Birdsnest House / TIMM Architecture / Georgia

  • Project: Birdsnest House
  • Architect: TIMM Architecture
  • Location: Georgia, Tbilisi
  • Year: 2024
  • Area: 123 m2
  • Photography: Grigory Sokolinsky

Reimagining a 19th-Century Attic

Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture is a poetic renovation of a 19th-century attic in the heart of Tbilisi. The project transforms a forgotten upper level of a historic townhouse into a luminous, modern retreat where minimalism meets memory.

The design reflects TIMM’s thoughtful balance between past and present — preserving the building’s soul while opening it to light, air, and breathtaking views of Tbilisi’s rooftops and distant hills. The result is an intimate home where history, craft, and contemporary clarity coexist.

Minimalism Framed by Warmth

The interiors of Birdsnest House are defined by an interplay of white surfaces and warm natural textures. The white walls act as a canvas that captures the shifting light throughout the day, while custom-crafted wooden elements introduce softness and tactility.

Instead of treating furniture as separate from architecture, TIMM designed the woodwork as an integral part of the space — from the staircase and built-in shelves to the dining table that anchors the main living area. Every joint, grain, and surface reflects meticulous craftsmanship and an appreciation for material honesty.

A Vertical Journey Through Space and Light

The project’s most striking feature is its sculptural staircase. Made from perforated steel, it connects the two levels in a rhythmic play of light and shadow. The stair functions not only as circulation but also as a visual divider — maintaining openness while subtly defining zones for living, dining, and rest.

Despite its modest footprint, the interior feels expansive. High ceilings, well-proportioned voids, and full-height openings create a sense of fluidity and vertical movement. The house unfolds in layers — from intimate corners for reading to panoramic views over the city.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present

TIMM Architecture approached the project with deep respect for the building’s origins. The attic structure and wooden beams were carefully restored, while new interventions were executed with precision and restraint. The aim was not to erase history, but to let it breathe through a contemporary lens.

Original textures and patina coexist with refined new finishes, embodying the spirit of renewal rather than replacement. The house feels timeless — grounded in heritage yet oriented toward the future.

A Home Suspended Between Earth and Sky

The name “Birdsnest House” captures the essence of this architectural transformation. Nestled high above Tbilisi’s winding streets, the home feels weightless — suspended between the city and the sky. Every window frames a living painting of clouds and rooftops, every space invites calm reflection.

This is a dwelling designed not for display, but for stillness. In its quiet composition of materials and light, Birdsnest House redefines what urban living can be — a sanctuary that embraces the poetry of its place.

Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, entry stair view in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, stair detail with perforated screen in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, timber-clad elevation with corner windows in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, bright hall with view to terrace in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, top view of stair and perforated guard in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, exterior dusk facade in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, minimalist living room with gray sofa in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, wide living room view with chair and lamp in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, curved wall and timber ceiling detail in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, bathroom with mosaic tile shower wall in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, close-up of sconce on mosaic tile in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, dining nook with large picture window in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, open-plan kitchen and dining with timber structure in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, full dining room overview with large window in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, window seat and chair corner in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, kitchen with timber panels and large window in Tbilisi, Georgia
Photography © Grigory Sokolinsky
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, first floor plan drawing, Tbilisi, Georgia
Drawing © TIMM Architecture
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, second floor plan drawing, Tbilisi, Georgia
Drawing © TIMM Architecture
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, first floor axonometric view showing stair design, Tbilisi, Georgia
Drawing © TIMM Architecture
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, second floor axonometric diagram of interior layout, Tbilisi, Georgia
Drawing © TIMM Architecture
Birdsnest House by TIMM Architecture, section elevation drawing with kitchen and seating area, Tbilisi, Georgia
Drawing © TIMM Architecture

Posted by TIMM Architecture

TIMM Architecture is an international architecture and design studio focused on creating innovative, context-sensitive spaces that balance form, function, and emotion. The practice operates across a wide range of project types—from residential and commercial to public and urban-scale interventions—guided by a research-driven approach. With an emphasis on light, material expression, and spatial clarity, TIMM Architecture strives to deliver environments that are both conceptually rigorous and experientially rich, reflecting a global perspective and a commitment to timeless, purposeful design.