ARCHIWOOD 2024. The best projects in the nomination «Country House»

Current trends among the nominees for the ARCHIWOOD 2024 Award in the Country House category reflect a preference for designs that integrate contemporary architectural elements with an emphasis on the use of natural materials and sustainability. Many projects incorporate large glass panels, flat roofs and linear layouts that optimize views and interaction with the natural environment. There is a noticeable trend toward single-story buildings that maintain a low profile to blend in with their surroundings.

The configuration of space in these homes often prioritizes openness and fluidity, such as large open-plan living spaces that are directly connected to outdoor terraces and gardens, enhancing the experience of living inside and out. This layout is popular not only for its aesthetic and practical benefits, but also caters to lifestyles that value relaxation and connection to nature.

Overall, the nominees in the Country House category continue the lineage of an innovative approach to residential design, emphasizing sustainability, modernity and deep integration with the natural landscape.

By the way, the popular vote is still open and you can cast your vote for one of the projects in each category.

Now, more about the shortlisted homes.

«White Tower». Saratov. Spirin architects / Evgeny and Marina Spirin.

This compact house has an area of 89 square meters and a height of 11 meters. The peculiarity of the house is its experimental nature, both for the architects and its users. The style of the building can be described as a mixture of constructivism with elements of Russian avant-garde. The house was built using SIP technology (structurally insulated panels), which allowed to speed up and cheapen the construction process.

The exterior finish is made of particle board sheets (cement-bonded particle boards) on a subsystem, which gives the building a modern look and makes it look like a concrete structure, despite the wooden base. The facade of the house and terrace are untreated to allow the material to naturally change its appearance over time.

Birdland House. Tver region. Architectural bureau of Roman Leonidov.

«Birdland House» stands out for its open floor plan and large panoramic windows that create the effect of unity with nature, revealing views of the forest and the river. This architectural solution not only maximizes natural light in the house, but also allows its inhabitants to feel part of the surrounding world, as if the walls between the interior and exterior space are erased.

The design is complemented by the skillful use of natural materials such as wood and stone, which are not only eco-friendly but also add texture and warmth to the interior, making the space truly cozy. The design is also characterized by exquisite attention to detail, making each interior element part of the overall architectural solution.

DOM70. Moscow region, Beketovo Park. WOODBOX.

The project “DOM70” includes several unique features, such as the possibility of modular expansion of the house, which allows you to adapt the space to the growing needs of the family. The house has no corridors, which increases usable space, and the use of large panoramic windows maximizes natural light and emphasizes the connection with nature. The facade and interior materials are eco-friendly and contribute to a healthy microclimate in the house.

Residential house in Rumyantsevo. Moscow, Rumyantsevo village. Ppershin.com.

The house in Rumyantsevo is a one and a half storey building in minimalist style with a total area of 99.9 sq. meters. Located in a green area, its architecture harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Features of the house include two large stained glass windows facing south-east and south-west, and a mezzanine with areas for various needs. Interior and facade materials are untreated and planned for natural aging.

House Deck. Moscow region, “Azurny Bereg” settlement. Architectural studio of Anton Litovsky.

This cozy house is located on the outskirts of an elite village, bordering a forest, ideal for lovers of privacy. The building is designed along the plot, creating a natural isolation from neighbors. The first floor features open and closed areas with panoramic windows and a coffered ceiling, creating space and light. The second floor, made of lapboard, includes sleeping rooms with access to a spacious terrace stretching along the entire house.

The summer house of a successful Moscow resident. Moscow region, cottage village “Green Lounge”.

A compact house on 6 hectares, skillfully using every meter of space. The living room connects the living and technical areas and provides access to both sides of the house. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the summer kitchen, perfect for seasonal gatherings.

The house is open to access on four sides and the roof serves as a recreation area with landscaping. The absence of traditional fences maximizes the space and opens up the views.

Obelisk House. Kaluga region, v. Nikola-Lenivets. KATARSIS ab.

The Obelisk House, located in the Kaluga region, is a two-storey country house with a unique architecture. The main volume is built of a monolithic wooden beam set on a reinforced concrete base. The interior space is characterized by an uneven distribution between the floors, and the only panoramic window creates a visual expansion of space and provides insolation thanks to the overhead light lantern. This house is a metaphor for the inevitable repetition of life, emphasizing the connection between past and present in architecture.

It is definitely the most original project of all the contenders.

Palenki. Lipetsk region, the village of Yurievo. Ismatulaeva and partners.

The Palenki house is a small two-level house with a terrace located in the Lipetsk region. It is characterized by harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape and a combination of traditional and modern building materials such as wood, plywood, iron and glass. This house respects the historical context of the place and meets modern architectural requirements. The design of the house includes rhombic windows inspired by Russian country dachas of the 50s. The space of the house is designed to combine public and private areas, providing comfort for both relaxation and privacy. Large windows and open terraces provide excellent natural light and offer views of nature.

Spoiler alert: The Palenki is our favorite. Small, cozy, with a cool twist - memorable windows that won't leave anyone indifferent.

Scout 130. Moscow region, Istra, Open Village exhibition of country houses. ScoutHouse.

The “Scout 130” house implies the possibility of increasing the living space from 70 to 130 square meters, which allows the house to “grow” with the needs of the family. A special feature of the house are the panoramic windows, which are oriented to maximize the view of the nature surrounding the house.

This house is also noted for its ergonomic design: no corridors and the presence of large glass facades that, when opened, blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. For the interior decoration eco-friendly three-layer wall panels made of pine, treated with natural Finnish compositions, are used, which emphasizes care for the health and comfort of the residents.

ROTE HOUSE.Kaliningrad region. Nord Domos Ltd.

This project is made for a young family that appreciates the European style of life. The house consists of two buildings connected by a wooden terrace. The main building includes two bedrooms and kitchen-living room with a unique fireplace, and the guest building offers bedrooms with sea view. A special feature of the design is the elevated position by 1.5 meters for a better panoramic view provided by large picture windows.

Yachtsman's house. Moscow Region, Pirogovo Yacht Club. The Greenberg architectural studio.

This project is remarkable for its ability to harmoniously combine modern building technologies with classic architectural forms. It is made of light-colored wood with interesting details on the facade, including rounded platbands on the windows. The trapezoidal shape of the plot influenced the planting and construction of the house, which adds to its uniqueness.

A distinctive feature is its terrace, which offers a picturesque view of the pond, creating the perfect space for relaxation and privacy. The interior of the house reflects an ascetic approach, using light colors that emphasize the spaciousness and light in the rooms.

Villa elementis. Indonesia, Bali. Elementis Development.

Villa Elementis, located on the island of Bali, Indonesia, is an example of modern architecture using half-timbered technology. The project incorporates the use of tropical laminated timber and 360 degree glazing for abundant natural light. The architecture and interiors of the building are designed in strict geometric outlines using dark brown colored wood.