Moscow Houzz Tour: Architects' Rendered Drawings Become Reality
These owners were so taken with their architects' concept and renderings that they insisted on recreating every detail
Евгения Назарова
25 November 2018
These clients liked architecture firm DesignRocks’ rendering so much that they wanted to recreate it perfectly in their apartment in Moscow, Russia. They even went so far as to have the exact accessories custom-cast in plastic in a Moscow workshop, and they waited four months for the perfect wallpaper. “This is one of the few experiences I’ve had in which the owners were ready to make any sacrifice so the result would corresponded to the original design concept completely,” says Evgenia Shilova, one of the architects on the project.
Images by Sergey Krasyuk
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple and their dog
Location: Moscow, Russia
Size: Approximately 107 square metres
Architects: Evgenia Shilova and Ilya Eroshevich of DesignRocks
The apartment is on the top floor of a renovated building. The developer sold it with a screed (or levelling) in place on the floor and plasterboard on the walls, but the owners decided on a large-scale renovation. They went for industrial decor, reflected in their new concrete, timber and metal finishes. Not only do they like this style, but it’s also a good fit with the building’s facade.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A young couple and their dog
Location: Moscow, Russia
Size: Approximately 107 square metres
Architects: Evgenia Shilova and Ilya Eroshevich of DesignRocks
The apartment is on the top floor of a renovated building. The developer sold it with a screed (or levelling) in place on the floor and plasterboard on the walls, but the owners decided on a large-scale renovation. They went for industrial decor, reflected in their new concrete, timber and metal finishes. Not only do they like this style, but it’s also a good fit with the building’s facade.
The first order of business was dismantling the few structures that were already in place. Replanning the layout opened up an extra 10 square metres of liveable space. The second-floor hallway was widened to make room for a broader passageway and built-in wardrobes, while the bedroom was extended to take up the full available width.
First-floor layout
The new layout incorporates plenty of open spaces. The clients had asked for a huge combined kitchen/living room where they could spend time with friends, and the second-floor bedroom doesn’t have a door to emphasise the open-plan feel. The idea was to allow all the spaces to flow into one another organically.
The new layout incorporates plenty of open spaces. The clients had asked for a huge combined kitchen/living room where they could spend time with friends, and the second-floor bedroom doesn’t have a door to emphasise the open-plan feel. The idea was to allow all the spaces to flow into one another organically.
The owners like interesting textures, so materials were chosen as much for their tactile qualities as their appearance. Pouring a transparent levelling compound on the concrete floor and using textured engineered timber was the homeowners’ idea.
The walls and ceiling of the entrance are finished in timber, turning this area into an enclosed compartment within the open-plan living room. The joinery was designed to make use of every available centimetre. Pictured here, the white glossy cupboard on the left takes full advantage of the space under the stairs.
The walls and ceiling of the entrance are finished in timber, turning this area into an enclosed compartment within the open-plan living room. The joinery was designed to make use of every available centimetre. Pictured here, the white glossy cupboard on the left takes full advantage of the space under the stairs.
The side of the cupboard is decorated with a faceted bust of a lion’s head that was moulded straight from the render. “We drew a 3D model [of the bust] as a way to mark a place for some sort of decor [on the plan],” says Shilova.
“However, the clients insisted on having the exact same sculpture. We had to give the drawings to a local workshop and have it cast in plastic.”
“However, the clients insisted on having the exact same sculpture. We had to give the drawings to a local workshop and have it cast in plastic.”
The original plan to install exposed metal C-beams on the walls and ceiling was abandoned as these type of beams tend to get very cold in winter. In the end, the architects created a similar look by painting plasterboard boxing black.
The fibre-reinforced concrete panels on the accent wall were custom-made in Belarus. The panels are quite heavy, so the architects used both glue and fasteners to fix them in place, then added decorative washers.
To the right of the fireplace are felt floor cushions with a stone-like appearance. The original cushions were designed by a group of Polish architects, though the owners found a similar design made by Russian craftsmen that were kinder to their budget.
To the right of the fireplace are felt floor cushions with a stone-like appearance. The original cushions were designed by a group of Polish architects, though the owners found a similar design made by Russian craftsmen that were kinder to their budget.
As early as the initial technical briefing, one of the clients insisted on having this fireplace model in the living room. The apartment already had a chimney, but the team experienced some problems during the installation as the existing short chimney wasn’t able to draw the smoke out efficiently. They called on specialists to extend it and create the result that’s pictured here.
The built-in wall unit was custom-made using coloured MDF and veneer panels based on the designers’ drawings. Its insides are finished with black sheet metal that is almost impossible to scratch. The couple use the right-hand side as a storage rack for firewood.
“The carpentry workshop jokingly nicknamed this project ‘Three Millimetres’,” says Eroshevich. “We were worried about the size and we kept checking the dimensions using a sheet of MDF in the correct thickness. If the gaps were bigger or smaller than three millimetres, we had the carpenters redo the work.”
