Architects about facades

Yesterday I walked past a new private house in a historic district. An ordinary house, really—modern, minimalist, with large windows. But surrounded by century-old mansions, it looked like an alien at a village fair.

And it got me thinking about a deeper question: do we have the right to impose modern aesthetics on a historically established setting? Or should every building enter into a dialogue with its surroundings, respecting the architectural language of the place?

On the one hand, architecture has always evolved, and in any historic city you'll find buildings from different eras side by side. On the other hand, there's the idea of context—the spirit of the place, the genius loci—which you can either respect or ignore.

I believe the answer lies neither in blindly imitating historical styles nor in boldly rejecting the past, but in a thoughtful dialogue with the context. You can use modern materials and technologies while still respecting the proportions, rhythm, and scale of the surrounding buildings.

On March 8, we want to remember those who, despite every obstacle, made an invaluable contribution to the art of creating spaces — the women architects whose ideas and projects have changed the way we see modern architecture.

For a long time, architecture was considered a traditionally male profession. Yet many talented women not only made their way in the field but also left behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of professionals.

Zaha Hadid – the queen of curves

Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Prize (the architectural equivalent of the Nobel Prize). Her creations are instantly recognizable for their flowing lines, bold forms, and innovative use of materials. The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, the Guangzhou Opera House, and the London Aquatics Centre literally defy gravity and traditional ideas about how façades should look.

Gae Aulenti – the master of restoration

Italian architect Gae Aulenti earned her reputation not only for designing new buildings but also for her skill in transforming historic structures into modern spaces. Her conversion of the former d'Orsay railway station in Paris into the Musée d'Orsay is considered a benchmark for preserving a building's historical value while adapting it to new functions.

Kazuyo Sejima – the aesthetics of minimalism

Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima creates buildings that appear weightless and almost transparent. Her work stands out for its clean lines, carefully designed lighting, and harmonious integration with its surroundings. The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and the Glass Pavilion in Toledo show how expressive architecture can be achieved through minimalist means.

Elizabeth Diller – architecture as a social statement

Elizabeth Diller and her studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro are known for projects that go beyond traditional architecture to become powerful social statements. The High Line park in New York is a striking example of how an abandoned elevated railway can be turned into a vibrant public space that reshapes an entire neighborhood.

Frida Escobedo – the new generation

A member of the younger generation of architects, Mexican Frida Escobedo works at the intersection of art, architecture, and social projects. Her Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London, created from simple materials — ceramic tiles and concrete — shows how local traditions can be reinterpreted in the context of contemporary architecture.

Why is it important to know about women in architecture?

Studying the work of women architects not only broadens our understanding of what is possible in façade design and spatial organization but also offers new sources of inspiration. Many of these outstanding professionals have brought a unique perspective, an eye for the details of everyday life, and unconventional solutions to complex challenges.

In our studio, we often look to the projects of these and other talented women architects, finding ideas in them for creating façades that combine functionality, aesthetic expression, and respect for the surrounding context.

Happy International Women's Day! May your architectural inspiration come from the most diverse of sources.

Hello everyone, this is Tatyana! Today I want to share a story that started as an ordinary meeting with clients but turned into a real detective investigation.

The story of one «beautiful»

A new client, a familiar story: they had built a house and now needed a «beautiful façade.» At first glance, a standard request. But let me tell you how one phrase, «make it beautiful,» grew into a full-fledged architectural project.

First meeting: what I heard

• «We want something unusual» (a classic line)
• «Like everyone else, but it should stand out» (a favorite paradox)
• «Modern, but it shouldn't go out of style» (another one)
• «Within a reasonable budget» (which hadn't been defined yet)

What was behind these words

After two hours of conversation, it turned out that:

«Unusual» meant:

• The house should be light in color
• Definitely large windows
• But «not too glassy»
• And the neighbors shouldn't be able to peek inside

«Like everyone else, but standing out» translated to:

• Natural materials
• No flashy colors
• Interesting architectural details
• «Guests should say wow, but not think we're showing off»

«Modern, but timeless» turned into:

• Minimalist forms
• Classic proportions
• High-quality materials
• Thoughtful zoning

My «interrogation» tools

Over the years, I've developed my own method for uncovering a client's true wishes:

I start with lifestyle questions:

Who lives in the house? What does a typical day look like? Where does the family spend most of its time? What are their hobbies?

Then I move on to practical matters:

How often do they host guests? Where do they park their cars? Do they have pets? How do they use the yard in different seasons?

And finally, I dig into the details:

Favorite materials. Disliked colors. Examples of houses they like and dislike. Memories of places where they felt comfortable.

