this elevated cabin house by BIO-architects features a see-through basement space
‘Kashtan DublDom’ nestles in the russian woodland like a single-story home
The ‘Kashtan DublDom’ is an elevated cabin house completed by BIO-architects in the Russian woodland. While technically featuring two levels, the project preserves the comforts of a one-story dwelling by concentrating all programs on a single plane and avoiding standard problems related to multi-floor layouts, such as air convections, sound insulation, and unused space. Ultimately, the goal was to ‘provide a serene home that harmonizes with its forested context’, explains the architects.
elevating the foundation piles to host a free-form basement
The elevated appearance of ‘Kashtan DublDom’ comes from converting the space under it into a functional area. To do so, BIO-architects (see more here) increased the height of the foundation piles, adding stiffeners and thin wooden rails to create a see-through basement that appears detached from the ground. Composed of corridors and niches, this section is defined by a play of light and shadow, closed and open spaces, with passages oriented to tree trunks and ample storage areas.
Reflecting on this non-standard layout, the studio states: ‘We purposely didn’t make one large room under the house. We have an area of more than 100 square meters, which is easy to convert into a heated and operable space in the future. There are already supporting structures and a roof; what remains is building walls and fitting out the floor. If desired, the owners can implement a living room, garage, workshop, summer kitchen, or storage areas within this space.’
building the interiors around window views
While planning the project, the architects not only considered how the trees would affect the property and living experience physically but visually as well. To take full advantage of the natural context, they decided to build the interior around window views — from walking up the wooden entrance staircase to lying in bed where owners get to fall asleep and wake up to the sight of the forest. Specifically, the bedroom features horizontal double-sided glazing with wide window sills that can serve as shelves.
The kitchen, ideal for both cooking and working, is also set in front of windows — followed by the living room, where minimal furniture doesn’t block the view framed by a stained-glass window. At every corner, ‘we tried to convey the romance of forest life,’ notes BIO-architects.
Material-wise, the house features plenty of dark oak furniture, leather details, and black metal accents. Complementing those layers are antique sports equipment and themed posters. Together, these elements transform the relatively simple layout into a personalized and homeful design. 
