- Project: Penthouse in Cloud Nine Residence
- Architect: KNKO bureau
- Location: Russia, Moscow
- Year: 2023
- Area: 240 m2
- Photography: Egor Kodyakov
A Contemporary Penthouse Above Moscow
Perched atop the historic Cloud Nine Residence in central Moscow, this 240 m² penthouse by KNKO Architectural Bureau blends modern restraint with warm intimacy. The two-level apartment occupies the highest floors of a deluxe residential complex that itself embodies adaptive reuse, having been transformed from an early 20th-century printing house into one of the city’s most coveted addresses.
The challenge was clear: create a home that is light-filled, calm, and functional, while steering clear of classical motifs or overly bold gestures. Designed for a young creative couple active in the digital sphere, the penthouse achieves this balance with quiet sophistication and understated luxury.
Double-Height Core as Social Heart
The defining gesture of the project is a double-height volume that unites kitchen, dining, and living areas into a single, open-plan core. Bathed in natural light, this soaring central space visually connects both levels of the apartment and establishes a social anchor for the home.
The lower level also incorporates two private offices with en-suite bathrooms. Flexible in use, one office can easily transform into a child’s room. Additional spaces include a walk-in wardrobe and a dedicated laundry area.
On the upper, mansard floor, the master suite spans the building’s roofline, with dual dressing rooms and a spacious bathroom. Windows here frame cinematic views of the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, anchoring the apartment firmly within Moscow’s urban silhouette.
Minimalist Palette, Textural Depth
The material strategy emphasizes texture over ornament. Warm-toned wood flooring and soft matte plaster walls set a calming backdrop, while a palette of whites and beiges ensures spatial clarity. Tactile richness comes through in textiles, plaster finishes, and subtle detailing.
One of the most striking features is the monolithic staircase. Initially a raw concrete structure, it was reimagined as a sculptural centerpiece. Now finished in ultra-durable white paint with wooden treads, it functions as both circulation and architectural artwork.
Custom detailing includes built-in pet zones for the couple’s dog and cat, integrated door systems that disappear into walls, and bespoke lighting fixtures.
Furniture, Technology & Comfort
The penthouse is furnished with an elegant selection of pieces from Minotti, Flexform, Potocco, and Eichholtz, ensuring timeless comfort and design longevity. A custom kitchen island with a seamlessly integrated sink showcases the project’s precise craftsmanship.
Technology is woven discreetly throughout: a smart-home system manages climate, lighting, and security, all without disturbing the refined aesthetic.
A Collaboration Without Compromise
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of the Penthouse in Cloud Nine Residence is the level of trust between architect and client. Every detail was executed as envisioned, with no compromises and no shortcuts — a rare luxury in contemporary residential projects. The result is a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal, balancing expressive minimalism with functional clarity.
