MATSKI HOUSE, Belarus By ZROBIM architects

Article source: Elle Kovaleva

MATSKI HOUSE: The Architect\’s Less is More Residence

ZROBIM architects – an advocate of cubic formula minimalism – is announcing a modern vision of fachwerk technology and traditional downshifting living. Free from fences, with 65% of panoramic glazing, no inside doors, this house is the manifest of exposed brave life on stage, which is fairly unique at this latitude.

Architects: ZROBIM architects
Area:  157 m²
Year:  2023
Photographs: Kasia Syramalot
Lead Architects: Andrey Makovsky

Andrus Bezdar, the architect of the concept and the 33-year-old CEO of the international architectural studio, drives half an hour north of Minsk, to the place where his great-grandfather’s roots lay. He discovers his lot and starts designing his ultimate dream home, a grow-out dwelling that can be extended potentially as the family grows adding more living space.

Moving away from the usual sloping roof and massive beams a non-obvious solution has been found: the grid of panels has been filled with frameless glazing, hiding the frame columns behind, i.e. not exposed on the outside of the building. Such absence of visible elements of the supporting frame of the stained glass makes the surface a continuous flat surface without seams. Together with the complex terrace system, such a trick has made it possible to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior making you feel you’re truly in the wild.

You wake up in the morning, go for a swim in the pond around stone sculptures or sit by a fireplace, gather your thoughts, have a cup of coffee, and head to work — that’s terrific — the feelings you get from living in your own dwelling what matters, not the amount of square meters.©Andrus Bezdar, the architect

The architect’s commitment to a unique and experimental approach is underscored by several challenges that the owner encountered and successfully addressed.

Firstly, the property originally contained a landfill, which the owner ingeniously transformed into two inviting artificial ponds. This transformation not only added aesthetic value but also contributed to the neighborhood’s revitalization.

Furthermore, the architect’s respect for the surrounding context is evident in his design. He leveraged a significant difference in site elevation, resulting in a remarkable cantilevered house that extends 4.5 meters over the edge. This daring architectural feat adds a distinct and adventurous character to the structure. In an effort to harmonize with the environment, the owner also intends to plant crops on the roof of the house. To support this green initiative, all necessary technical equipment has been integrated into the roof space. This not only maximizes the use of available space but also showcases the owner’s dedication to sustainable living and experimentation.

Category: Residential

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