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- Area: 110 m²
- Completion: 2021
- Architectural bureau: VSA.studio
- Designers: Ekaterina Vyazminova, Ivan Selvinsky, Ekaterina Zhigaleva
- Photography: Anastasia Martova
Located in the NEVATOWERS Residential Complex, this 110 m² apartment stands as a testament to modern minimalist design. The clients, founders of a large IT company, sought the expertise of Ekaterina Zhigaleva after being inspired by one of the designer’s previous television projects. Despite initial design constraints due to the apartment’s “white box” condition, which included partitions, electrical wiring, and pre-purchased furniture such as a kitchen, sofa, and kitchen island, Zhigaleva took on the challenge, resulting in a sophisticated, clean-lined interior that is both functional and visually stunning.
Design Concept and Challenges
The space was initially handed over by the developer in a partially constructed state, offering only the basics for further customization. Despite these limitations, the clients’ strong commitment to a modern aesthetic and their willingness to experiment with design possibilities created an opportunity for a bold, innovative transformation.
The challenge lay in working with the existing structural elements and integrating the pre-purchased furnishings into a cohesive design that adhered to a strict modern and minimalist aesthetic. This integration was key to ensuring the final result would not only meet the clients’ desires but also make the most of the apartment’s potential.
Design Approach: Minimalism Meets Functionality
The apartment’s interior is characterized by a strict minimalist design that emphasizes clean lines, neutral tones, and a sense of spaciousness. The simplicity of the palette, with soft grays, whites, and blacks, creates a calm atmosphere that allows the textures and materials to take center stage. The restrained design provides a cinematic effect, especially on overcast days when the entire range of muted tones comes to life.
While the space may initially seem cold to some, its charm emerges through the interplay of textures—soft textiles, warm light, and subtle shades—which invite a sense of comfort and intimacy. This minimalist design is not about austerity but about creating a serene sanctuary, a quiet refuge from the outside world.
Immersive Experience: A “Sci-Fi” Moment
A particularly unforgettable moment in this apartment design occurs during moments of low cloud cover when the outside view becomes enveloped in a homogeneous white mist, turning the windows into light boxes. This phenomenon offers the sensation of being inside a futuristic vessel, evoking the feeling of traveling through space. This immersive experience amplifies the sense of peace and detachment, reinforcing the introspective nature of the design.
Materiality and Textural Contrast
The apartment is an example of how texture and materiality can significantly enhance minimalist design. The design team chose to incorporate high-quality textiles, soft lighting, and carefully selected finishes that add warmth and richness to the space. Natural materials, such as wood accents and stone, complement the sleekness of the furniture and design elements, bringing a sense of balance between modernity and nature.
Conclusion: A Successful Transformation
Despite initial doubts and design constraints, the transformation of this 110 m² apartment in the NEVATOWERS Residential Complex is a remarkable success. Ekaterina Zhigaleva’s thoughtful approach to design, combined with the clients’ openness to experimentation, has resulted in a space that marries aesthetics with functionality. The clean lines, muted tones, and carefully chosen materials create a home that feels both futuristic and comforting—a true reflection of modern minimalist principles.
