Natalia and Ivan Trofimov, Blockstudio, designed an apartment in an old house in the Prechistenka district and talked about how to make a classic interior modern. The customers of this project contacted Blockstudio at the stage of choosing an apartment. “This is the perfect moment! – Natalia and Ivan Trofimov speak in one voice. “For all the obvious pros and cons, there are plenty of pitfalls and hidden opportunities in any space that only an architect can spot.”
The obvious advantages of this apartment of 203 sq. meters were high ceilings 4.3 meters, thirteen windows, and reinforced concrete ceilings installed in this old Moscow house on Prechistenka during the overhaul of the 1980s. But the main thing that the architects saw was the possibility of a complete redevelopment, which allowed natural light to enter absolutely all rooms, from the bathroom to the hallway. Sunlight penetrating into the farthest corners of the apartment through transoms and stained-glass windows is a favorite technique of Blockstudio bureau.
As well as the enfilade layout, along the axis of which the architects placed the living room, dining room, and office. This part is separated from the private rooms by the hall, where the main portal with hinged doors leads. “When designing this structure, we kept in mind the image of a classic wooden screen – elegant, light, and at the same time very functional,” says Natalia. — Door glazing is duplicated by hinged panels made of oak laths. If desired, they can be easily removed to, for example, wash the glass or make the structure even more permeable.”
“And if we based the planning on the techniques of classical architecture, then in the rest we decided to play in contrast,” says Ivan. — This is how laconic rounded gypsum cornices appeared, which form an enveloping domed space. The fireplace portal made of natural stone is very simple, but due to the rounded wavy ribs, an interesting plasticity is created.
The super-minimalist kitchen almost blends into the wall. To enhance this image, the hood was built into a box with a molded cornice. And in order to visually lighten the volume, a custom-made panel made of an aged mirror and metal was placed in the center. “This is the first project in our practice where there is practically no built-in light and so many chandeliers! Natalia continues. – Spots are installed only in the library to highlight paintings. The rest is pendant lamps, sconces, floor lamps. This decision led to high ceilings.
Each lamp was chosen as an art object. However, we adhered to the same principle when selecting furniture, decor, contemporary art, and even … beds for a cat. For her, by the way, even at the construction stage, special loopholes in the walls and a “separate bathroom” are provided. And this is also important. Real luxury is always in the details!
