megabudka's hotel emerges as a cluster of slavic mud modules in russian national park 

kudykina gora hotel complex seemingly floats along the river

Amid the Kudykina Gora National Park in the Lipetsk region, the Kudykina Gora hotel complex by Megabudka stands as a cluster of volumes grounded in nature. Led by Kirill Gubernatorov and Maria Vertinskaia, the project seeks to enhance the quality of human life, foster an eco-conscious culture, and aid the evolution of modern society. Situated along the bend of the Kamenka River in Russia, it comprises three single-story blocks — a typology emerging from a thorough analysis, shifting from the initial concept of standalone guesthouses to guest room blocks with galleries. The facade and interior are finished with mud plaster characteristic of Slavic architecture. The podium seems to disappear into the summer grass or the snowdrifts of winter, as if the building has stood there for many centuries, while the main building’s heavy volumes appear to float when viewed from the river, creating a captivating visual interplay between the built and the natural.

all images by Ilya Ivanov and Olga Melekestseva

Megabudka spotlights local typologies against a white backdrop

Conceptually, the Kudykina Gora hotel complex stands in contrast to the existing guesthouses in the park, eliminating perceived boundaries for guests and emphasizing a sense of thresholds. The communal and accessible nature of the accompanying territory challenges traditional perceptions of private space, creating a dynamic gallery that faces inward. This lively space frames the public space at the heart of the complex — a wild lobby designed for relaxation and interaction among guests. Meanwhile, the river-facing rooms, accessible to most, maintain a sense of seclusion, with large windows and private balconies that ensure scenic views and quietude. Descending towards the riverbank, guests encounter a recreational area featuring lookout points, a beach, and spaces for yoga and meditation. The hotel’s continuation unfolds along the riverbank, blending with the natural surroundings.

In the design, architectural bureau Megabudka continues to search for an idea of identity in Russian architecture and explores the culture of white stone buildings. At the entrance stand the galleries with a regular rhythm of arches and soft plaster edges while small windows cut through the thick walls. At the end of the volume stands an interpretation of a traditional Russian stove. The guest rooms are also designed very simply and with complementing white walls to create year-round harmony, serving as a backdrop for the locally-produced interior details and decor.

Megabudka unveils Kudykina Gora Hotel Complex

it comprises three single-story blocks, with guest room blocks with galleries

the facade and interior are finished with mud plaster characteristic of Slavic architecture

small windows cut through the thick walls

rhythmic arches, soft plaster edges, and small windows cutting through the thick walls mark the facade

guest rooms are designed simply and with complementing white walls to create year-round harmony

locally-produced interior details and decor stand out amid the white

Megabudka continues to search for identity in Russian architecture and explores the culture of white stone buildings

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project info:

name: Kudykina Gora Hotel Complex
architecture: Megabudka

lead architects: Kirill Gubernatorov, Maria Vertinskaia
photography: Ilya Ivanov, Olga Melekestseva 

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom