The client acquired a plot in a historic countryside village, originally developed as a summer retreat for the Moscow intelligentsia in the early 20th century.
The area is known for a specific architectural typology referred to as “Old Moscow Dacha Architecture.”
Design Approach
The project brief required the building’s exterior to respect the established historical character of the area.
We carried out extensive research into archival photographs and preserved structures, focusing on:
- Roof pitch angles and roofing materials
- Typical building footprints and the use of porches, terraces, and balconies
- Window design and proportions
- Façade detailing and cladding materials
- Historic joinery techniques used in window assemblies
Based on this research, we designed two buildings:
- A Service House with utility functions and staff accommodation
Main House
- 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
- Load-bearing structure: Glued laminated timber frame
- Floor joists: Double-beam system aligned with partitions to prevent acoustic bridging between rooms
- Façade walls: Custom-profiled glued laminated profiled timber, 90 mm thick and 250 mm high, replicating the visual texture of early 20th-century cladding
- All external elements were pre-aged and treated with special exterior oils for an authentic weathered appearance
- Interior partitions: Double-layered for enhanced sound insulation
- Floor assemblies: Heavily damped floating floor system with high acoustic performance
Service House
- Includes a technical utility core (boiler and systems)
- Apartment for driver and security personnel
- Carport for two vehicles with integrated EV charging station