niko architect's membrane house in russia is informed by natural motifs

organic membrane house in russia

following the futuristic ‘house in the landscape’, russian firm niko architect has designed another organic private residence in the city of sochi, russia. dubbed ‘house membrane’, the main design concept behind the proposed dwelling is to create the impression of seamlessness, continuous change, and an ephemeral image. within this context, the design team sought to generate a dynamic look informed by natural motifs, emphasizing fluidity and privacy. therefore, the final structure celebrates the beauty of natural shapes yet adopts an introverted character, limiting the visual contact to neighboring houses. ©niko architect

renders by igor vasilyev

taking cues from natural motifs

the private house designed by niko architect (see more here) is developed under the concept of a membrane, hence its name. as the architects mentioned, ‘the psychological context is realized in the project as a symbol, a sign of the whole psyche. this is assagioli’s egg. the center of the structure, according to assagioli (italian psychiatrist), is located
in ‘conscious self’ surrounded by a membrane. through the membrane is the circulation of energy from the internal space to the external environment, and vice versa.’ that said, the metaphorical content of the project defined the functional zones and shaping, opening the main premises towards the sea.

combining aesthetics and functionality, the project invites the inhabitants to get immersed into a creative flow, bringing them closer to nature. the long side of the building faces the main street. however, to fulfill the requirements of privacy, the openness is opposed by a monolithic wall — part of the building on the north side — where the living space of the house is protected as a shell.

spatially, the house spans into two floors. the first level accommodates the living areas and a guest bedroom, while the upper floor includes the sleeping areas. the organic flow that occurs in the outer cortex is repeated in the interior as well. the majority of the rooms follow an abstract organization, giving occupants the opportunity to wander and explore. floor-to-ceiling glazing follows the curved shape of the facade, providing the inhabitants with sweeping views towards the sea. along with the interior, the design team gave great importance to the organization of the landscape. from the side of the main facade, bypass paths are designed to connect the house with plantings of yew, cypress, and olive. their organic shape seems to fade away, integrating into the lush landscape.

‘the project took into account the sensations arising from the surrounding area. on the one hand, continuity, fluidity, dynamics, openness, sensuality, on the other hand, concepts consonant with the philosophy of formalism and the continuity of natural processes’