- Project: VTB Arena Park
- Architect: Babayants Architects
- Location: Russia, Moscow
- Year: 2022
- Area: 95 m2
- Photography: Sergey Krasyuk
Babayants Architects have designed the interior of a 1,022-square-foot apartment in Moscow’s VTB Arena Park residential complex. Known for its contemporary architecture and distinct design identity, the complex inspired the studio to create an interior that continues the building’s geometry—smooth lines, visual lightness, and a calming Asian influence.
An Interior that Feels Like Meditation
The design is often described as meditative, radiating pure calm and comfort. The architects crafted an atmosphere where relaxation and visual lightness take precedence, resulting in a home that feels both soothing and precise.
At the entrance, a levitating wooden cabinet suspended between two walls sets the tone. Functionally, it allows light to pass through the hallway; visually, it piques curiosity, encouraging exploration deeper into the apartment.
Sliding Wooden Partitions – Precision in Motion
One of the most striking features is the large wooden sliding partitions that separate the living room from the studio. These flexible dividers can:
-
Open fully to create a continuous, light-filled monochromatic space.
-
Close partially to define intimate zones for work or rest.
Achieving Babayants Architects’ trademark precision was technically challenging. The studio tolerates gaps of no more than 2–3 mm, demanding exceptional craftsmanship in both design and installation.
Wooden Blinds and Light Play
The clients actively influenced the design process, suggesting the use of long wooden blinds. These blinds:
-
Filter natural light while preserving brightness.
-
Create a blackout effect when fully closed.
-
Introduce texture and warmth through natural wood.
-
Cast dynamic patterns of light and shadow across the apartment on sunny days.
This solution not only enhances comfort but also adds a unique visual rhythm to the interior.
A Compact Kitchen and Japanese-Inspired Dining
Since the clients rarely cook, the kitchen was designed as a minimalist, compact ribbon of wood that appears almost sculptural. Only the faucets reveal its true function, while all appliances are discreetly built into two vertical columns.
On the central axis, a round dining table with chairs and a pendant lamp defines the dining area. The furniture choices are intentionally laconic, Japanese-like in style, reinforcing the theme of simplicity and balance.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms – Floating Elegance
In the private areas, the smooth lines and floating forms continue. The bed appears to grow directly from the wall, creating an illusion of weightlessness. Bathrooms echo the same philosophy, with curved surfaces and airy proportions.
Ode to the Lines
Internally referred to by the studio as an “Ode to the Lines,” the project exemplifies Babayants Architects’ perfectionism and attention to detail. Every junction, millimeter, and proportion is meticulously considered, ensuring harmony even in the smallest elements.
The result is an apartment that not only feels refined and delicate but also embodies the personality of its owners—a space that truly looks and lives like them.
This project is an ideal embodiment of Babayants Architects’ approach to working with lines; it even has an informal name – “Ode to the lines.” The extreme perfectionism and idyllic geometry can be seen in the details: from architecture to joints and technical solutions. Even though a user doesn’t see the difference of how many millimeters is a gap, for example; harmony and correct proportions are in these tiny details.
This interior is refined and delicate. It gently hugs you and comforts you. Each line has precision and harmony. But what is especially pleasant is that the space surprisingly sensitively reflects the clients, and even looks like them.
-Project description and images provided by Babayants Architects