What we ended up with

After many clarifying questions, «make it beautiful» turned into a clear technical brief:

Materials:

• Light-colored travertine for the main surfaces
• Accents of thermally treated wood
• Graphite-colored metal elements
• Large windows with smart glass

Layout solutions:

• A covered barbecue terrace with a garden view
• A separate exit to the relaxation area
• A private pool area hidden from prying eyes
• A convenient driveway to the garage

Special requests:

• Automatic window shading
• Integrated façade lighting
• An irrigation system for the vertical greenery
• Heated sections of the terrace

And you know what's most interesting? Along the way, the client admitted: «We didn't even know what we wanted until you started asking questions.» Moments like these are what make my work truly special.

Lessons I learned

• Don't rush to suggest solutions. Let the client talk.
• Ask unexpected questions. «How do you celebrate New Year's?» can reveal more about a home than direct architectural questions.
• Show options. In our studio, we have a rule: always present at least three concepts, even when we're sure about one.
• Document everything. I write down even passing remarks — they often hold the most important insights.

Right now, we are in the project development phase, and I can already see how the initial «make it beautiful» is turning into a well-thought-out architectural solution.

Hi, this is Maria, and today I want to talk about rustication, an architectural technique that I consider one of the most underrated in modern construction. I have used rustication in more than 30 projects over the past 12 years, and each time it has revealed something new to me.

What rustication is and why it fascinates me

Let me start with a personal confession: when I first started out, rustication struck me as boring and old-fashioned. I mean, come on, textured masonry with deep joints! But the more I worked with the technique, the more I fell in love with its possibilities.

Rustication — is not just a decorative treatment of stone. It is a whole architectural language that can tell you more about a building than any other element of the façade. The depth of the joint, the texture of the stone, the rhythm of the masonry — together they create a building's unique character.

To dive deeper into the topic, read our article on rustication.

My favorite historical examples

Palazzo Pitti in Florence — is a personal favorite of mine. I remember the first time I saw it in person — those huge rough-hewn stone blocks are literally hypnotic! The lower floor is as brutal as possible, while the upper floors are more restrained. The technique creates an amazing sense of solidity and strength.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi shows how different types of rustication can be used on a single façade. The first floor is brutal diamond-point rustication, the second is more relaxed, and the third is almost smooth. It's like a symphony where each floor plays its own part!

My favorite modern examples

The new headquarters of the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris: here, rustication is used in the glass panels! A stunning example of how a classic technique can be reinterpreted in modern materials.

Cooper House on Butikovsky Lane by Sergei Skuratov: a true master class in the modern interpretation of rustication. The façade is finished in an intricate clinker brickwork, where alternating horizontal and vertical elements create an expressive relief. Especially impressive is the way the architect plays with the building's corner, using rusticated masonry to create a sculptural transition.

Practical tips from me

Over the years, I have developed a few rules for using rustication:

• Proportion matters
• For private houses, I recommend blocks no taller than 40–50 cm
• The depth of the joint should be proportional to the size of the block (usually 2–4 cm for medium-sized blocks)

Materials and textures

• Natural stone: the most expensive but also the most spectacular option
• Concrete: an excellent alternative for modern projects
• Plaster: a budget option, but one that takes skill to execute

Where to use it

• Basement and ground floor: a classic that always works
• Accent walls: create a focal point
• Individual elements: portals and window frames

Common mistakes

• Overdoing the rustication. Some people cover the entire façade in it, from the foundation to the roof. It's like wearing an evening gown to the beach — too much!
• Inconsistency of style. I recently saw a minimalist house with massive, classically styled rustication. It's like wearing sneakers with a tuxedo.
• Wrong proportions. Shallow rustication on a large building, or the reverse, is like clothing in the wrong size.

Rustication is not just a decorative technique; it is a powerful tool in the architect's hands. It can make a building monumental or light, traditional or modern. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment!

Architects and engineers are working hard to push the limits of timber construction. Wood was once thought of as a material only for small buildings, but today it is capable of surprising us. Thanks to advanced technologies such as CLT (cross-laminated timber), timber structures are becoming strong, fire-resistant, and suitable even for high-rise construction.

Wood has enormous potential as a material to replace steel and concrete.

Wooden structures, for example, are easier to transport and install, which cuts time and labor costs on the construction site. The material's lightness and workability allow for shapes that would be difficult and costly to achieve with concrete.

According to researchers at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, wood is an excellent choice for buildings up to 60 meters tall.

