- Project: Wellness Apartment
- Architect: Kvadrat Architects
- Location: Kazakhstan, Almaty
- Year: 2024
- Area: 123 m2
An Urban Retreat at the Foot of the Mountains
In the foothills of Almaty, Kvadrat Architects have created a refined and purposeful 123 m² apartment that caters to the unique lifestyle of a professional couple constantly on the move. Designed as a sanctuary for quick physical and mental recovery, the apartment allows the residents to achieve restorative calm within minutes of arriving home.
This project exemplifies a core principle of Kvadrat Architects’ practice—designing spaces that enhance well-being through materiality, light, and intentional form.
A Client-Focused Approach to Tranquil Living
Understanding the fast-paced life of its occupants, the design prioritizes rapid decompression. As architect Rustam Minnehanov explains, “Design begins with asking the right questions—helping clients articulate needs they may not yet realize.” The result is a space where every design decision supports mental clarity and emotional renewal.
Balancing Contrast and Calm Through Material Expression
Rather than relying on stark whites to convey lightness, Kvadrat Architects applied a refined mix of warm, natural tones and textures that harmonize with Almaty’s panoramic natural light.
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Textured Porcelain Tiles: These large-format tiles add warmth underfoot, inviting barefoot movement while visually anchoring the space.
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Warm Neutral Palette: Muted earth tones and soft contrasts enrich the natural ambiance without overwhelming the senses.
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Matte + Gloss Finishes: Subtle interplay between smooth and rough surfaces avoids sterility while enhancing perceived spaciousness.
The visual language is calm, but not simplistic—layered, yet never overbearing.
A Bedroom Designed for True Rejuvenation
The centerpiece of the apartment is a bedroom meticulously crafted to promote high-quality rest.
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Soft Silhouettes: Rounded forms and a custom bed that mimics the shape of a gentle cloud support psychological ease.
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Muted Textiles: Linen, wool, and other tactile materials envelop the space in subtle warmth.
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Strategic Lighting: Concealed illumination and soft diffusion eliminate visual clutter and harsh contrast.
This is more than a room—it’s a sleep sanctuary tailored for deep rest and mental detachment.
The Bathroom: A Monument to Monolithic Peace
In the bathroom, Kvadrat Architects demonstrate their mastery of minimalism with meaning.
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Concrete Sink and Surfaces: Sculptural solidity evokes timeless calm.
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Porcelain Walls and Soft Lighting: A cohesive material palette enhances serenity.
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Zen-like Atmosphere: This space is neither cold nor clinical—it’s meditative.
Every surface was chosen not just for appearance, but for its emotional and tactile resonance.
Designing for Wellness, Beyond Aesthetics
Kvadrat Architects blend form with function to support well-being, not just visual aesthetics. The layout maximizes openness with oversized furniture that enhances the room’s expansiveness without dominating it.
This commitment to human-centered design reinforces the studio’s philosophy:
“Our interiors are not just visual—they’re experiential. We create spaces that care for people.”
This Kvadrat Architects apartment in Almaty represents a holistic design approach where function, form, and feeling converge. With its calming materials, strategic planning, and focus on mental wellness, it stands as a powerful case study in how interior design can support modern life—not by adding complexity, but by mastering simplicity, softness, and sensory care.
