Houzz Tours
Moscow Houzz Tour: Industrial Minimalism in an Heirloom Apartment
Two famous Russian architects built this industrial wonderland for themselves. Now, their son has given it new life
When you think of a family apartment that’s been passed down for generations, you might imagine a classic interior with carved furniture and vintage fabrics. Yet times have changed. Now inheriting an ultra-modern loft is just as much of a possibility – especially if we are talking about a family of architects ahead of their time.
This three-storey apartment in an old Moscow building looks like it could have been designed yesterday, but the interior was built almost two decades ago. It has changed little since then: the dominant elements of the style – open space, stone, metal and glass – have not been touched.
This three-storey apartment in an old Moscow building looks like it could have been designed yesterday, but the interior was built almost two decades ago. It has changed little since then: the dominant elements of the style – open space, stone, metal and glass – have not been touched.
Ivan’s parents had designed the apartment for entertaining, so the bottom floor has lots of space for hosting noisy guests in its open-plan common area, while quiet spaces – bedrooms and an office – are on the second floor.
“Hospitality has always been the central tradition of the house. We are happy when friends, friends of friends and just good and interesting people come over. I hope Ivan and I will keep up the spirit of our house for many years to come,” says Tamara.
Ivan had lived alone in this apartment for several years. Once he got married and had little Leonid, it turned out that children’s toys also fit perfectly into this modern space. “A few years ago, the atmosphere here was different. We had to create the feeling of a family home, a place where our family lives and will live, step by step, without destroying the original concept,” says Tamara. “The interior is quite cold, not a family interior in the classic sense. But, oddly enough, little children change everything – even the coldest interior can turn into an incredibly warm and soft place.”
“Hospitality has always been the central tradition of the house. We are happy when friends, friends of friends and just good and interesting people come over. I hope Ivan and I will keep up the spirit of our house for many years to come,” says Tamara.
Ivan had lived alone in this apartment for several years. Once he got married and had little Leonid, it turned out that children’s toys also fit perfectly into this modern space. “A few years ago, the atmosphere here was different. We had to create the feeling of a family home, a place where our family lives and will live, step by step, without destroying the original concept,” says Tamara. “The interior is quite cold, not a family interior in the classic sense. But, oddly enough, little children change everything – even the coldest interior can turn into an incredibly warm and soft place.”
The finishes throughout the apartment reflect the character of the interior as it was originally conceptualised by Ivan’s parents. The bottom storey features concrete and patches of marble. The floor is heated in most areas, especially in those where little Leonid likes to play. The walls are in several shades of white and, thanks to the many windows, intersecting streams of light flood the space.
The entrance area and its storage unit are perhaps the most unexpected art objects in the home. The front door, the closets and the entrances to the bathroom and the guest bedroom are covered with a metal finish that seems to isolate the living room from the outside world.
A huge fish covers the entire facade from wall to wall. This image has philosophical undertones: “In the paintings of the old masters, the fish symbolised Christ,” says Ivan. “The front door is exactly in the centre of the fish: as a result, the image of Christ kind of blesses everyone who enters or leaves the house. Metal, in this case, acquires a surprisingly warm and plastic character.” Boris Belsky, a friend of the family, made this unusual piece.
Metal is one of Ivan’s favourite materials, and he works with it often in his studio, Workingang, which carries out unique projects all over Russia. The most exacting critic of Ivan’s work is his grandmother, Liya Pavlova. Pavlova is still involved in educating aspiring urban planners, and is convinced that good taste and intuition can only be taught from a young age.
A huge fish covers the entire facade from wall to wall. This image has philosophical undertones: “In the paintings of the old masters, the fish symbolised Christ,” says Ivan. “The front door is exactly in the centre of the fish: as a result, the image of Christ kind of blesses everyone who enters or leaves the house. Metal, in this case, acquires a surprisingly warm and plastic character.” Boris Belsky, a friend of the family, made this unusual piece.
Metal is one of Ivan’s favourite materials, and he works with it often in his studio, Workingang, which carries out unique projects all over Russia. The most exacting critic of Ivan’s work is his grandmother, Liya Pavlova. Pavlova is still involved in educating aspiring urban planners, and is convinced that good taste and intuition can only be taught from a young age.
Pictured: the central section of the fish facade. It’s difficult to realise that doors lie behind its rectangular panels.
Another piece of art stands next to the tail of the fish: a tinfoil Madonna and Child made by Ivan’s father.
Little Leonid has free reign in the apartment, except for the third floor, since the latter has roof access. Children’s furniture can be found all over the place. It’s easy to move from floor to floor, to anywhere and at any time Leonid wants to immerse himself in creativity.
Little Leonid has free reign in the apartment, except for the third floor, since the latter has roof access. Children’s furniture can be found all over the place. It’s easy to move from floor to floor, to anywhere and at any time Leonid wants to immerse himself in creativity.
Leonid’s chair, stool, and table, which converts to an easel, were made by the Russian manufacturer Moonk. It is made of sturdy birch plywood and covered with oak veneer.
