AUM Cabins in the Mountains of Kazakhstan by Architect Arthur Kariev

Located at an altitude of 1650 meters on the northern slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, AUM cabins in the mountains of Kazakhstan are a pair of eco-friendly guest houses situated right outside Ile-Alatau National Park, approximately 25 kilometers south of Almaty. The project was developed by architects Arthur Kariev. It responds to the growing interest in minimalist architecture that harmoniously integrates with nature and respects local traditions, while reflecting modern principles of sustainable development.

A Retreat Celebrating Nature and Traditions

The client for the project, a family wishing to share the majestic landscapes of Kazakh Tien Shan with friends and loved ones, created the cabins as sanctuaries of peace and connection—between nature and each other. Arthur Kariev and his clients believe that true luxury today is not excess, but the opportunity to reconnect with nature and minimize ecological impact.

While global design trends lean towards refined comfort, AUM cabins are reimagined through the lens of Kazakh nomadic traditions. The architecture is rooted in values such as respect for nature, use of local materials, and creation of meaningful spaces that have minimal environmental impact and naturally blend into the landscape.

Materials from Altai Mountains

One of the key features of the cabins is their external cladding, made from recycled larch planks collected from old structures in the Altai region of Northeastern Kazakhstan. This region, rich with myths and history, is considered close to the legendary land of Shambhala.

Kariev personally spent two summers collecting construction materials for the roof—timber with distinctive signs of time, weather, and history. These planks, including moss, nails, and natural wear, were carefully selected and processed to give the cabins a deep material identity.

Sustainable Construction and Ecological Sensitivity

The cabins are built using wooden SIP panels on metal piles. Construction was carried out without harmful impact on the foundation, preserving the original landscape almost untouched. The entire structure can be dismantled in the future, allowing materials to be reused—a practice aligned with sustainable architecture.

To maintain the integrity of the land, all utilities are buried underground, and drinking water comes from a nearby source. Hot showers and modern plumbing ensure comfort without compromising ecological principles.

Two Cabins, Two Experiences

Both cabins are designed to offer different yet complementary experiences:

• Cabin #1 features two cozy bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows facing east, and a shared bathroom.

• Cabin #2 offers a more social layout with a kitchen area, living room with a library, and a spacious bathroom, opening to views of the western mountains.

In the center of Cabin #2 is a wooden stove, surrounded by handcrafted emerald green and dark blue ceramic tiles. Guests can gather on traditional sirma seating, drink herbal tea from chyn kovsh, and immerse themselves in a unique Kazakh atmosphere.

Interior: Where Nomad Meets Modernity

The interiors are intentionally simple and functional. Walls, except in bathrooms, are finished with unpainted plywood, highlighting an organic and rustic style. Spaces are largely undecorated, giving guests the freedom to personalize their experience.

From handcrafted tiles to local carpets, every element is a celebration of Kazakh culture and craftsmanship. This approach reflects the broader concept of Arthur Kariev's studio to revive nomadic architectural principles in a contemporary context.

Minimalist wooden AUM cabins rising above a snowy landscape, with a horse nearby. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Distant aerial view of AUM cabins nestled among dramatic snowy mountains of Kazakhstan. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
AUM cabins standing on steep snowy forested slopes and dark trees. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Sunlit snowy mountains surrounding AUM cabins in a remote valley. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
AUM cabins at the edge of a snowy pine forest. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Close-up of worn vertical wooden logs on the cabin façade. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Modern bathroom window framing a scenic snowy slope. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Minimalist laundry room with a large window overlooking a gray horse in snowy terrain. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Modern glass cabin with a black horse in front of it. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Two AUM cabins standing on a snowy slope under the starry sky. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Glass cabin reflecting constellations, emphasizing its serene location at altitude. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Detail of worn vertical wood with dramatic lighting and shadows. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Corner wooden cladding of AUM cabin near the forest boundary. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Twin AUM cabins standing on a snowy ridge under a clear blue sky. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Compact interior with birch plywood walls, built-in bed and desk. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Transparent cabin glowing warmly against snowy peaks. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Glass façade of AUM cabin revealing a softly lit minimalist bathroom interior. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Evening falls over AUM cabins on a peaceful snowy hill. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Well-lit bathroom inside a glass AUM cabin glowing under the night sky. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
View of AUM cabins on a snowy ridge through bare trees. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
AUM cabins rising above a steep snowy slope, with winter trees below. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Laundry room with a large glass window offering panoramic mountain views. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Minimalist wooden interior with a central fireplace and family enjoying the cozy ambiance. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Mountain view framed by shadows from the AUM cabin balcony. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Twin cabins nestled peacefully at the foot of snowy hills and pine forests. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Close-up of a cabin corner showing steel railings and worn wooden cladding. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Modern overhanging cabin structure above a snowy slope. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Modern AUM cabin with vertical wooden cladding and open steel entrance door in a snowy landscape. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
AUM cabins located in snowy mountain terrain of Kazakhstan, harmonizing with nature. Photo © Ilya Ivanov
Two AUM cabins facing each other with a snowy path between them, captured at sunset. Photo © Ilya Ivanov