Architects: Alexey Oleshchenko, Ekaterina Tsvetkova, Maria Kormanovskaya, Maria Kondratenko
Chief Engineer: Maksim Tormyshev
Structural Team: Artur Polkvoi, Elizaveta Serova, Sergey Shakhmin, Alexander Fedotov
Years: 2020–2023
Tilda Publishing
After purchasing a house on the outskirts of Nikolino, the client approached KUB HOUSE with a request to explore the expansion of their estate by leasing the surrounding forested area. We conducted a full review of applicable forestry and wildlife regulations, engaged in preliminary consultations with environmental agencies, and proposed a construction strategy based on low-impact development and respect for the natural ecosystem. A detailed tree survey was conducted, identifying and removing diseased or dangerous specimens as part of a forest sanitation process. An area of 11 hectares was leased and developed, with the following structures designed and built:
Guest House
Designed for two families, featuring a cinema room, large dining space, and outdoor barbecue area.
2.. Staff House Accommodates 8 personnel and includes an office for the estat manager.
3..Technical Service Hub Centralized facility for all new areas; includes equipment garage, laundry, workshop, and boiler room.
4..Security Headquarters Main control post for internal surveillance.
5..Children’s House Dedicated recreational and sleeping space for kids.
6..Sauna Pavilion Traditional bathhouse with forest views.
7..Private Entry Checkpoint Separate gatehouse for individual access to the expanded estate.
All infrastructure (utility networks, access roads) was subject to environmental impact assessments and developed with specialized low-impact construction techniques. Most works were carried out manually, without heavy equipment. A temporary network of wooden access roads was built to facilitate transportation. All buildings were designed around the existing tree positions, maintaining safe distances from root systems. Tree canopies were tied into a unified structure using flexible, non-invasive cables to withstand storm conditions. The architecture relies exclusively on solid timber construction, with wood fiber insulation, timber cladding, and extensive use of natural materials. Steel usage was minimized, and concrete was entirely avoided, resulting in a significantly positive carbon balance.