Courtesy of ZHA

Moscow, Russia

2006 - 2018

Private Client

Capital Hill Residence

The client explained to the architect, “I want to wake up in the morning and just see blue sky”, to which Zaha replied, “You realise you have to be above the trees?” The form of the residence is defined by its natural topography with fluid geometries emerging from the landscape and remaining partially embedded within the hillside.

Above the trees

Located on the north-facing hillside within the Barvikha Forest near Moscow, where pine and birch trees grow up to 20m high, the Capital Hill Residence is divided into two main components. The first merges with the sloping forested landscape, while a separate volume ‘floats’ 22 metres above the ground to benefit from the spectacular views of the forest over the trees.

The client explained to the architect, “I want to wake up in the morning and just see blue sky”, to which Zaha replied, “You realise you have to be above the trees?” 

The form of the residence is defined by its natural topography with fluid geometries emerging from the landscape and remaining partially embedded within the hillside. 

The residence is organised vertically over four levels. The lower level houses leisure and recreational facilities. The ground floor includes the primary living room, dining, kitchen, entertaining spaces and indoor swimming pool.

The residence’s entrance foyer, library, guest room and children’s rooms are on first floor, while the master bedroom suites with exterior terraces occupy the upper level above the treetops. The two main components of the house are connected by three concrete columns that establish a dialogue between these levels while also functioning as structural elements. 

Courtesy of OKO Group

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An idea of architecture that still seems somehow impossible

Vertical shafts required for circulation and services are located between two of the columns and incorporate a transparent glass elevator and staircase.

The main entrance to the residence is located on the first floor where the three concrete columns intersect with the roof, defining skylights and double-height space. The view to the forest from the living room is framed by a double-curved cast concrete structure that supports the roof while also dividing the living areas.

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