The head of Kamen Art Group, Vadim Grekov, believes that to create architecture, one needs adequate time. However, while trying to keep up with the latest technology, the architect hasn’t forgotten about those ideas that are inspired by the world around us.
Perhaps it is Vadim Grekov’s concern with the landscape, flora and fauna around us that helped him win the best individual residence prize at the Architectural Awards, for his design of a country mansion near Moscow. This concern has certainly allowed the architect to create a house that is sure to become a real gem of private architecture in Russia.
Looking at the main building, which is sunken in the landscape, you almost think it has been there since the formation of the landscape, such is the extent to which Vadim Grekov has managed to organically integrate his creation into the natural environment - or, on the contrary, to integrate nature into his project.
- In my work I have been guided by the principle that a building and all its adjoining elements must be inseparably linked with the landscape. The architecture of this building is subject to the laws of nature. It fully corresponds to the organic architecture principle of Frank Lloyd Wright.
And, in fact, the “inverted” house does remind one of Fallingwater, the most famous creation of the great American architect.
-I sometimes describe this house as “inverted” because the system of floors in it is arranged contrary to the traditional structure of private mansions. From the pathway, you can only see a one-storey building. Only after having seen the house from the side does it become clear that the three stories go down rather than up, as you go down the hill on which the house is located. On entering the building, you are immediately in the part of the house that is usually accessible to guests. The more private part is located on the lower floor. It is the opposite in a normal house.
But it is not only the location and unusual structure of the house that have been dictated by nature. The materials chosen by the architect were chosen with the natural surroundings in mind.
- The side of the building facing the Sun is fitted with glass elements that allow light to penetrate through. The northern side has been made with patinated copper plates. Incidentally, copper is an excellent antiseptic and prevents moss. A lot of wood has been used in the project. The wooden elements were made using unique sandwich technology. The 70-year guarantee, durability and fire safety of this material convinced the client to use it. The elements are made of teak and other dense types of wood, which guarantees their longevity. Over the years, the external appearance of the house will only get better. There is not simply ageing of materials. There is beautiful and ugly ageing. Copper and wood age beautifully. What is more, this combination of materials in a country house has a very attractive colour and is eco-friendly.
Many elements of the northern and least sunny side of the house, which faces the pathway, are made of glass.
- In this project I used large glass panes. This size is used very rarely and they had to be ordered from Slovenia. The many windows create the impression of nature merging with the house - as if it has been invited in. There is a lot of glass on the facade also, but owing to the glass slats from the outside the interior is not visible, while from the inside you can enjoy the scenery. The house has an open nature. The boundary between interior and exterior has been blurred.
Sideways on, the house looks nice and neat, but to appreciate some of its features, you must be in the inner open part.
-The inner side with the balcony, verandas and two swimming pools, outdoor and indoor, is the warmest and most tactile. The atmosphere there is disposed to closer contact.
From the inner courtyard you can appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
-The design of the landscape is rich in simple dimensions and correct geometric forms. At the same time, everything looks like it was created by nature itself.
The perfect combination of all these creative ideas has also allowed you to create a house with an integrated, freely developing space. Moreover, this freedom is not apparent, but absolutely real.
-Each of the three floors has its own entrance. This makes the floors independent and provides additional freedom of movement to the inhabitants. At the entrance to each floor, one has the impression of almost entering an untouched world.