Tamara explains why they chose this set: “Firstly, this is the only children’s furniture that fits with the modern interior of the apartment. Second … all this furniture is so safe that there is simply no danger of him getting hurt.”
Tamara explains why they chose this set: “Firstly, this is the only children’s furniture that fits with the modern interior of the apartment. Second … all this furniture is so safe that there is simply no danger of him getting hurt.”
The pre-war grand piano is another point of pride. Its keys are constructed from bone plates, made with a technique that has long fallen out of use. A family friend gave them the piano, saying, “It will be better for it here.” Today many of the family’s guests like to play it, and the couple often hosts home concerts with famous musicians: Russian pianist Riad Mammadov is especially fond of this instrument.
The long line of kitchen cabinets are very practical. Behind the translucent and solid fronts are kitchen utensils and appliances as well as utilities. A stainless steel benchtop and the control panel for the smart-home system complete the kitchen island.
“The lights and blinds, among other things, are controlled with buttons. Leonid only knows two words, ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad,’ but he understands the system better than us,” says Tamara.
“The lights and blinds, among other things, are controlled with buttons. Leonid only knows two words, ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad,’ but he understands the system better than us,” says Tamara.
The huge fireplace is not only a source of additional heating but also an important symbol of the home and familial warmth – the connotations the hearth commonly carries in Russian culture. They even use it for the traditional burning of the effigy during Maslenitsa (a slavic holiday that marks the end of winter and the start of orthodox Lent).
A frosted-glass staircase leads to the second floor. In the background is a panoramic window that overlooks a small courtyard and one of Moscow’s central ring roads. The big hall leads to the master bedroom, Leonid’s room and the office.
“Almost nothing changed after the baby was born, though we did install a volleyball net for safety. It does not overload the interior and looks quite ironic,” the owners say.
“Almost nothing changed after the baby was born, though we did install a volleyball net for safety. It does not overload the interior and looks quite ironic,” the owners say.
The decor on the second floor is warmer, with added wooden touches.
One of the main elements of the master bedroom’s decor is the round sunken bathtub. The shower and toilet are hidden behind a frosted glass partition, while the sink is right in the bedroom, in a long marble vanity. The owners say that it’s so heavy that they had to bring it in through the window with a crane.
The white work of art on the left of the photo is an architectural model of the Luzhniki stadium, created by architect Leonid Pavlov – Ivan’s grandfather.
“The Meganom architectural bureau prepared a monograph about my grandfather. It was recently printed in Italy. We tried to help in any way we could, we gathered documents and restored models. This is why part of the collection was then sent on to museums and archives,” says Ivan.
One of the main elements of the master bedroom’s decor is the round sunken bathtub. The shower and toilet are hidden behind a frosted glass partition, while the sink is right in the bedroom, in a long marble vanity. The owners say that it’s so heavy that they had to bring it in through the window with a crane.
The white work of art on the left of the photo is an architectural model of the Luzhniki stadium, created by architect Leonid Pavlov – Ivan’s grandfather.
“The Meganom architectural bureau prepared a monograph about my grandfather. It was recently printed in Italy. We tried to help in any way we could, we gathered documents and restored models. This is why part of the collection was then sent on to museums and archives,” says Ivan.
The drapes on the dormer windows resemble sails, and the cosy French balconies remind Tamara of her native Azerbaijan: “In Baku, all the houses have similar balconies. To me, our Moscow balcony is a little piece of a southern city, where windows and doors are always wide open. It’s easy to watch fireworks – sometimes several displays at once – from the Red Square [and other central Moscow landmarks]. You can even see them from the bed: it’s as though the fireworks are raining down on you – it’s a very curious feeling.”
In winter, a real fireplace helps heat the space and creates a romantic atmosphere. The owners use it a lot when it’s cold. They store firewood on the roof.
In winter, a real fireplace helps heat the space and creates a romantic atmosphere. The owners use it a lot when it’s cold. They store firewood on the roof.
Ivan’s childhood room is still empty, but it will soon go to Leonid – for the moment, he co-sleeps with his parents, as is common for babies and toddlers in Russia.
“We would like to keep the interior as much as possible as it is now, so that Leonid knows it’s a room with a story,” says Ivan. “There are family pictures, his dad’s books and work, and drawings of soldiers on the walls, which I once put together into a collection. Of course, Leonid will grow up and change things according to his tastes, but he needs to have a sense of his heritage because he is a link in the long chain of our family.”
The painting of the sheep is by artist Abbas Kyazimov, in his characteristic ‘carpet style’. “Abbas is a close friend of the family. He began the piece the day Leonid was born. The back of the painting is full of scattered thoughts and wishes for Leonid: that’s why we like the work even more,” says Tamara.
“We would like to keep the interior as much as possible as it is now, so that Leonid knows it’s a room with a story,” says Ivan. “There are family pictures, his dad’s books and work, and drawings of soldiers on the walls, which I once put together into a collection. Of course, Leonid will grow up and change things according to his tastes, but he needs to have a sense of his heritage because he is a link in the long chain of our family.”
