Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana

  • Project: Two-level Penthouse
  • Architect: Kvadrat Architects
  • Location: Kazakhstan, Astana
  • Year: 2024
  • Area: 330 m2

A Riverfront Retreat in the Heart of Astana

Rising above the Akbulak Riviera, one of Astana’s most elite residential quarters, this 3,552 sq. ft. two-level penthouse by Kvadrat Architects offers a unique balance of urban dynamism and serene isolation. Overlooking the Esil and Akbulak Rivers, this penthouse redefines city living with floor-to-ceiling windows, natural finishes, and minimalist luxury.

“It’s a space designed for decision-makers,” explains Rustam Minnehanov. “You’re connected to the pulse of the capital while grounded in a personal oasis.”

Minimalism with Soul

The interior balances a restrained color palette and clean architectural lines with tactile richness: warm wood, cool marble, aged brass, and layered textures. This is minimalism that feels alive, built for quiet reflection, creative energy, and meaningful family connection.

As co-founder Sergey Bekmukhanbetov puts it,

“This isn’t just an interior—it’s a timeless space where identity, legacy, and well-being converge.”

Kitchen: Center of Connection

The heart of the penthouse is its expansive open-plan kitchen, occupying nearly half the main floor. Designed with the Italian Poliform kitchen system and furnished with Minotti seating, it’s not just a place to cook—it’s a space for:

  • Family meals around a square table for face-to-face connection

  • Morning reflections with a panoramic city view

  • Hosting friends in a functional yet visually open layout

This gathering space is flooded with natural light, enhanced by minimalist detailing and high-performance design.

Living Room + Panorama: Design Without Boundaries

Every corner of the main living area is visually connected to Astana’s skyline through floor-to-ceiling glass. The interior does not compete with the view—it expands into it, blurring the lines between city and shelter.

Bedroom: Where Light Becomes Art

In the master bedroom, Kvadrat Architects replaced ceiling fixtures with a luminous floating ceiling that glows softly—like morning light filtered through cloud.

  • A custom-designed bedside table with leather inlay echoes the headboard’s finish

  • A Poliform glass side table and sculptural FIAM glass armchair elevate the room’s elegance

  • The Davide Groppi floor lamp stands as both functional light and design feature

Each element mirrors the philosophy: authentic, expressive, and intentionally composed.

Children’s Room: Growing with Style

Even the children’s space maintains the design’s integrity, avoiding clichés in favor of strong materials:

  • Rust-effect porcelain by Inalco

  • Raw plywood in place of polished veneer

  • Tanned leather details and a custom boxing bag panel

  • Custom concrete basin and Antonio Lupi’s Apollo light-shower fixture, combining water and light in a whimsical yet refined way

This is a room built to evolve—supporting growth, curiosity, and confidence in design from an early age.

Lighting: Sculpting Atmosphere

Lighting plays a critical role in defining the penthouse’s ambiance:

  • Concealed track lights and linear ceiling fixtures offer clean, non-invasive illumination

  • Directional lighting adds drama during the day

  • Soft decorative fixtures zone areas and encourage mood shifts

  • Backlit art and custom ceiling designs enrich spatial perception and dimensionality

Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects
Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects: Panoramic Living at Akbulak Riviera, Astana
Photography © Kvadrat Architects

The Two-Level Penthouse by Kvadrat Architects is more than just high-end real estate—it’s a narrative of lifestyle, intimacy, and permanence. With panoramic views, custom-crafted interiors, and a design language that adapts and matures with its owners, it stands as a true example of Kazakhstan’s evolving luxury architecture scene.

Posted by Kvadrat Architects

Kvadrat Architects is a renowned interior architecture studio celebrated for designing emotionally resonant, timeless spaces that reflect individual identity and refined living. With over 17 years of experience and more than 200 exclusive projects completed worldwide, the studio seamlessly integrates natural materials, architectural clarity, and sensory aesthetics to shape interiors that transcend trends. Founded and led by Sergey Bekmukhanbetov and Rustam Minnekhanov, the studio embraces a holistic design philosophy—prioritizing emotion, function, and spatial harmony. Their distinctive work has earned them multiple international design awards and has been featured in over 180 global publications, affirming their status as thought leaders in contemporary interior architecture.