- Project: Okolitsa
- Architect: Kerimov Architects
- Location: Russia, Moscow
- Year: 2024
- Area: 1500 m2
Nestled in the lush woodlands of the Moscow region, the Okolitsa residence by Kerimov Architects is a 1,500 m² (16,145 sf) architectural retreat designed to blend seamlessly with the forested landscape of the private villa community “Okolitsa.” Through a composition of rhythmic volumes and material honesty, the residence offers a balanced environment where architecture and nature continuously converse.
Architecture in Dialogue with Landscape
The site’s complex topography and dense forest setting shaped the architectural approach. To minimize the visual impact and enhance the home’s integration with its environment, Kerimov Architects divided the residence into distinct volumes separated by atriums. These green voids serve not only as physical and visual buffers but also:
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Create interior privacy
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Provide natural light and ventilation
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Foster an organic indoor-outdoor relationship
This design strategy forms a spatial rhythm that echoes the forest’s natural order.
Material Honesty and Timeless Aging
Kerimov Architects grounded the residence in natural, aging materials that evolve with time and context:
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Brick, stone, and tile define the structure with enduring presence.
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Thermal wood decking softens hard edges and provides a warm tactile contrast.
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Metal elements, left to patinate, bring an evolving aesthetic quality aligned with nature’s seasonal transformations.
The result is a home that embraces change, maintaining relevance and resonance as its surroundings evolve.
Programmatic Layout and Private Zones
The central entrance leads into the heart of the home—a double-height living room seamlessly connected to a generous open-plan kitchen. Adjacent spaces include a guest bedroom and a workshop, creating a comfortable, semi-public hub for hosting and creativity.
The private quarters, divided by atriums, comprise:
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A master suite
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Three children’s bedrooms
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A classroom, playroom, and library (which doubles as a stair hall)
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Yoga room, bathroom, and changing facilities
The second floor extends this narrative of retreat with:
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A private office
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A second master bedroom
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A tranquil spa area designed for quiet rejuvenation
Support Facilities and Functionality
On-site amenities reflect a complete, self-contained lifestyle:
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A staff house
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Technical rooms
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A garage for three vehicles
Each element has been discreetly positioned to maintain visual harmony and maximize functional convenience without disrupting the architectural integrity or landscape integration.
Conclusion: Architecture as a Living Ecosystem
The Okolitsa residence by Kerimov Architects exemplifies architecture as a living, breathing organism—one that adapts, matures, and resonates with its natural context. Through a commitment to material honesty, spatial rhythm, and landscape sensitivity, the project offers a tranquil yet dynamic environment for modern living.
This is not merely a home; it is a habitat of intentionality, where every wall, path, and opening frames the quiet grandeur of the forest beyond.
