- Project: AUM Cabins Amid Mountainscape
- Architect: Arthur Kariev Architects
- Location: Kazakhstan, Beskainar Village, Almaty Region,
- Year: 2025
- Area: 75.3 m2
- Photography: Ilya Ivanov
Set at an altitude of 1,650 meters on the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, AUM cabins amid Mountainscape in Kazakhstan are a pair of eco-conscious guest retreats nestled just outside Ile Alatau National Park, approximately 25 kilometers south of Almaty. Designed by Arthur Kariev Architects, the project responds to a growing desire for minimalist, nature-integrated architecture that honors local heritage while embracing modern sustainability.
A Retreat that Celebrates Nature and Tradition
Commissioned by a family wishing to share the majestic Kazakh Tien Shan landscapes with friends and loved ones, the cabins were envisioned as sanctuaries of peace and connection—both with nature and with one another. Arthur Kariev and his clients believe that true luxury today lies not in excess, but in the ability to reconnect with the environment while minimizing ecological impact.
While global design trends lean toward sophisticated comfort, AUM cabins reinterpret this through the lens of Kazakhstan’s nomadic traditions. The architecture is guided by values of respect for nature, reuse of local materials, and creating meaningful, low-impact spaces that blend effortlessly into the surroundings.
Heritage Materials from the Altai Mountains
One of the standout features of the cabins is their exterior façade, clad in reclaimed larchwood planks salvaged from old structures in the Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan. This region, steeped in myth and history, is thought to be near the legendary land of Shambhala.
Kariev personally spent two summers sourcing roof timber—marked by time, weather, and history—for its rich texture and patina. These planks, complete with moss, nails, and natural wear, were carefully sorted and repurposed, giving the cabins a deeply rooted material identity.
Sustainable Construction and Environmental Sensitivity
Constructed using timber-framed SIP panels on metal piles, the cabins were built without invasive foundations, ensuring the original terrain remained largely undisturbed. The entire structure can be disassembled in the future, allowing materials to be reused—an approach in line with sustainable architecture.
To maintain the integrity of the land, all utilities are discreetly buried underground, and fresh water is sourced from a nearby spring. Hot showers and modern plumbing provide comfort without compromising ecological principles.
Two Cabins, Two Experiences
The two cabins are thoughtfully designed to offer distinct yet complementary experiences:
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Cabin One features two cozy bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows facing east, accompanied by a shared bathroom.
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Cabin Two offers a more communal layout with a kitchenette, a library-adorned living room, and a spacious bathroom offering views of the western mountainscape.
The central feature in the second cabin is a wood-burning stove, surrounded by handmade emerald and dark-blue ceramic tiles. Guests can gather on traditional syrmaq felt rugs, sipping herbal tea from chyny bowls, immersed in a uniquely Kazakh ambiance.
Interior Design: Where Nomadic Meets Modern
The interiors are intentionally simple and functional. Walls, aside from bathrooms, are finished in treated unpainted plywood, enhancing the organic and raw aesthetic. The spaces are left largely undecorated, giving guests the freedom to personalize their stay.
From handcrafted tiles to locally made carpets, every element is a celebration of Kazakh culture and craftsmanship. This design approach reflects the studio’s broader vision of reviving nomadic architectural principles in a modern context.
