House in Bashkiria: “Second Switzerland” | Lily Kaisarova

The presented project initially was a constructed house with an empty concrete box inside. Utilities were installed, and water heating was integrated into the terrace, which was later converted into a full- fledged part of the house. But let's talk about everything in order:

Architect-designer Lily Kaysarova started working on the project in 2021, and its implementation was completed in 2023. Geographically, the house is located in picturesque Bashkortostan, which is directly reflected in the interior design. Natural motifs of the "Second Switzerland" are traced in every corner of the premises. The area undergoing design development amounted to 260 square meters (~2800 square feet)

Ground Floor:
The residential space was curated with the intent to accommodate a young couple of two individuals while also allowing ample room for a larger, convivial family. The proprietors exhibit a keen interest in literature and music, a consideration reflected notably within the primary chamber.

Adjacent to the 6-meter expanse of window, designated areas for reading, featuring a comfortable armchair and a bookshelf for contemporary literature, have been curated, benefitting from an abundance of natural illumination. Complementing this space are a grand piano and a miniature garden adorned with exotic cacti and succulents.

The foundation of the staircase, situated near the window and grand piano (designated as the relaxation zone), has been meticulously fashioned to transform into seating arrangements suitable for accommodating a substantial gathering during live musical performances. The staircase incorporates underfloor heating, while the flooring in this particular area, extending throughout the living room, is adorned with natural parquet.

The rocks and mountains of Bashkortostan served as inspiration for the designer to create a stone wall crafted from architectural concrete. This wall, upon which the rays of the setting sun gracefully cascade, produces an incredible interplay of light, especially during summer and autumn evenings. The amalgamation of wood and stone cultivates an atmosphere of coziness, complemented by a series of paintings titled "Ural Stones," crafted in the style of symbolism by a Bashkir artist, adding the final touch.

The subsequent space is the kitchen, constructed in place of the terrace. Here, two large windows provide abundant natural light, alongside a separate entrance to the external courtyard housing a summer terrace with a barbecue grill. With the relocation of the kitchen, it became more convenient to set the table outdoors during summer gatherings under the open sky.

The kitchen features an island, transitioning seamlessly from a dining table to a functional area
integrating a cooking surface with a built-in extractor hood. Positioned between the sink and the
cooking surface within the island is a dishwasher, a design choice aimed at minimizing the chef's unnecessary movements during meal preparation and dish management.

The far wall of the kitchen is crafted in a contrasting color resembling wood and accommodates a convection oven with a steamer, two refrigerators, a wine cabinet, and storage spaces. All countertops are made of quartz conglomerate.

Adjacent to the dining area, there is a sofa intended for relaxation and fostering conversation during cozy kitchen gatherings. The sofa fabric is vandal-resistant, aimed at preventing staining from coloring substances like wine or coffee. Above the sofa hang three paintings, one of which is the Enso circle from Buddhism, symbolizing the pursuit of perfection, harmony, and the desire to achieve set goals. This choice is grounded in the philosophy of the client.

The kitchen floor features an unconventional gradient transition from ceramic granite to parquet. Tiles were cut into shapes that mimic the pattern of the parquet, facilitating a seamless transition as if blending two types of flooring.

At the opposite end of the first floor is a 30-square-meter dressing room. During the project
development, a decision was made to forgo storage spaces in all living areas, eliminating wardrobes and dressers, consolidating all belongings in one place and providing ideal infrastructure and logistics. The dressing room is situated near the entrance, adjacent to a sizable bathroom. Inside, it is divided into male and female sections through zoning using a transparent glass wardrobe with tinted glass.

Due to the previous plan for a kitchen in this space, water supply has been incorporated into the
dressing room, facilitating the inclusion of a sink for shoe cleaning and other household needs. The makeup area is positioned by the window, benefiting from natural light. Room lighting comprises refined fixtures, light profiles, and uniform matte illumination for a more comfortable perception of clothing combinations.

All shelving units are designed as closed cabinets, concealing an ample number of drawers and rails for vertical clothing storage. Additionally, an ironing board and a steamer are incorporated within. In the center of the female section, a chest of drawers for accessory storage and smaller wardrobe items is installed. Furthermore, a concealed power outlet is integrated for connecting electrical devices when needed. The laundry area is located on the basement level (-1 floor).

The entrance to the dressing room area is accessed from the main hall featuring a welcoming area and an irregularly shaped mirror. Additionally, from this area, access to the primary bathroom is available.

The main bathroom harmonizes wooden motifs with black ceramic granite, exhibiting stone-like
textures and effects. Blinds on the window allow for bathing in natural light with minimal visibility from the street, while the sunset's glow beautifully accents the mirrors, creating a captivating interplay of light. This space hosts a standalone bathtub and a shower enclosed by sliding glass partitions. This design ensures comfortable showering after bathing. Often, discomfort arises from water splashing in bathrooms lacking adequate partitions or curtains, especially with standalone bathtubs. This issue has been addressed in this design.

A shelf for storing cosmetic essentials and placing candles is incorporated into the wall adjacent to the bathtub, enhancing functionality and ambiance.

Finally, the welcome area greets guests as they pass through the vestibule. This space serves as a transitional area for storing seasonal items, hosting guests outerwear and outdoor footwear, and also provides access to the garage. Additionally, the low-voltage and power distribution panels are situated within this space.

First floor:
Ascending the staircase, one might notice the track lighting system, which additionally integrates UV lighting for plants. The second floor features a different ambiance with rounded walls and glass partitions. Here, the master bedroom is situated, providing access to the homeowners study, as well as entries to an additional bedroom and the lady of the houses workspace. At the end of the corridor lies the entrance to the second bathroom.

The stylistic theme of the bedroom seamlessly integrates with the overall design of the house. Above the bed, marble wall lamps add a distinctive touch. The room concept revolves around providing a space solely dedicated to rest and relaxation, devoid of distracting elements. It includes a sizable bed, a reading chair, and a lighting fixture shaped like two glass capsules. The ceiling employs a two-level design to accommodate unique passive lighting.

The master bedroom also offers access to the homeowners study. Moving forward, the second floor hosts a private bathroom designed in light tones exclusively for the homeowners. The decor incorporates natural themes, featuring frescoes with natural motifs, and a fusion of marble and wood in the finishes. Spanish tiles, crafted authentically, create an unconventional
uneven surface with shimmering effects. Similar to the first floor, a niche is designed for storing
cosmetic essentials and candles.

A concealed sound system has been integrated throughout the house with built-in speakers, allowing for smartphone connectivity and background music playback in all spaces. Individual volume control is provided for each area, along with scenario-based management.