Light House by Kerimov Architects: Merging Minimalism with Nature in Repino

Enclosed in the forest surroundings of Repino in Leningrad Oblast, Light House by Kerimov Architects is a 1000 square meter residential house that embodies a harmonious blend of modern architecture and untouched nature. The concept of the project was to create a structure that appears to dissolve into its surrounding environment — both physically and philosophically.

House Designed Around Nature

From the very beginning, Kerimov Architects embraced the natural characteristics of the site. Ancient trees were preserved and even incorporated into the architecture — penetrating through their canopies and forming an organic rhythm that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior space. This approach not only protects the existing ecosystem but also establishes a deep visual and sensory dialogue between architecture and landscape.

Spatial Strategy: Central Living Zone

At the heart of the house lies a spacious central living room, designed as the 'main square' of the home. All other rooms stem from this core, reinforcing a sense of unity and openness. Movement through the house means constantly returning to this central area — like a traditional square in a Mediterranean city, but reimagined within minimalist Russian modernism.

The program includes:

• A spacious kitchen

• Several bedrooms and bathrooms for residents and guests

• Two children's rooms

• SPA zone with pool, hammam and sauna

• A private office

• Relaxation zone for unwinding and social gatherings

Smooth Transition In and Out

Each main room — including the SPA, children's rooms and bedroom — opens onto separate terraces, strengthening the connection between architecture and nature. At the center of the plot is an open relaxation area with a fireplace and summer kitchen — deliberately left open so residents can fully experience the richness of the natural environment.

Completing the main building, there are also:

• A guest block with two bedrooms

• Garage and technical rooms

• A staff area and workshop, hidden within the landscape

Materials That Age Beautifully

The house is built using natural, local materials: regional stone, wood and metal. These were carefully selected for their ability to change over time, allowing the house to aesthetically evolve alongside the landscape — a key principle of Kerimov Architects' philosophy.

The interplay between solid and void, light and shadow, transparency and opacity creates an architectural experience that seems simultaneously rooted and ephemeral. The project reflects the firm's ongoing pursuit of situational, emotionally significant architecture.

Light House is a bold yet modest statement within contextual modernism. It's a space where architecture becomes a quiet mediator between people and nature — a cozy refuge designed for breathing, adaptation and belonging. Like most projects by Kerimov Architects, it demonstrates their dedication to architecture that is immortal, meaningful and deeply connected to its place.

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