis has sharpened my Revit skills, strengthened my project coordination abilities, and deepened my involvement in the design process.

Page Southerland - Architectural Intern

May 2024 - August 2024

At Page Southerland, I gained valuable experience working with a large firm, shadowing architects across a diverse range of projects, including the new Austin Convention Center.

Scholastic Experience

Texas Tech University 2020-Present

Bachelor’s of science in architecture - spring of 2023

President’s list for all semesters

4.0 GPA - Pursing Master’s in Architecture

University of Texas at San Antonio 2019-2020 (Transfer)

Pursued a bachelor’s degree of architecture.

4.0 GPA maintained throughout President’s list for all semesters

UTSA honors scholarship

Antonio Contractor Scholarship

Austin Community College 2018-2021

Attended while in High School

The Ridge Equestrian Center Lubbock, TX

Riverside Filter San Antonio, TX

Integrated Venue Austin, TX 04. 06.

Habitat Mitten Rock, NM

Tessellated

Li-Dar Materialization Study

01 /THE RIDGE EQUESTRIAN CENTER

SPRING 2024 - SEMESTER PROJECT

INSTRUCTOR: STEVEN ROOP

/LUBBOCK

MAPPING

Lubbock Lake Landmark is a semi-arid site in the Southern High Plains, shaped by hot summers, cold winters, and low rainfall. Wind erosion and drought-resistant vegetation define the landscape. Its unique geology and history make it valuable for ecological and archaeological study.

At a macro scale, the site sits in the Llano Estacado, a flat plateau with shallow drainage basins. Historical water flow shaped the land, influencing soil and vegetation. Wind erosion continues to expose geological and archaeological layers.

At the mezzo scale, the site’s water sources support riparian vegetation within a dry grassland. Groundwater recharge and seasonal rain create a habitat for wildlife. This contrast highlights water’s role in the arid environment.

At the micro scale, site selection considers wind, noise, and access. Sheltered areas offer better micro-climates, while distance from roads reduces sound pollution. Accessibility ensures efficient navigation for visitors and researchers.

SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Exploration of the sustainable systems implemented

Sustainability

The design incorporates passive cooling, radiant floor heating, and geothermal control for sustainability. Passive cooling reduces heat gain through natural ventilation and shading. Radiant floor heating evenly warms spaces with minimal energy use. Geothermal systems stabilize temperatures using the earth’s constant underground heat. These strategies enhance efficiency and comfort while reducing environmental impact.

Detailed Wall Section

ISOMETRIC

Exploration of the sun studies, rain collection, and green spaces

EXPLODED SYSTEMS

The roof is supported by glu-lam trusses that span the entire project, providing structural integrity whether in covered or open-air sections. These trusses create a cohesive architectural language while allowing for large, unobstructed spaces.

The HVAC system relies on a VAV setup, requiring two separate systems to efficiently manage airflow across the large compound. This division ensures proper climate control for different zones, optimizing comfort and energy use.

Inside the two-floor building, spaces are designed for equestrian therapy and horseback riding, prioritizing openness and accessibility. The layout supports smooth movement for riders and horses while integrating therapeutic facilities

Radiant floor heating, combined with geothermal wells beneath the structure, maintains consistent indoor temperatures year-round. This system reduces energy consumption by leveraging the earth’s stable underground heat.

GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM

RADIANT FLOOR HEATING

2ND FLOOR

PRIMARY GLU-LAM TRUSSES

HVAC

SECONDARY GLU-LAM TRUSSES ROOF

1ST FLOOR

MODELS

The site model highlights the project’s placement atop a hill, emphasizing its elevation and relationship to the surrounding floodplains. This model helps visualize natural drainage patterns and how the design responds to the landscape.

The sectional model provides an accurate representation of the structure, showcasing spatial relationships, materiality, and construction methods. It effectively illustrates interior volumes, structural components, and how the building interacts with the site.

02 /RIVERSIDE FILTER /SAN

ANTONIO

PARTNER PROJECT WITH HAMONY SMITH ALL DIGITAL CONTENT SHOWN DONE BY MATTIA

FALL 2023 - SEMESTER PROJECT

INSTRUCTOR: PETER RAAB

MAPPING

The filtered nexus of urban and natural flows - A research center for environmental resilience in San Antonio

The filtered nexus of urban and natural flows - A research center for environmental resilience in san antonio

An exploration of San Antonio at different scales:

Macro: ecologies of san antonio

Macro: ecologies of San Antonio Mezzo: infrastructure and expansion

Mezzo: infrastructure and expansion

Micro: Human scale and green spaces

The Riverside Filter establishes a research center dedicated to elevating the water quality of the San Antonio River. This initiative seamlessly melds filtration science with the rich tapestry of the local urban environment, actively transforming through a thoughtful interplay of heavy and light materiality.

The Riverside Filter establishes a research center dedicated to elevating the water quality of the San Antonio River. This initiative seamlessly melds filtration science with the rich tapestryW of the local urban environment, actively transforming through a thoughtful interplay of heavy and light materiality.

Greater site context of the san antonio river Daily errands do not require a car.

Greater site context of the San Antonio river Daily errands do not require a car. Public transit is reliable for most trips. Biking is reliable for most trips. Bikes are not permitted on the river-walk and are relegated to Street level.

Public transit is reliable for most trips. Biking is reliable for most trips. Bikes are not permitted on the riverwalk and are relegated to Street level.

A network of ramps and steps facilitates a fluid transition between the two buildings flaking the site boundary. At its core, the project integrates sustainable design with the pedestrian experience, aiming to transform the way residents and visitors engage with the urban landscape.

Macro, Mezzo, Micro mapping

SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Exploration of the sun studies, rain collection, and green spaces

Design for Water

Rainwater is collected via drains in the middle of the roof basins. Pipes then run the collected water through a series of pipes run along the ceiling and walls of the interior spaces. these pipes, made to blend with the roof supporting structure, lead to an underground series of tanks located next to the research facility where it is sampled and tested. The water is then filtered through the project to water plants, service restrooms, and cool the interior space. excess water is filtered and released back into the San Antonio river as an effort to positively impact the river’s clarity and potability.

Design for Wellbeing

Thermal comfort is achieved through tiled concrete panels and a passive cooling systems of water passing through pipes in the interior spaces. Similarly, visual and acoustical comfort is accomplished with a dual facade. the concrete panels frame the project along its urban face, and a curtain wall along the west side allows for direct sunlight and views of the river, inviting pedestrian interaction form the two sides of the project. Connections to nature and the surrounding environment create pockets of space in the filter.

Axonometric of Sun Penetration

PARAMETRIC OPENINGS

The building’s in-situ cast panels are parametrically optimized using Grasshopper to regulate solar penetration. Computational simulations informed the strategic placement of shading elements, ensuring precise control over areas requiring solar protection versus those benefiting from increased daylight exposure.

SOUTH: 10% Opening WEST: 15% Opening

EAST: 20% Opening NORTH: 25% Opening

RAIN COLLECTION

Axonometric of Rain Collection

PROCESS

30 INCHES

AVG YEARLY RAINFALL IN SAN ANTONIO 24,505

SQ-FT ROOF SURFACE

458,000 GALLONS OF WATER PER YEAR THAT ARE GATHERED AND RECYCLED

RECYCLE

THE WATER WILL GO THROUGH BIOLOGICAL TREATMENTS, ULTRA FILTRATION, AND ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION

REUSE

FILTERED WATER WILL BE REUSED FOR GRAY WATER SYSTEMS

MODELS

Design for Discovery Design for Equitable Communities

Ramps and steps create seamless movement between the two buildings, blending sustainability with pedestrian experience. The terraced design fosters walkability, linking exhibition spaces, research areas, and green spaces through interconnected pathways.

Design for Integration

The project embraces adaptive design, ensuring resilience through flexible spaces and evolving technologies. Integrating water filtration research, sustainability, and occupant comfort, it fosters a dynamic environment that responds to user needs and community growth, creating spatial pockets within the filter.

Each tile functions as a tilt-up concrete panel, with selectively removed triangles forming apertures. These vary in size based on orientation: southern panels remain solid to block direct sunlight, while northern panels feature more openings for optimal daylighting. A clerestory window beneath the roof overhang ensures balanced interior illumination.

03 /THE ATRIUM GYMNASIUM /LUBBOCK

FALL 2022 - SEMESTER PROJECT

INSTRUCTOR: DAVID DRISKILL

This gymnasium is located in Lubbock, Texas and it is meant to inspire locals to be active through the incorporation of light, nature, and passive cooling strategies for a building which does not barricade itself from Lubbock, but instead integrates within the urban fabric and welcomes people within.

The building has a profound connection to the solar cycle, aiming to create at least three distinct settings throughout the day to attract its own specific clientele. Some features, such as the inside garden and courts, are designed for all clientele regardless of the time. Wellbeing the project, situated along Avenue Q, aims to bridge the fragmented fabric between downtown and the unidirectionally expanding Lubbock.

Sectional Bird’s Eye View

Avenue Q and Glenna Goodacre

SITE ANALYSIS

The building’s orientation maximizes sun exposure to optimize natural light and minimize energy use. Through strategic window placement and shading devices, it harnesses daylight effectively while reducing heat gain. This approach enhances occupant comfort and lowers reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems, promoting environmental sustainability.

urban vitality and natural tranquility. By integrating sustainable design principles and innovative spatial configurations, the project endeavors to redefine conventional notions of community spaces. With an emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, the building aspires to serve as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and social interaction. Through its strategic location and thoughtful design elements, it aspires to foster a sense of belonging and connection among residents and visitors alike, contributing to the cultural richness and vibrancy of the surrounding neighborhood.

FALL 2022 - SEMESTER PROJECT

INSTRUCTOR: ZAHRA SAFAVERDI

Using Li-DAR technology, I explored volumes and materiality by scanning my living room and analyzing the data transfer through software. This process generated unique interpretations of space and volume, resulting in final iterations that exhibit distorted and nearly indecipherable representations of the deconstructed material texture within the volume.

05 /INTEGRATED VENUE /AUSTIN

SPRING 2022 - SEMESTER PROJECT

INSTRUCTOR: PETER RAAB

The “Mezzo” map strikes a balance between the micro and macro perspectives. It was employed to chart the creek traversing the site and its integration with the broader Austin area. This mapping process also entailed delineating green spaces and crafting models of the site. These models, in turn, prompted the creation of smaller study models that explore the interaction between the creek and surrounding buildings.

Waller Creek, Austin Section

Mezzo Mapping

VOLUMETRIC DIAGRAMS

/TESSELLATED HABITAT /NAVAJO NATION, NM

PARTNER PROJECT WITH HAMONY SMITH

FALL 2024 - SEMESTER PROJECT

INSTRUCTOR: SINA MOSTAFAVI

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

AUGMENTED ADAPTIVE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Mitten

Rock, New Mexico

CLIMATE ANALYSIS

Mitten Rock in northwest New Mexico features rugged terrain, rock formations, and an arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The area experiences strong winds and seasonal flooding, requiring careful site planning.

The top layer shows sectional cuts through the hilly terrain, illustrating elevation changes and key views. The east and north-facing sections highlight how the site frames the landscape, helping to position structures for optimal sightlines.

The middle layer maps floodplains and identifies a stable, elevated site near water but safe from seasonal flooding. This location balances accessibility and environmental resilience, making it suitable for development.

The bottom layer analyzes solar paths and wind exposure. Sun angles guide building orientation, while wind data shows that lower areas are naturally shielded from strong gusts, creating a more comfortable microclimate.

SITE INFORMATION

SECTION AND PLAN

A network of ramps and steps facilitates a fluid transition between the two buildings flaking the site boundary. at its core, the project integrates sustainable design with the pedestrian experience, aiming to transform the way residents and visitors engage with the urban landscape. the terraced programmatic approach represents a deliberate step towards fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment. visitors are encouraged to wander through exhibition spaces, research areas, and green spaces, all connected through the series of ramps and stairs at the heart of the project.

SITE ANALYSIS

PROCESSING SOURCING

The diagram highlights the sourcing of materials from local agricultural and plastic waste streams. Corn, a widely cultivated crop in Navajo Nation, provides biodegradable components, while recycled plastics are collected and sorted to reduce environmental impact. This approach ensures sustainability by utilizing readily available resources.

Once sourced, materials undergo processing to become suitable for 3D printing. Biomass is refined through bio-extraction, while plastics are shredded, cleaned, and melted into pellets. These materials are then combined or kept separate, depending on the desired properties for structural integrity and biodegradability.

Processed materials are fed into 3D printing systems to create modular construction components. Layered extrusion techniques allow for efficient fabrication, optimizing material use while reducing waste. This method enables the production of durable, locally sourced building elements tailored for sustainable development.

PATTERNS OF LIVING

EXPLODED STRUCTURE

MACRO VIEW BREAKDOWN MESO VIEW BREAKDOWN

STRUCTURAL DETAILS

This diagram showcases key connections in the building, emphasizing structural integrity and efficiency. Glue-lam connections are secured with pre-drilled holes and hex bolt assemblies, ensuring precise alignment and strong loadbearing capacity. Insulation panels, made from recycled polycarbonate and rigid foam, provide high thermal resistance while being lightweight and easy to install. Beam-to-steel holder connections utilize prefabricated steel seats with bolt fastenings, allowing for quick on-site assembly and reliable structural support. Each connection is designed for durability, sustainability, and ease of construction.

STRUCTURAL AND DETAIL

2” RECYCLED POLYCARBONATE PLATE

HEAT-REFLECTIVE POLYCARBONATE

COATING APPLIED

AND DETAIL SEPCIFICATIONS

2” CUSTOM SHAPED RIGID INSULATION MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL HIGH THERMAL RESISTANCE

2” RECYCLED POLYCARBONATE PLATE

HEAT-REFLECTIVE POLYCARBONATE COATING APPLIED

MACRO VIEW BREAKDOWN

GALVANIZED

6” X 6” GLUE-LAMINATED TIMBER TRUSSES (GLULAM) CUSTOM MASS FABRICATED

2” RECYCLED POLYCARBONATE PLATE

HEAT-REFLECTIVE POLYCARBONATE

COATING APPLIED

2” CUSTOM SHAPED RIGID INSULATION MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL

2” RECYCLED POLYCARBONATE PLATE

HEAT-REFLECTIVE POLYCARBONATE

MESO VIEW BREAKDOWN

CUSTOMIZED HOUSING KIT

Modular Design

This modular design allows homes to expand as family needs evolve, with windows sized like doors for easy attachment of prefabricated units. Vertical farming is integrated into the exterior, providing a sustainable food source for Navajo communities facing food insecurity. This approach ensures adaptability, affordability, and self-sufficiency.

MODELS

1”=1’ Sectional Study Model

This detailed model investigates 3D printing techniques, showcasing layering patterns and material behavior. It also highlights the critical wallto-roof connections, emphasizing structural integrity and assembly.

1/8”=1’ Site & Building Context Model

A holistic representation of the project, this model illustrates the building’s relationship to its site, including modular growth, environmental considerations, and integration with vertical farming to support Navajo food security.