two-level apartments with an area of ​​240 m2 (St. Petersburg) Alexander Tuchkov, Denis Levchenko, Alexey Polay

Passing the gallery

A photo: Dmitry Livshits

Text: Maria Kriger

Architect: Alexander Tuchkov, Denis Levchenko, Alexey Polay

Magazine: N6 (73) 2003

There is a simple explanation for this solution. The creators of the project considered that it is inappropriate to break the large double-light space of the attic into several rooms. It is much more logical to turn it into a common area. Thus, the bedrooms "moved" to the first floor. In order to enhance the effect of openness of space and the abundance of "air", additional windows were cut through the roof slope, and the already existing openings were enlarged. The “patio” living room area received a solid frontal glazing, and part of the roof above it was also made transparent. It also has access to an outdoor terrace with a barbecue corner. The illusion of an open-air courtyard (wicker furniture surrounded by greenery) is enhanced by a small canal filled with water, with two fountains at the edges. The space of the second floor unfolds around a wide staircase opening, “strapped” by a bridge-passage. Allusions to the St. Petersburg architecture, characteristic of the interior in general, are heard especially clearly here: the theme of bridges, like the theme of canals, is one of the leading ones in the urban landscape. The rough surface of the columns creates the overall impression that they have faithfully "served" in the wind and in the cold for more than a dozen years. Subjecting to a given movement, the public area building develops along a circular path. The library and home cinema area “flows” into the dining room, on the other hand, the kitchen adjoins it, and the movement in the “patio” living room is completed. Passing along the bridge with glass inserts, I want to stop: at the bottom - the earth leaving from under the feet, at the top - the endless blue sky. The ideal place for a true philosopher is "between heaven and earth" ... The interior of the first floor is designed in a tranquil natural range, aesthetic moves are based on a combination of textures. The entrance area is lined with glossy, almost mirrored ceramic granite, in the master bedroom the floor is covered with carpet of natural wool, and in the room of the daughter of the owners used a combination of solid maple and thick sisal. Special attention is given to the house lighting. The openings cut in the roof and glass inserts in the bridge above the ground floor allow daylight to penetrate into the "well" (again, a purely St. Petersburg phenomenon) of the entrance area. The combination of various sources of illumination, the reflection of the sun's rays in the mirror surfaces visually change the parameters of space - they expand or, on the contrary, make them chamber-like depending on the time of day. So, for example, twilight introduces theatricality into the house - the weakening sunlight and the "stars" of point-like lamps give rise to a bizarre game, a reversion of shadows. In the evening, when the city lights up with a myriad of lights, the glass wall in the living room "dematerializes", revealing a magnificent, breathtaking panorama. Vladimir's Cathedral, mansions and palaces, bridges and canals are "pieces of smalt" that make up the special aura of St. Petersburg ... The city, overcoming the last barrier, "enters the house."Alexander Tuchkov: “If the lower level of the apartment is traditionally given to the public zone, and the upper level is intimate, then we got the opposite“ layout. ”This is not accidental. The fact is that the second floor is an attic. On the contrary, we tried to give this room a maximum of light and “air.” From the windows there is a magnificent view of the city center; large window openings, solid glass windows allow them to enjoy it completely. ”