Treeby Residence
Scandi Barn Home ● Residential Design
Design by Matt Burleigh ● Photography by Crib Creative
Cynosure Architecture’s Treeby Residence is a personal sanctuary shaped by biophilic design and indoor-outdoor living. Inspired by Scandinavian barn forms, the home balances rich textures and minimal detailing, with a central courtyard garden anchoring everyday connection to nature.
Designed as a forever home for architect Matt Burleigh and his growing family, the Treeby Residence balances calm minimalism with moments of playful expression. Drawing on a refined palette of timber textures and curated colour, the home reflects a deep appreciation for material tactility and light. “It’s minimal, but layered,” Matt says. “We kept the base palette soft and natural, but introduced bold accents—especially blue—like punctuation marks throughout.” The result is a warm, contemporary retreat where indoor-outdoor living feels effortless and biophilic design is more than just a concept—it’s the anchor of the home.
“It’s minimal, but it’s far from cold—there’s warmth in the timber textures, and the blues we chose bring a quiet boldness,” Matt explains. “From soft cornflower tones to deeper stormy hues, each one was chosen to add energy without overwhelming the calm.”
Blending contemporary detailing with personal touches, the Treeby Residence layers natural textures and quiet colour. From warm timbers and matte surfaces to bold blue accents and hand-finished elements, every space is a study in restraint and rhythm. “I like balancing soft and hard—timber against steel, smooth renders against rougher textures,” Matt says. “There’s always room for a wildcard too—something unexpected that keeps it human.”
At Treeby, scale and asymmetry are used deliberately—creating subtle shifts and sightlines that add depth, rhythm, and ongoing visual interest throughout the home.
The Treeby Residence plays on quiet contrasts—between light and shadow, smooth and textured, symmetry and surprise. Scale and composition are intentionally varied throughout, creating moments of visual tension that give the home its quiet dynamism. A sculptural pendant floats above the dining table, while a slim steel-framed bookshelf balances a chunkier timber bench nearby. Each space holds a dialogue between handmade warmth and minimalist clarity.
Throughout the home, these juxtapositions continue. Timber tones meet raw steel, soft linen meets cool ceramic, and pops of rich blue offset the natural textures that flow from room to room. Many of the finishes were completed by hand—personal, imperfect, and intentional—reflecting the evolving life of the family who live here.
Asked to describe the home’s atmosphere, Matt says, “It’s calm, but not sterile. It’s tactile, lived-in, and grounded by the garden. There’s always something changing in the light.” Designed for real life, Treeby feels both crafted and relaxed—anchored by biophilic principles and a daily rhythm that moves seamlessly between indoors and out.
Architecture by Cynosure Architecture.