RIVER Clubhouse by VSA.studio — Natural Public Spaces with Panoramic Glazing, Light and Dark Themes

At the heart of the riverside residential district, RIVER club interiors are conceived not just as transitional zones but also immersive experiences that connect residents with the surrounding nature. Created by VSA.studio in collaboration with Pavel Andreev and GRAN, the project transforms ordinary communal spaces into poetic architectural acts.

Dialogue with Context

Panoramic glazing blurs the boundary between inside and outside, turning lobbies and galleries into extensions of the street, while corridors and elevator lobbies create more intimate zones directed inward. This interplay between openness and intimacy defines the spatial rhythm of the project.

Two contrasting visual themes structure the interiors. The light "wooden" palette evokes water, stone and wood—recreating the river and its banks. In contrast, the dark palette recalls solitude, depth and night, marking the threshold between public openness and private sanctuary.

Material Expression

Floors feature wavy lines reminiscent of shorelines and water currents, while rounded forms evoke river stones. Above, dark ceilings with star-like dots resemble reflections on water or the night sky. Decorative elements—from sculptural concrete planters to greenery integrated into mailboxes and background reception features—enhance the natural theme.

The design heavily relies on ceramic granite for its durability and versatility: fine-textured surfaces resembling concrete on floors, wooden finishes on walls, and large formats imitating treated panels. Fibrous concrete relief panels add tactile depth and meet high fire safety and performance standards.

Atmosphere and Identity

Every element in the RIVER interiors carries symbolic weight. Lobby ceilings with circular light discs recall clouds or leaves, combining sculptural and functional qualities. Light, texture, and material interact to create a layered space that feels both practical and poetic—a rare occurrence in public interiors.

With two themes, material discipline, and seamless integration of recontextualization, RIVER demonstrates how communal spaces can transcend functionality to become meaningful environments reflecting natural rhythms.

Photo: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia MartovaPhoto: © Anastasia Martova