While many buildings in Russia follow European and American designs, Japanese architecture remains a rarity. This project embodies that exotic surprise. The client discovered our work by chance through one of his employees and decided to reach out, driven purely by curiosity. Nestled on the shores of the Black Sea amidst breathtaking southern landscapes, he envisioned a summer retreat. The plot, a rugged area on a small plateau between two cliffs, is accessible only from the sea. His main requirement was a unique architectural design. The scenic beauty of the location attracts successful businessmen and government officials, leading to a neighborhood filled with classically styled private residences. Against this backdrop of columns and porticoes, the client wanted his house to create a wow effect when viewed from a yacht cruising the coast. Inspired by the surrounding nature, the design features several overlapping blocks resembling crystals emerging from a rock. We used only natural materials for the finish: massive tree trunks frame an inner pond and a small Japanese garden; walls are crafted from porous ceramic blocks, and the ends of the “crystals” showcase large panoramic windows. Key rooms, including the living room, lounge, study, and master bedroom, face the sea, with the seascape serving as a natural fourth wall. Situated behind these are several bedrooms, a kitchen, and utility rooms, all overlooking the forest and inner garden. The building curves along the terrain, allowing occupants to find shade from the hot sun in the northern rooms. The client’s appreciation of the home’s innovative architecture, forms, and simplicity was profound. However, for personal reasons, he later decided to sell the land and postpone the project.

Year 2019
Team