Beyond that height, the advantages of wood begin to diminish compared with traditional fossil-based building materials.

Carbon footprint and environmental benefits

The biggest advantage of wood in construction is its environmental friendliness. Concrete and steel production accounts for nearly one-third of the world's carbon dioxide emissions, whereas timber construction not only avoids adding CO₂ to the atmosphere, it actually “traps” it. Wood absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, and that carbon stays locked in for as long as the wood is used as a building material. As a result, a single wooden building can offset the carbon footprint of several concrete or steel structures at once.

Growing and using wood takes far less energy than the extraction and production of traditional materials, which only strengthens wood's case as a sustainable choice.

Challenges still to be solved

• Fire resistance. Although wood can be made more fire-resistant, its behavior in a fire remains a serious concern, especially for high-rise buildings. For such projects, it is common to use layers of CLT that protect the inner wood components and provide a certain level of fire resistance. However, fire-safety standards for tall timber structures are still emerging, and each country is developing its own requirements.
• Weather and pest resistance. Moisture can be the enemy of wooden buildings, since prolonged exposure to water can cause rot. Protective coatings and regular maintenance solve this problem, but they add to operating costs. Wood can also attract insects, which calls for treatment with preservatives.
• Building codes and standards. Unlike steel and concrete, wood is only beginning to become the norm in high-rise construction, so many countries do not yet have strict standards for such structures. This holds back the development of tall timber buildings, because investors and developers cannot be entirely sure that they are safe.

How far can we go?

To date, there are already several tall wooden buildings that approach the height of traditional skyscrapers. For example, Mjøstårnet in Norway, an 18-story wooden building 85.4 meters tall, is considered the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world. And recent designs promise to go even further, showing that the limits are a matter of technology, not of the material itself.

What does the future hold?

In the future, timber construction could become the foundation of green cities. Because wood is renewable and easy to recycle, many cities are considering it as a key material for sustainable construction. As CLT and other technologies keep improving, wood can become even stronger and safer, making it possible to build ever taller and more complex structures.

Wood as a building material therefore holds enormous potential. It offers a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel, making it possible to build durable, stylish, and practical buildings that can form the foundation of the cities of the future.

In a world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, architecture is not lagging behind. How does the evolution of façade materials shape the look of modern cities, and what challenges does it create for architects and property owners?

Tradition vs. innovation: the search for balance

Despite the arrival of new materials, traditional solutions are still relevant. Stone, brick, and wood are still widely used on façades, but they are now often combined with modern materials. For example, a natural stone façade can be complemented with glass and metal elements to create a distinctive architectural look.

Energy efficiency as a priority

Today, one of the key factors in choosing façade materials is their energy efficiency. Modern façade systems not only protect a building from the elements but also play an active role in regulating the indoor climate.

• Ventilated façades: significantly reduce heating and air-conditioning costs.
• Photovoltaic panels: integrated into façades, turning buildings into mini power plants.
• Smart glass: changes its properties depending on the intensity of the sunlight, optimizing energy use.

Environmental awareness and sustainability

Care for the environment has become an integral part of modern architecture. This is reflected in the choice of façade materials as well:

• Recycled materials: the use of recycled plastic or metal in façade panels.
• Biodegradable composites: experimental materials that do not pollute the environment over time.
• Living façades: vertical gardens that not only improve aesthetics but also help clean the air in cities.

Technology in the service of aesthetics

Innovative materials let architects realize their boldest ideas:

• Dynamic façades: with movable elements, a building can “change its expression” over the course of the day.
• LED integrations: turn façades into huge screens for media installations.
• 3D printing: makes it possible to create unique façade elements with complex geometries.

Challenges for today's architects

• Durability vs. innovation: How do we ensure the durability of new materials for which we do not yet have long-term data?
• Cost of implementation: Innovative solutions are often expensive. How do we convince clients that they are worth it?
• Regulatory framework: Legislation does not always keep pace with technological progress. How do we work with new materials within the existing regulations?

The evolution of façade materials continues, and we are on the threshold of new discoveries. We may soon see façades that can adapt to climate change or even repair themselves after damage.

As an architectural studio, it is important for us not only to follow these trends but also to critically assess how well they fit each specific project. After all, an architect's main task is to create buildings that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable for people, whatever the materials used.

What do you think? Which innovations in façade materials seem the most promising to you? Leave your comments on social media.

In today's world, architects have to juggle many layers and requirements to bring together the synthesis that is the modern home.

In search of fresh perspectives, we decided to use ChatGPT and Midjourney to explore the future of private architecture in Russia and to look at the most current trends, new concepts, and approaches that can help create homes which meet residents' needs and expectations.

