- Project: Apartment in Club House Turgenev
- Architect: Makedesign
- Location: Russia, Moscow
- Year: 2025
- Area: 170 m2
- Photography: Mikhail Chekalov
A Family Home Rooted in Light, Memory, and Modern Minimalism
In the heart of Moscow, Makedesign Studio unveils a sophisticated 157 m² apartment in the residential complex “Club House Turgenev”—a contemporary interpretation of domestic warmth where design, heritage, and emotional depth converge.
For over 13 years, the studio has specialized in the creation of distinctive private and public interiors across Russia and beyond. This project, designed for a young family with three children, embodies the studio’s design ethos: to create meaningful spaces that balance aesthetic purity with everyday comfort.
At the heart of the concept lies a remarkable narrative link to the building’s namesake—the great Russian writer Ivan Turgenev. Drawing inspiration from the owner’s personal collection of letters written by the author, Makedesign transformed the apartment into a poetic refuge where literature and life intertwine.
Concept and Atmosphere
The guiding idea behind the project was to evoke harmony and inspiration through simplicity. The design unfolds in a sequence of bright, open rooms suffused with natural light from expansive panoramic windows. The minimalist composition emphasizes calmness and order while subtly celebrating the family’s personality.
Light walls and soft furnishings create an atmosphere of airiness and ease. Gentle transitions between spaces are defined not by solid barriers but by texture, rhythm, and light—the true materials of minimalism. The apartment feels alive, breathing with every reflection and shadow throughout the day.
Every surface, from the matte plaster walls to the delicate textiles, contributes to an overarching sense of balance between restraint and expression. The design embraces the essential, allowing details—handcrafted handles, muted lighting, and curated artworks—to speak quietly but meaningfully.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Makedesign’s mastery of material coordination defines this project. Natural wood flooring brings warmth underfoot, contrasting with light stone countertops and smooth white cabinetry. Soft gray tones, linen curtains, and subtle metallic accents enhance the interior’s tactile richness without disrupting its calm aesthetic.
Sustainability and longevity guided the studio’s material selection. Every element was chosen not only for its visual appeal but also for its practical durability, ensuring comfort and ease of maintenance for a lively household.
The neutral palette becomes a canvas for personal expression. Books, family art, and vintage collectibles add emotional texture—each object placed with care, each composition designed to reflect the family’s evolving story.
Functionality and Family Life
With three children, functionality was a top priority. The architects reimagined each square meter to serve both collective and private needs. The living area acts as the apartment’s heart—an open space that connects dining, kitchen, and lounge zones, encouraging family interaction while maintaining spatial clarity.
Private areas are tailored to comfort and individuality. The parents’ suite offers quiet refuge with soft textiles and warm lighting, while the children’s rooms are imaginative and flexible, adaptable as they grow. Smart storage systems and built-in furniture maximize usable space while preserving the minimalist aesthetic.
Bathrooms continue the visual narrative of tranquility and material honesty, featuring large-format stone tiles, discreet lighting, and clean, geometric fixtures.
A Contemporary Interpretation of Heritage
The apartment’s emotional anchor—the collection of Turgenev’s handwritten letters—serves as a design motif that runs through the interior. Subtle graphic details, gentle curves in the joinery, and fine calligraphic patterns reference the elegance of the 19th-century writer’s world without resorting to literal imitation.
Through these gestures, Makedesign creates not just a modern dwelling, but a cultural homage—a space where memory and modernity coexist.
A Reflection of Makedesign’s Philosophy
For Makedesign, architecture is not only about visual clarity but also about emotional depth. The studio’s work consistently explores how design can inspire harmony in daily life, blending practicality with artistic expression.
In this Moscow apartment, that philosophy finds pure expression: a serene, light-filled home shaped by meaning, designed for living, and refined to last.
