Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow

  • Project: Introspective House
  • Architect: Kerimov Architects
  • Location: Russia, Moscow
  • Year: 2023
  • Area: 1200 m2

Tucked into a vast 50-acre plot near Losiny Ostrov National Park in the Moscow region, the Introspective House by Kerimov Architects is a private sanctuary designed to meet the needs of a multigenerational family of eight. With its unique spatial composition, understated luxury, and emphasis on tranquility, the residence reimagines the balance between privacy, connection, and nature.

Multivolume Living for Multigenerational Harmony

Breaking from the traditional single-volume format, the residence is organized into five distinct volumes, each tailored to a specific function and resident group. These volumes are linked by a central, light-filled corridor, allowing the home to feel both connected and compartmentalized:

  • Volume One: The central hub of the home, featuring an open-plan living room and kitchen, perfect for communal gatherings and family interaction.

  • Volume Two: A self-contained residence for the homeowners’ parents, offering privacy and independence with its own kitchen and lounge.

  • Volume Three: A wellness pavilion that includes a home gym, sauna, and spa for daily restoration and leisure.

  • Volume Four: A children’s wing with three bedrooms and a shared office, designed for both rest and focus, buffered from other zones by thoughtful circulation.

  • Volume Five (Master Suite): A secluded space for the primary residents with garden views and private access.

An additional 200-square-meter basement houses a garage, utility rooms, and storage, maximizing usable space without impacting the visual purity of the design.

Architectural Language and Material Harmony

Kerimov Architects used distinct roof geometries to define the functions of each volume—cantilevered roofs crown the private quarters, while flat roofs hover over communal and wellness areas, creating visual hierarchy and flow.

Natural, tactile materials dominate the palette:

  • Heat-treated wood wraps the spa and living spaces, providing warmth and texture

  • Smooth brickwork clads the remaining volumes, introducing subtle contrast and a durable, timeless aesthetic

This blend of materials reflects the firm’s broader commitment to architecture that evolves gracefully over time, echoing the surrounding natural context.

A Courtyard-Centered Design for Reflection

Privacy was a core design driver. Although located in a villa community, Introspective House remains invisible from its neighbors, oriented inward toward a serene central courtyard. Each volume opens to this internal space, where floor-to-ceiling glazing frames curated views of a tranquil pond, complete with a waterfall—the emotional heart of the home.

The courtyard fosters a sense of peace and unity, while the slight rotation of the living, master, and children’s blocks creates dynamic sightlines and visual expansion, reinforcing the introspective theme.

Thoughtful Design for Contemplative Living

By marrying architectural clarity with sensory serenity, Kerimov Architects have delivered a residence that’s more than a functional space—it’s a framework for introspection. The design promotes individual autonomy, shared connection, and a constant visual dialogue with nature.

The Introspective House is an architectural expression of mindful living—where each room, path, and view contributes to a deeper sense of personal well-being. This project reaffirms Kerimov Architects‘ reputation for crafting homes that are both functionally intelligent and emotionally resonant.

Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects
Introspective House by Kerimov Architects: A Private Forest Retreat Near Moscow
Photography © Kerimov Architects

Posted by Kerimov Architects

Kerimov Architects is an international architectural bureau founded in 2011 by Shamsudin Kerimov, with co-founder and creative director Ekaterina Kudinova. Based in Moscow, the firm specializes in comprehensive architectural and interior design projects, including private residences, cultural institutions, and multifunctional centers. Their work spans various countries, such as Russia, Portugal, Latvia, Spain, and Argentina, reflecting a commitment to creating unique architectural solutions tailored to each location's context. The firm's design philosophy centers on the belief that every place deserves its own unique architecture. This approach is evident in projects like the Hidden House in Portugal, which seamlessly integrates into the natural landscape, and the Riverwave Residence in Texas, inspired by the fluidity of water.