Snakeform SPA · 800 m²
Initially, the client approached IDEOLOGIST studio with a different project but later expressed a desire to build a SPA inspired by the style of Japanese architect Yusuke Takahashi. The inspiration came from traditional onsens—Japanese mountain baths that the client enjoyed visiting. The task seemed straightforward, but the landscape introduced its own challenges.
The shoreline, steep terrain, and foundation type restrictions required a special solution. The Japanese studio MDS was brought into the project, initiating a collaborative effort on a hybrid concept. The architects proposed using a modular structure on a lightweight foundation. Inspiration came from a children’s “snake” toy made of rotating elements capable of taking various shapes. This idea granted the house’s architecture flexibility and freedom to adapt to the complex terrain.
The construction allowed the building to be “anchored” to the site in two modes: a Russian banya on a solid foundation and the rest of the structure on a lightweight base that maximally reveals the site’s scenic qualities. Each window opening offers its own view of the surroundings, creating a cinematic frame-by-frame effect as one moves through the SPA.
The project became a true engineering challenge. The concept was initially developed independently of construction realities, necessitating synchronization between the architectural idea and technical capabilities by studying technologies available in Russia. Ultimately, a solution based on the Silta construction system was chosen, adapted to the terrain and climate.
Particular complexity lies in developing all technical details: load calculations, non-standard roofing, unique cross-sections, engineering systems with outdoor pools. All of this goes beyond standard solutions, making the project not just a house but an architectural exploration of possibilities.
For the client, this is not a primary residence but a space for solitude and mood. Therefore, the architecture is minimalist, filled with air and light, with restrained materiality: natural wood, simple facades, and laconic details.
The project demonstrates that even within a limited budget and challenging terrain, it’s possible to create a unique architectural solution—if approached as a research task rather than mere construction.
