Vladislav

Located on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, this new residence draws strong inspiration from the forest backdrop surrounding the site. The building’s positioning on the site is not only informed by framing beautiful views of the mature trees but considers the long shadows that they cast later on in the afternoon, especially in winter. Conceptually, the design was driven by two primary factors. Namely, the client’s passion for music and high-end audio systems and an old aerial image of the site before it was developed, showing how the space was seemingly carved out for habitation in the manner of a “forest clearing”. Based on this and the study of various types of musical instrument cases, this country villa was conceptualised as “a case for an instrument that does not exist yet”. Formally, the villa consists of a prominent rectangular slab supported by a series of “legs”, which have been carved out to allow for delicate timber volumes to emerge from it and define a mysterious profile. Additionally, these cut-outs let natural light infiltrate the internal spaces. The “legs” have been strategically placed and rotated to direct the views and thread the landscape into and through the plan, making the building permeable yet clearly defined. The building’s layout is split into four quadrants, comprising the entrance area expressed with a dynamic wall element, splitting the service area with the living and leisure components of the home. The careful selection of materials further accentuates the building’s horizontality and the distinction between private and public spaces. Uniquely, the appointment of an acoustic specialist will ensure that the music room’s material treatment creates optimal listening conditions. This relatively modest country villa aims to space out the client’s passion whilst engaging with its forest surroundings through proportion, materiality and dynamic structure.