- Project: Chalet-style apartmenT
- Architect: Kvadrat Architects
- Location: Kazakhstan, Astana
- Year: 2024
- Area: 140 m2
A Mountain Escape Within the City
Can you bring the warmth of an alpine retreat into a high-rise in Astana? Kvadrat Architects have done just that with this 1,506-square-foot apartment in the Highvill Residential Complex. Inspired by chalet aesthetics, natural textures, and a recent trip to Georgia, the design blends rustic charm with modern function—offering the experience of a forest lodge without ever leaving the city.
From the aged wood floors and lava stone walls to rusted metal accents and burlap upholstery, every material has been selected to evoke the raw beauty of nature and the coziness of a mountain home.
Living Room: A Space for Gathering and Stillness
The heart of the home features an oversized island-style sofa, encouraging family gatherings, movie nights, or simply watching the fireplace in quiet meditation. The tactile mix of rough fabrics, natural tones, and weathered textures invites both conversation and solitude.
This living area is not just styled as a chalet—it feels like one, with views that suggest an alpine escape even amid the bustling cityscape of Astana.
Kitchen and Dining Area: Earthy and Functional
The kitchen-dining room continues the design language with:
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Gray-stained wood cabinetry
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Raw tanned leather accents
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Wooden blinds filtering morning light
At night, a ceiling installation simulates a starry sky, turning evening meals into tranquil moments of reflection. Whether preparing a breakfast or sharing stories over dinner, the space radiates comfort and connection.
Private Suite: A Layered Retreat Within the Home
A full 70 m² of the apartment is devoted to the owners’ private zone—comprising a bedroom, dedicated study, walk-in closet, and luxury bathroom.
Bedroom + Study Combo
The bedroom is thoughtfully split into a sleeping area and a work zone, each with its own window for natural light. The two functions are divided by a central multifunctional unit—a built-in storage wall with dual access and a concealed design that preserves visual continuity.
Walk-In Closet
The dressing room contrasts this concealment with glass-fronted storage, offering visibility and convenience when selecting outfits or accessories.
Bathroom: Spa Ambiance Meets Smart Design
Accessed through the closet, the bathroom is both luxurious and practical. Its elongated, asymmetrical shape informed a two-part layout:
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Right Zone: Private shower and toilet with a separate vanity
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Left Zone: Full-length counter, dual sinks, and a recessed soaking tub set flush with the vanity surface—thanks to a custom platform design
Dark, earthy tones and natural stone finishes echo the entire apartment’s aesthetic, offering a spa-like experience that prioritizes tactility and tranquility.
Design Inspired by Nature and Culture
The visual language of this apartment is influenced by the natural landscapes of Georgia, where the design team had recently traveled. The imagery of mountain gorges, ancient caves, and verdant valleys has been transposed into the apartment’s use of material, tone, and texture.
“It’s not just about simulating a chalet—it’s about translating the emotional experience of nature into a permanent living environment,”
say designers Sergey Bekmukhanbetov and Rustam Minnekhanov of Kvadrat Architects.
The Chalet-style apartment by Kvadrat Architects is a masterclass in sensory design. By blending alpine materials, earthy tones, and layered spatial planning, the designers have created a home that invites stillness, celebrates slowness, and evokes the feeling of a mountain retreat—right in the center of Astana.
