Matski House / ZROBIM Architects

Architects: ZROBIM architects
Area: 157 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Kasia Syramalot
Lead Architects: Andrey Makovsky
Program / Use / Building Function: Residential
City: Matski
Country: Belarus

Matski House, designed by ZROBIM architects, showcases a modern vision of fachwerk technology and minimalist living. Located half an hour north of Minsk, this unique residence embraces a bold, exposed lifestyle, characterized by 65% panoramic glazing, no inside doors, and a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces.

ZROBIM architects, known for their minimalist cubic formula, present Matski House, a modern take on fachwerk technology and traditional downshifting living. The house, free from fences and featuring 65% panoramic glazing and no inside doors, stands as a bold statement of exposed living, unique at this latitude.

Andrey Makousky, the architect and 33-year-old CEO of ZROBIM architects, designed this ultimate dream home on his ancestral land, aiming for a grow-out dwelling that can expand as the family grows.

Moving away from traditional sloping roofs and massive beams, the design uses a grid of panels filled with frameless glazing, hiding the frame columns and creating a continuous flat surface. This, along with a complex terrace system, blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, making you feel immersed in nature.

The architect’s innovative approach is highlighted by several challenges he successfully addressed.

The property originally contained a landfill, which he transformed into two inviting artificial ponds, adding aesthetic value and revitalizing the neighborhood.

Respecting the site’s context, he utilized the significant elevation difference to create a cantilevered house extending 4.5 meters over the edge, adding a distinct and adventurous character. In harmony with the environment, crops will be planted on the roof, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable living.

Light orientation and thermal engineering were key considerations, leading to a large front of panoramic glazing along the southwest façade.

At the core of the house lies an atrium featuring a living nut tree, a natural element embedded within the concrete structure. This tree changes with the seasons, allowing residents to experience the cycles of nature firsthand. The house’s layout revolves around the atrium, with a free-flowing design that enables movement throughout the home without the use of traditional corridors.

The house features a natural palette of materials and a monochromatic color scheme. Ninety-five percent of the furniture and lighting are custom-made according to the owner’s sketches, ensuring the interior fully reflects his needs and character, embodying a sense of expensive natural minimalism.