Architecture is not just about creating beautiful buildings; it is also about reflecting the history and culture of a people. In these striking illustrations, we see how modern architecture boldly blends with traditional national features. This not only highlights our uniqueness but also lets us preserve our culture and heritage for future generations. These images make us think about how our culture and traditions can live on in a new world.

In terms of exterior design, we can assume that the modern houses of Russia's future will continue to draw on elements of traditional Russian architecture, but in a more modern and innovative way. For example, roofs may take on a more contemporary shape while keeping their traditional pitches, and façades may be finished with more modern materials such as glass, metal, or composite panels while retaining traditional decorative elements.

The architecture of the future in Russia is a chance to rethink traditional Russian Art Nouveau in the context of modern architecture. Buildings like these could blend organically into their surroundings while reflecting the uniqueness of Russian culture.

First, modern technologies and materials could be used to create more functional and environmentally friendly houses. For example, composite materials could replace traditional wooden cladding, making homes more durable and easier to maintain. Solar panels and other modern systems could also be used to cut energy costs.

Second, you could design buildings in a more minimalist style, with simple, clean shapes and geometric elements. One of the hallmarks of Russian Art Nouveau is the use of patterns and ornamentation in decorative details. The architecture of the future could put these elements in a new context to give buildings a modern look. For example, square patterns or geometric ornaments could be used on building façades or windows.

Third, the principles of the Russian Revival can be used to create more innovative architectural solutions. Russian ethno-futuristic architecture can incorporate various elements of national culture, such as wrought ironwork, carved wooden patterns, decorative murals and mosaics, painted wood, curved forms, moldings, carvings, and more. These elements would be combined with contemporary forms, techniques, and materials to create unique and memorable buildings.

All the text and images in this post were generated by artificial intelligence.

Does its vision appeal to you? How does it line up with your view of the future of contemporary private architecture in Russia?

I think artificial intelligence is a valuable resource. These new tools can be very useful for imagining, visualizing, and designing the spaces of the near future, but it is still the human touch that determines the potential of everything we dream up.

Here you can see how AI envisions the future of architecture in other countries.

Moscow is rich in fascinating architectural heritage, but most of these buildings can be visited only a few times a year, on specific dates tied to celebrations.

The good news is that there is a program to develop virtual tours of Moscow's mansions.

Now you can take your time studying the details of legendary works by F. Shekhtel, A. Grigoriev, L. Kekushev, and others.

Take, for example, the Derozhinskaya Mansion in Kropotkinsky Lane.

Built in the late 19th century, it is less famous than other buildings designed by F. Shekhtel, but no less interesting.

A giant window spanning the entire wall, a huge marble fireplace, and all the furniture made to F. Shekhtel's own drawings.

Or the Korobkova Mansion on Pyatnitskaya, with caryatids, wreaths, and mascarons on the façade, and the lion on the turret that is so typical of L. Kekushev.

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the history of Moscow Art Nouveau and draw inspiration from this remarkable architecture.

An interesting technique: adding visual permeability to a façade not through separate elements, but by changing the way the boards are attached.

This chaotic, deliberate naivety, like a child reaching for a hammer the moment his parents look away, takes courage to pull off.

The boards shade the fully glazed volume of the façade and create a play of light, making the house look appealing from both outside and inside.

In 2014, Green&Blue began producing bricks with holes that can serve as homes for solitary bee species. These bee bricks are the same size as regular bricks, but they have a series of narrow holes much like the spots where solitary bees nest.

One-third of the world's food production depends on bees and other pollinators, and one in ten bee species in Europe is on the brink of extinction. This is due to climate change, the use of pesticides that are harmful to bees, and the disruption of the natural ecosystem.

Earlier this year, the city council of Brighton and Hove in England required developers to include bricks with holes for bees in the façades of buildings five meters tall and higher.

Supporters of the initiative believe that such simple solutions will improve the situation and create more opportunities for biodiversity.

But a number of experts have spoken out against it. They worry that mites and bacteria could breed in the holes and increase the spread of disease. Professor Dave Goulson of the University of Sussex believes that the holes are not big enough to make a good home for bees, and that a single brick, even one in every house, is nowhere near enough; it can only serve to ease one's conscience, with no real benefit.

I think bricks with holes may not be ideal, and they are certainly no cure-all.

But it is better to do something than nothing.

Using such bricks can make a difference, however small, alongside measures like increasing planting areas and so on. And using them widely in new buildings could help gather statistical data and prove or disprove how effective they really are.