A Passive House on the Outskirts of Moscow Blends Into Its Forested Surroundings
This green-roofed home by Snegiri Architects bows in deference to the enveloping woodlands.
Not a single tree in the surrounding birch and pine forest was cut down to accommodate the construction of the Hill House, a passive home on the outskirts of Moscow that’s designed to use 90 percent less energy than a regular residence.
Photo by Nikita Kapiturov
The home was designed for "a man fond of innovations," says architect Nikita Kapiturov of St. Petersburg–based firm Snegiri Architects. A long driveway leads to the side of the home, which includes the client’s Tesla charging station and parking spot. The slanting green roof is carpeted with a cascade of greenery that includes stonecrop and dwarf crops such as wild chamomile.
Photo by Nikita Kapiturov
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Photo by Nikita Kapiturov
The exterior is made of darkened larch wood saturated with natural flax oil to help with the home’s passive insulation. The home’s foundation incorporates Swedish plate technology that helps to winterize it, keeping the structure essentially cold-proof and resistant to frost.
Photo by Nikita Kapiturov
Most of the structure’s energy-saving windows and doors are positioned on the sunny side of the house to aid in keeping the residence warm in the northern clime. The glazed doors open to a spacious terrace, flooding the interior spaces with light.
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Building Better: Sustainable Architecture for Family Homes
A practical and inspirational guide for anyone who sees sustainability not as limiting, but rather as a creative opportunity. An essential reference for everyone who wants to build a better home. Sustainability and energy efficiency play a critical role for anyone building or renovating a house. Thankfully, architects from around the world are now developing single-family homes that combine ecological responsibility with contemporary and imaginative design. Building Better is an engaging visual showcase of outstanding environmentally friendly houses. It not only offers an insightful exploration of the latest developments in sustainable design, but it also takes an in-depth look at the high performance building materials and technical data involved in each featured project. In the book, architects and homeowners work together to find unique and aesthetically compelling ways to build more sustainably. Melding client desires with real world pragmatism, these efficient homes present a diverse spectrum of solutions that include everything from state of the art climate control systems to ancient, passive, and renewable building techniques.
ShopSkagerak Georg Oak Bench
This solid oak stool stands out with its angled legs and a pillow of slate blue grey wool elegantly attached with a leather string. The perfect partner to its counterparts in the Georg series, the Georg stool is a beautiful piece that will be happy sitting anywhere in the home. With her beautiful Georg range, Christina Liljenberg Halstrøm has designed a collection that focus on clean lines, strong contrasts and a restrained Nordic aesthetic. The collection is made from solid oak with wool felt and leather accents. Designed by Halstrøm and manufactured in Denmark by Skagerak, a family-owned design company from Denmark established in 1976.
ShopPhoto by Nikita Kapiturov
Inside, an oak staircase connects the home’s two floors. Luxurious materials like brushed satin-brass fixtures and walls of mineral Greek plaster mingle in a bathroom to rich effect, nodding to theme of lightness and darkness at play throughout the home.
Photo by Nikita Kapiturov
Courtesy of Snegiri Architects
Related Reading:
25 Green Roofs That Bring Spectacular Homes to New Levels
This May Be the Most Ecologically Ambitious Home Renovation on the Planet
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Nikita Kapiturov, Snegiri Architects / @snegiri_architects
Builder/General Contractor: Snegiri Architects / @snegiri_architects
Interior Design: Snegiri Architects / @snegiri_architects
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