Kvadrat Architects: A Panoramic Oasis in Astana’s Botanical Garden

A flat with panoramic views of the Botanical Garden by Kvadrat Architects.

This flat in the ‘House on Botanicheskiy’ residential complex offers a stunning, one-of-a-kind view of the Botanical Park and the cityscape. No other home in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, can rival this panoramic outlook.

Having lived in a spacious home of their own for many years, the clients have grown accustomed to both ample room and the close presence of natural surroundings.

“When creating interior design, we always take into account the external surrounding space. The image of Astana is changing at the speed of light: the first building near the botanical garden was done in oriental style, then experiments with glass began. And the changes continue: the young city has not yet realised what kind of ‘costume’ it likes. And as long as there is no single architectural style, it will not be possible to continue it in the interior,” said Rustam Minnehanov and Sergey Bekmukhanbetov, designers and heads of the Kvadrat architects studio.

By moving away from the traditional ‘architecture-interior’ connection, they prioritized distinctive layouts and enduring materials. With a thoughtful reinterpretation of the space, it now feels significantly more expansive—giving the impression of 300-400 square meters, despite its actual 160.

Ethnic motifs and shimmers of light

In a modern interpretation, Silver River marble takes on a unique allure, with textures and patterns that mimic the flowing, light-catching surface of a river. The ambiance is enhanced by rich, eucalyptus-toned walls, some of which are finished with powdery, earthy clay paint, adding a touch of refined depth to the space.

The primary colors within the interior draw inspiration from earthy, ethnic tones—evoking wet soil after rain, nuanced shades of gray, the hues of an autumn forest, and soft, warm whites. These natural elements flow through the design, reflected in the walls, fabrics, and furniture selections.

Incorporating modern forms in non-modern decoration is another approach taken to pause the rapid pace of architectural evolution. For instance, the ultra-modern Westside Poliform modular island sofa is enveloped in the luxurious, classic texture of Loro Piana cashmere fabric.

Bedroom: 5 minutes to zen

In the bedroom, the parquet flooring, rich with its original textures and hints of history, evokes the charm of being sourced from a scenic estate in France or Italy.

Overall, the interior exudes a calming, meditative ambiance, defined by interesting zoning. The table and bed are positioned to offer an unobstructed view of two panoramic windows, framing the ever-inspiring scenery of the botanical garden, complete with a pond and fountain.

Work area in a bedroom cabinet

The flat features two distinct bedrooms, giving the owners the freedom to choose based on their mood. One serves as a cozy retreat, perfect for unwinding, while the other functions as a functional bedroom-cabinet, complete with light tones and a fully equipped workspace.

This small room, integrated into a larger design project, aligns with the aesthetic of the entire flat. While it shares similar elements—such as shades of wooden panels on the walls, and parquet—the ambiance here has a distinctly unique feel.

Cloakroom: a separate room overlooking the park

Kvadrat architects designed a spacious, dedicated cloakroom featuring a captivating panoramic view, as each room in the flat boasts windows that overlook the Botanical Gardens.

The Poliform cloakroom system is flawless, showcasing sophisticated forms and a distinctive character. The designers skillfully blended glass facades with closed facades, introducing a captivating element: the doors are upholstered in rich, deep wine-colored natural linen.

Exhibition of one painting in the shower room

The master bathroom exemplifies the finest traditions in luxury villa design, highlighting spaciousness, functionality, and beauty.

The bathroom is divided into two distinct areas: one for sanitary fixtures and the other dedicated to a built-in bathtub and shower, enclosed in a separate room. This design choice enables the use of a delightful parquet floor in the dry area, free from direct water exposure. Just imagine the pleasure of walking barefoot on this warm wood in the morning, feeling the gentle warmth beneath your feet.

The generous 6-square-meter shower room features both a bathtub and a hammam shower. One wall is adorned with exquisite granite, resembling a stunning single artwork. This unique granite showcases an intriguing ‘jagged stone’ finish that adds to its exclusivity.

The authenticity of the materials and the overall aesthetic of the space convey a sense of natural beauty. The stone exudes a connection to the outdoors, while the parquet flooring evokes deep emotions. However, the standout feature of this bathroom is its expansive volume, offering a sense of spaciousness. This is the space where each day begins and nearly concludes, filled with delightful moments before drifting off to sleep.

The dimensions of a space significantly influence how a person engages with it; there’s no need to modify corners or make adjustments. It’s a lavish environment that allows one to truly stretch out and feel free. Recall Churchill’s famous saying: “First we build houses, and then they build us.” It feels as though he was describing this very interior.

A Panoramic Oasis in Astana’s Botanical Garden by Kvadrat Architects

Project Details:

• Design: Rustam Minnekhanov, Sergey Bekmukhanbetov, Kvadrat Architects Design Studio, www.k-kvadrat.kz, https://instagram.com/kvadrat.design
• Project Location: Astana (Kazakhstan)
• Built area: 160 m2
• Design year: 2024
• Images: Kvadrat Architects