The painting of the sheep is by artist Abbas Kyazimov, in his characteristic ‘carpet style’. “Abbas is a close friend of the family. He began the piece the day Leonid was born. The back of the painting is full of scattered thoughts and wishes for Leonid: that’s why we like the work even more,” says Tamara.
There is also a cosy office on the second floor, where the owners store a huge collection of books, pictures and documents linked to their family history.
The architectural pictures of Moscow churches and monasteries are from the 19th century and come from Ivan’s mother’s collection. The oldest dates back to 1882.
The architectural pictures of Moscow churches and monasteries are from the 19th century and come from Ivan’s mother’s collection. The oldest dates back to 1882.
The large black-framed photograph is a piece by Tamara’s father, artist and director Rauf Mamedov. He once gave it to his friends Andrey and Alexandra – Ivan’s parents.
“This is a section of a large polyptych called ‘Games on Windowsills,’” says Tamara. “All in all, it’s amazing how everything works out in this world: years ago, my dad made friends with Andrey and Alexandra, and I went to Ivan’s grandmother’s studio to learn to draw. Now we are all one family.”
“This is a section of a large polyptych called ‘Games on Windowsills,’” says Tamara. “All in all, it’s amazing how everything works out in this world: years ago, my dad made friends with Andrey and Alexandra, and I went to Ivan’s grandmother’s studio to learn to draw. Now we are all one family.”
The bathroom on the second floor is entirely covered with square white tiles, in keeping with the ascetic spirit of the rest of the apartment. Only the collection of rubber ducks adds a bright touch. There is a separate large laundry and utility room on the second floor.
The third floor is divided between the winter garden and Ivan’s workshop. This studio was once used mainly for sketching, but Ivan conceptualises his work differently: he likes to build prototypes of his work. This is where all the potentially dangerous tools are stored, including the soldering station.
“A husband who knows how to work with his hands is great: Ivan has made and fixed a lot of stuff at home,” says Tamara. “Our son is not allowed in the workshop, but Ivan sometimes takes him in anyway. There he shows Leonid his levitating objects, which he makes himself. Leonid is always delighted: it seems like he will follow in his father’s footsteps.”
“A husband who knows how to work with his hands is great: Ivan has made and fixed a lot of stuff at home,” says Tamara. “Our son is not allowed in the workshop, but Ivan sometimes takes him in anyway. There he shows Leonid his levitating objects, which he makes himself. Leonid is always delighted: it seems like he will follow in his father’s footsteps.”
The winter garden was started by Ivan’s parents and is constantly changing. Flowers brought by the couple’s friends take the place of plants that have already faded. “[Ivan] insists on growing his own parsley, basil, rocket and carrots in the garden. Generally speaking, no one can avoid a healthy lifestyle,” says Tamara, smiling.
The workshop exits onto an open terrace that overlooks a quiet courtyard that’s typical of Moscow inner courts. Here the couple grows the larger plants – conifers do particularly well on the roof.
In summer the owners spend a lot of time on the terrace, and when guests come by they often smoke meat and fish. To do this, they installed a professional smoker created by Ivan’s company, Workingang.
“After graduating from the Moscow Institute of Architecture, I of course had the opportunity to work at a studio and have some certainty about the future,” says Ivan. “But I always wanted to go my own way, create something new and worthwhile. I was always attracted by high-tech products. At the end of the day, I’m also a link in a long family chain. I would like for my son and myself to someday reach the same degree of success and greatness in what we do as those before us in the family.”
“After graduating from the Moscow Institute of Architecture, I of course had the opportunity to work at a studio and have some certainty about the future,” says Ivan. “But I always wanted to go my own way, create something new and worthwhile. I was always attracted by high-tech products. At the end of the day, I’m also a link in a long family chain. I would like for my son and myself to someday reach the same degree of success and greatness in what we do as those before us in the family.”
Tell us
What do you love about this heirloom family home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like the story, save your favourite images and join the conversation.
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Want more? Take a look at last week’s Milan Houzz Tour: Two Designers’ Creative Vintage-Style Home
What do you love about this heirloom family home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like the story, save your favourite images and join the conversation.
More
Want more? Take a look at last week’s Milan Houzz Tour: Two Designers’ Creative Vintage-Style Home
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Moscow, Russia
Size: 350 square metres
Who lives here: Ivan Savin and Tamara Mamedova, with their son, Leonid, and their cat, Stalker. Ivan is the third generation of architects in his family. Tamara is completing a master’s degree at the Diplomatic Academy.
Architects: Andrey Savin and Alexandra Pavlova, Ivan’s parents
Ivan’s parents, renowned Russian architects Andrey Savin and Alexandra Pavlova, gifted Ivan this apartment. They had designed this interior for themselves almost 20 years ago. “Back then, Andrey had undertaken the complete renovation of this pre-revolutionary building, which has stood witness to a long history,” says Tamara.
Tamara visited this apartment for the first time when she was 12 years old. “Ivan’s parents and mine are friends, but Ivan and I couldn’t stand each other when we were kids. Apparently something changed afterwards. I guess every war comes to an end, doesn’t it? We have been living here for three years, since our wedding and the birth of our son,” she says, smiling.