Completely reconstructing a home is always a colossal task - especially when the original house is disproportionate, unbalanced and dark. Although, embracing asymmetry and obscurity and finding the allure in these shadowy spaces also serves as the perfect canvas for an eclectic mix of vibrant colours and rich textures. With the help of the homeowner's artistic vision and distinct taste, Dubai-based studio Braginskaya & Architects led by Marina Braginskaya, transformed this once dissonant home into something extraordinary.
'When the homeowners announced that they love interiors with bold and dark colours, our team was slightly hesitant, confesses Marina Braginskaya. 'Generally, we love working with softer hues, but on the other hand, we also love playing with colours, so this project actually turned out to be a lot of fun. The creative spirit of one of the homeowners, who is an artist, guided the theatrical interior design, blending spaces for the eve to linger with captivating areas that invite exploration and contemplation.
Upon seeing this monolithic building with very few windows, I looked for inspiration within nature and the neighbourhood that surrounded it, remembers Marina. I decided to use some techniques of brutalist constructions but with a twist. We called it Bohemian Brutalism.
The house - which is nestled among pine trees, mountains and the Black Sea, in the town of Gelendzhik - was completely transformed and now includes a spa with a swimming pool, a steam room, three bedrooms, a music room and the kids' room was divided into two floors which provided the opportunity to create a study. Additionally, Braginskaya & Architects constructed another building akin to a modernist pavilion that features a rhythmic arrangement of asymmetrically cut windows to mirror the surrounding pine trees and to welcome natural light into the space.
'There's a story behind every choice, says Marina. For example, the red dining room was inspired by the colour of the living room in another one of the clients' houses and the black swimming pool echoes the night waters of the Black Sea? The slate in the swimming pool area, combined with black marble on all the door frames and around the pool itself creates a dark yet enchanting atmosphere. These dark tones offset the spa area beautifully, where white marble was used in the steam bath, along with handmade mosaics designed by Braginskaya & Architects.
Embracing boldness in the colour and material palette of the home brings forth both harmony and contrast, as seen in the living room, where concrete-based terrazzo was used as a reference to ancient thermal spas. The shape of the fireplace is also inspired by the same period of architecture but the decision was made to use open-pore travertine from Antolini, which is perfect texturally and solid enough to survive the complicated edged-cut structure. A mix and match of materials were used throughout the home, from green marble in the main bathroom to grids made out of metal on the staircase. The music room is constructed entirely out of plywood - a paradigm of form and function. "This idea instantly came to me when we decided to use the attic for a music room, remembers Marina. It helps to make the acoustics in the room second to none and it's just so beautiful! We had to work hard for the best quality and the ideal colour combination, which made seeing the final product even more satisfying.
Many aspects of the home were custom-made and designed, telling a story everywhere you go. The swimming pool area features a handmade bas-relief designed by Braginskaya & Architects and the façade's bas-relief was designed by Valery Pchelin, both providing a sense of depth, artistic intrigue and textured storytelling. In this home's bohemian brutalist setting. these bas-reliefs enhance the raw concrete walls, while their interplay of light and shadow brings an extra layer of drama, a perfect example of the fusion of artistry and rawness that's a motif throughout the house. This family home reflects the eclectic taste of the homeowners, celebrating their artistic spirit, while embracing the beauty of imperfection. Its brutalist influence grounds the space, while the bohemian touches and the abundant use of art and unique furnishings elevate it to a truly one-of-a-kind house.
