A Constructive Approach by Monoloko design

The architecture of this private house designed by Monoloko design is a synthesis of natural materials, such as stone and wood, and simple geometric shapes. The façade’s modern design combines stone and wood: the exterior finish, featuring warm shades of travertine and larch, completes the image of an inviting, cozy and modern country home. Photography by Ilya Ivanov.

The primary concept combines minimalistic geometry, light-coloured natural finishes and wood planks inside and out.

At the outset, the client expressed a desire for an architecturally interesting house that would accommodate two generations comfortably. There were no particular style requirements, giving the architect free rein to propose a wide range of solutions.

The final design meets the primary goal: that each family member should have their own private space, along with spacious common areas for socializing.

The project’s overall form is based on the integration of three functional units into a single volume. As a result, the house plan is a rectangle consisting of three square blocks arrayed in a line. Each block has a specific function. The first contains the kitchen and foyer on the ground floor, as well as a bedroom and bathroom upstairs. The next block is a double-height space with a living room with fireplace; a stairway leads to a pair of bedrooms on the top floor. The third block, adjoining the second, contains two bedrooms. The master bedroom, including a study and en-suite bathroom, is on the ground floor. Upstairs is another large bedroom, including an open balcony and a guest bathroom.

To make every room in the house more accessible, and to increase the number of private entrances on the second floor, there is another staircase leading directly to the bedrooms. The same stairs also lead to a rooftop patio on the second block, adjacent to a leisure zone including a bedroom and bathroom.

The house’s exterior and interior both embody functional minimalism. The façade and interior finishes are made of wood and natural stone, and there are several different types of white surfaces inside. The interior is inspired by the work of the great 1950s architect Alvar Aalto.

Data Sheet:
Constructive Approach
Borki, Russia
Built in 2014
Architect: MONOLOKO design, Maxim Kashin
Structural designer: Dmitry Ogarev
House area: 500 m2 (5400 sq. ft.)
Site area: 0.25 Ha (27,000 sq. ft./0.6 acre)

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