VILLA IN RUBLOVKA
Moscow, Russia, 2008-

Rublovka is at the heart of Moscow’s luxury boom, a quiet suburb with a very conspicuous population. The passion for residential exploit has made for a kind of second Italian Renaissance abroad, and here, Italian design has reached its apotheosis in the private domains of the world’s super discerning clientele. When approached by this client, we were presented with a desire to live in a hexagon-planned residence in the middle of a forest. Starting from there, the plan evolved to accommodate not only the private but the public spheres of this young family, all in one compound. What evolved was a continuous flow of pavilion spaces, and where they intersect, nooks and exchange points that guarantee privacy as well as gracious living. Rich views into the forest are contrasted with those that traverse a sort of forest clearing, and the visual dialogue is continuous. Natural stone, wood and glass are the palette, echoing the ‘green’ focus on energy consumption, the usage of materials, and the rootedness of these in the Russian landscape.
The 8,500 sq meters of Villa Rublovka are never visible at once, neither from the outside nor from within. A play on the illusion of contained spaces against the greater outdoors is ever present, making for a surprisingly intimate living experience. The roof line provides the house’s unique characteristic: apertures to the sky as prisms or skylights. The effect is reminiscent of the dacha, made modern. Of the formal country villa, made natural. Historic roots have been studied to come up with this modern re-interpretation of the Russian Country residence. Welcome to the 21st century Dacha.

Ph. Studio Alhadeff Architects