metafizika dissolves narton pavilion into moscow's natural scenery

located within the vorontsov park of moscow, the vanishing pavilion by russian architecture studio metafizika is designed for the café chain narton specialized in ossetian cuisine. the brand name originates in fact from the mythological hero nart, building the project around his iconic story. in the end, the client deemed it important to reflect this rich narrative in the design as well as combine it with contemporary tendencies in architecture —a challenge fully taken on by the studio.

the metafizika narton café pavilion is designed for the café chain narton
all images © dmitriy chistoprudov 

metafizika’s core purpose is to blur the building with the park, creating outmost harmony with the natural setting. therefore the architects have combined large glass façades, naturally colored wooden structures, and mirror plates that tremble in the wind, to create a lightweight structure that evokes the armor of the mythological hero nart. ‘dissolving into the park’s environment, this pavilion became one of the most often-photographed spots among locals’.

the outdoor terrace compensates for the lack of space inside 

engaging the narrative further into the design, the team has turned to the concept of traditional ossetian hospitality by installing a big oak table that allows guests to sit together. nevertheless, due to its large size, everyone can still enjoy some privacy. seen from the outside through the large glass walls, the table seems to ties the natural exterior to the interior. finally, not wanting to overwhelm the space with unnecessary décor, the main interior design centres around a panoramic view of the park. white lamps of a plain shapes have been solely used to split the rhythm of wooden panels on the ceiling, softening the overall impression of the space.

the main feature of the interiors is a big oak table that bring guests together

white lamps split the rhythm of wooden panels and soften the overall space

the wooden panels contrast the glossy cabinets in the bar 

the mirror façade turned into the main selfie point for parks visitors 

the mirror tiles tremble in the wind and remind of the mythological hero nart’s armour 

‘narton’ – movie #3
video © METAFIZIKA 

the curved shape of the deck creates a more accessible character

soft warm lighting makes the pavilion look even cosier in the dark

well-thought-out heating system allows use of the pavilion throughout winter

outdoors lighting engages the terrace as a joint space with the overall pavilion

project info: 

art director and lead architect:  sergei avetisov

architect:  san kharaeva

lead engineer:  konstantin kabanov  

location: vorontsov park, moscow

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom