2000年重建丨俄罗斯莫斯科丨ZROBIM architects

2000 RECONSTRUCTION

STUDIO: ZROBIM architects

ARCHITECTS: Nikita Abanin, Maxim Yaromich, Olga Obroshko, Alexey Korablev      PHOTO: Olga Melekestseva

LOCATION: Moscow, Russia

AREA: 920 m²

YEAR: 2024

The residence, built in the early 2000s, with a total area of about 1000 m² used to include four floors, a monolithic basement, and a brick structure. Its roof, elegantly crafted from copper, exemplifies the luxury of that era. Back then, if a house was built, it had to be made of brick, if there was a car, it had to be a BMW. Our task was to make a change without destroying the old, to eliminate the shortcomings of what we inherited, while also discover its advantages and, in some places, to enhance what was passed down to us. Treating the legacy with an understanding of the historical context and to renovate the house based on the philosophy of ZROBIM architects, reflecting our understanding of modern design and architecture. We aimed to create a unique space that would suit various life scenarios for the future owners of this home.​​​​​​​

INTERIOR

The desire for openness and minimization of partitions creates a free, seamless structure of the interior space. The first floor formed a spacious common area, where the spaces flow smoothly into each other, creating a unified harmonious environment.

Additionally, there is a spa area and an extensive utility section located here.

A variety of lighting scenarios set an intentional ambience for each area and highlight architectural details. Complex surface textures enhance visual effects in the interior. The space plays with natural light through large panoramic windows and a good location of open areas.

The second floor is a private zone, featuring a large owners’ suite and rooms for family members. The left column that smoothly rises to the ceiling is an accent element in the interior serves an indirect reference to the classics. The basement houses a game area with a bar and a home theater, designed for entertainment and relaxation.

Our task was to eliminate unnecessary volumes and completely redesign the functional zones of the house: the entrance area, garage, spa block, bedroom block, and so on. We aimed to create a unified space, combining the entrance, dining room, kitchen, living room, fireplace area, and spa block. The public areas were freed from excessive barriers, such as doors, and transformed into enfilade spaces reminiscent of palace architecture.

ARCHITECTURE

First, we developed an approach to shaping the form of the house, closely aligning it with its functional zoning. Then, we focused on creating the facade, selecting two materials to give the impression of two houses merging into one.Thus, the color scheme and textures of the facade were chosen with the surrounding landscape in mind, to integrate the building into the natural environment and create a harmonious interaction with the forest vegetation.

Thus, the color scheme and textures of the facade were chosen with the surrounding landscape in mind, to integrate the building into the natural environment and create a harmonious interaction with the forest vegetation.

The biggest success in this project is probably its comprehensive nature, as we managed to organize the landscape, architecture, and interior space. We did this while incorporating all modern trends, with flowing spaces and visual axes. Overall, the functional zoning turned out to be quite successful, as it includes a staff block, a technical floor, and everything interacts seamlessly. It works just as it would if we were designing the house from scratch.

It’s also important to mention the timeline — from the beginning of concept design to the completion of construction, it took a year and a half.

This project is a comprehensive reconstruction of a four-story mansion originally built in the early 2000s. With an area of approximately 1000 square meters, the building featured a monolithic basement, brick walls, and a copper roof—typical luxury markers of that time.

The primary task of ZROBIM architects was to modernize the house, treating the legacy with respect and renovating it based on their vision of modern design. We aimed to create a unique space that would suit various life scenarios for the future owners of this home. Without destroying the old, we focused on eliminating its shortcomings, while enhancing its best features. The house's structural integrity and solid foundation were among its greatest assets. The main challenge was adapting the outdated planning principles — where rooms were separate, enclosed spaces — to today’s more open and flowing spatial concepts.

The external facade was carefully redesigned using two key materials: thermally treated ash wood and plaster. The wood wraps around one volume of the house, creating a seamless texture, while the plaster on the other volume contrasts beautifully, giving the building a modern, minimalist appearance. The curved elements of the house’s original architecture were preserved, providing a sense of organic flow to the structure, but their use also posed challenges when selecting materials that could accommodate these shapes.

Color schemes were thoughtfully chosen to complement the surrounding forested landscape. Vertical wooden slats on the facade were inspired by the trees on the property, helping the house blend naturally with its environment. The plaster facade, on the other hand, adds a contrasting element that highlights the wooden components, giving the overall look a balanced and cohesive feel.

Overall, the project represents a harmonious integration of landscape, architecture, and interior design, with flowing spaces, clear visual axes, and seamless interaction between all functional areas. The client, initially a real estate developer planning for resale, came to appreciate the comprehensive nature of the renovation, which was completed in just a year and a half from concept design to construction. The final result is a modern, elegant home that meets the high standards of contemporary living while preserving the historical charm of the original structure.

You can watch a complete overview of the interior on the YouTube channel.

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