'bracket house' by AB CHVOYA celebrates the surrounding wooded landscape

AB CHVOYA introduces its ‘Bracket house’

Architectural studio AB CHVOYA has realized a minimalistic family house in Leningradskaya Oblast, Russia. The design process was tricky, as the available construction space was limited — an empty spot among the woodland left by the previous owner’s unfinished earthworks. To make the most of this void and organize the needs of the inhabitants, the final structure employs a bracket-shaped plan, hence its name. Therefore, the ‘Bracket House’ consists of three wings embracing a courtyard at the plot’s core. all images by Grigory Sokolinsky

three units meet the requirements of the program 

Spatial-wise, the central wing takes shape as a single layout accommodating the shared spaces, including the kitchen-dining-living room. There, the residents can spend some quality time and enjoy the dramatic view that spills over through the wide openings. The entrance is positioned to the road-facing part of the building. This wing also consists of the guestroom and the utility rooms. Meanwhile, the other section — and the farthest from the road — houses the sleeping areas, including the kids room and a small office. 

The entire dwelling is topped by a pitched roof that conceals the upper floor of the two opposing wings. In contrast, the single-spaced section spans one level, optimizing openness to create an intimate and welcome feeling. Besides, the outer roof perimeter does not follow the perimeter of the building. With this mismatch, the design team sought to extend the living space further, providing various covered outdoor areas, such as loggias and terraces. By doing so, a softening between inside and outside boundaries is also achieved. More specifically, at the ends of the central section, two covered terraces are formed: one adjoins the primary bedroom and the other the spa zone.

Exuding a minimalist design to fit its surroundings 

As for the materiality, the architects opted for a muted palette of cool greys and off-white, combined with wooden accents. Hence, all surfaces are plastered and painted light grey, while load-bearing wooden structures cut through the interior space, adding an extra layer to the interior. In addition to that, the interior avoids excess decoration to maintain a visual link with its surrounding natural landscape. Large windows and its curved plan make the surrounding forest an integral part of the design.

Meanwhile, the exterior wall cladding is made from thermally treated wood, while some planks are fixed perpendicular to the wall, giving the façades additional depth. Overall, the architects sought to design a loose plan that offers interaction between the members. For example, the spaces on the first floor that house an office and a guest room, are visually connected with the common areas of the home, which expands the interior space, stretching it in its height.

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project info:

name: Bracket House
designer: AB CHVOYA

location: Leningradskaya Oblast, Russia

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edited by: christina petridou | designboom