“The carpentry workshop jokingly nicknamed this project ‘Three Millimetres’,” says Eroshevich. “We were worried about the size and we kept checking the dimensions using a sheet of MDF in the correct thickness. If the gaps were bigger or smaller than three millimetres, we had the carpenters redo the work.”
The kitchen occupies an oddly shaped space. The architects originally came up with a linear cabinet design that would have looked more relaxed and uniform. However, the owners wanted to save every inch of space and rejected this idea. The kitchen unit now lines a niche, continues along the adjoining wall and then transforms into a bar counter. The clients chose rust-coloured textured metal for the cupboard fronts.
Black slats frame the kitchen from wall to ceiling. In between are built-in dimmable light strips. The same lighting was used on the staircase.
You may not be able to tell by looking at it, but this interior was an example of careful budget management. For example, all of the furniture was ordered directly from the manufacturers. “This was the clients’ doing,” says Shilvoa. “They found a way to get around the middlemen. In the end, the furniture was almost half the price of Moscow showrooms. For example, there’s no way we could have stayed within the budget with a sofa like the one in the living room.”
Part of the lower story was turned into a winter garden, separated from the living room by a transparent partition with a metal frame. This room can be turned into a nursery or office in future – the power points are already in place.
The apartment has two bathrooms – one is next to the master bedroom and the second, which has a bathtub and usually serves as a guest bathroom, is on the first floor.
The owners went for an inexpensive Russian-manufactured stone-look porcelain and the bathroom fixtures are not from luxury brands. However, the calm colour palette leaves this interior looking refined.
The owners went for an inexpensive Russian-manufactured stone-look porcelain and the bathroom fixtures are not from luxury brands. However, the calm colour palette leaves this interior looking refined.
The owners saved on the mirror by buying it online and adding a backlight. The round shelves from Rifra and the circular basin echo its shape.
Second-floor layout
The upstairs hallway is lined with shallow floor-to-ceiling cupboards, used mainly for shoes. Towards the end of the hall is a U-shaped group of units that functions as a walk-in robe. The cupboards use all the available space from floor to ceiling.
In the master bedroom, horse-themed wallpaper instantly draws attention. The owners liked it so much that, again, they insisted on an exact replica of the print the architects used in the initial rendered drawings. They weren’t even discouraged by the fact that they needed to wait four months for the wallpaper to arrive.
All the timber finishes in the bedroom feature similar shades and textures, for a tone-on-tone look. The TV partition and the headboard are covered with the same veneer panels for a coordinated aesthetic. The headboard also helps conceal a ventilation shaft.
Tell us
What’s your favourite feature in this home? Tell us in the Comments below, save your favourite images and like this story. Join the conversation.
More
Want more great design? Don’t miss last week’s Houzz Tour: A Nip, Tuck and Rear Extension for an Edwardian Villa
What’s your favourite feature in this home? Tell us in the Comments below, save your favourite images and like this story. Join the conversation.
More
Want more great design? Don’t miss last week’s Houzz Tour: A Nip, Tuck and Rear Extension for an Edwardian Villa
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
France Houzz: A New Island Home With an Old Soul
Check out this young family's welcoming and characterful French island home on Île d’Yeu, which embraces local style
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Germany Houzz: A Small Cabin Transformed Into a Forest Retreat
In this secluded area in the Taunus mountains of Germany, a family enjoys their weekends in 29 square metres of space
Full Story
Houzz TV
London Houzz: Tour a Contemporary Loft in an Old Victorian School
Watch and read how a design firm updated this light and airy apartment in an old block with sleek style and warm touches
Full Story
Garden Design
Spain Garden Tour: A Mediterranean Makeover With Colour & Texture
Once neglected, this naturalistic garden is now a series of outdoor rooms with idyllic spots to swim, dine and relax
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Berlin Houzz: A Touch of Japanese Forest Bathing in a German Home
Beloved memories of Japan come to life with the renovation of this 120-square-metre apartment in Berlin, Germany
Full Story
Houzz Tours
London Houzz: Daring Colour & Texture Transform a Victorian Home
By Kate Burt
The busy owners of this terrace sought help to design outside their decor comfort zone – the result is a cool classic
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Germany Houzz: Creating Summer & Winter Homes in a Converted Barn
One barn, two homes – see how architects designed separate zones for summer and winter living in an old country barn
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Before & After: Finding the Perfect Pink in a Barcelona Kitchen
Barely-there pink acts as a warm neutral in a new open-plan Spanish kitchen, replacing dark cabinets and drab finishes
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Before & After: Colour Blocking & Pattern Nod to Nature in Rome
Move and upsize or stay and renovate? This young family chose the latter in their small Italian apartment – here's why
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Barcelona Houzz: Style, Sustainability and Pattern in a Tiny Flat
Part-renovation, part-restoration, the owners of this Spanish apartment balanced historical style with forward thinking
Full Story
Dreamdoctor, I used a porcelain tile Laminam Oxide Moro for my fire place - exactly the same rustic metal look
Great design, loved the project!
We also deals in handmade moroccan cement tiles and you have the option to customise design, size, colours of the tile.
Eco Tiles.
Green Tiles
Thanks
Aakaar Floorings
+91 9024200842