Elena Vakulenko-Pinskaya has repeatedly featured in architecture magazines showcasing her family home designed by the Blockstudio architects (https://archello.com/project/basmanny-apartment).  When Elena came up with an idea for her own project, she did not hesitate over whom she would like to invite to create a space for the project, having made friends with Nataliya and Ivan Trofimov, the Blockstudio founders, while working on the design of her apartment. The architects were asked to design a functional, comfortable and uncluttered environment for creative pursuits. In their own turn, the team of architects were thrilled by a new project and brimming with ideas. Overall, from first measurements to completion, the project was carried through within a space of five months.

Regardless of the touch deadline, all the project requirements were successfully implemented: with its well-defined high ceilings and French windows, the environment works its creative magic. A number of functional layout decisions maximise the usability and efficiency of the studio that features ample workspace, a small kiln place, a coffee station, a small library with art books and magazines, a staff area with a round table and, last but not least, a space where customers’ handmade work is stored. The studio’s highlight is a terracotta wall made of breeze blocks. Vlad Oblasov’s lighting designer team, the RAUM bureau, did the lighting.

The studio has become a new creative community space where ceramics, art and floral arrangement masterclassesare run on a daily basis.

Team:
Architect: Blockstudio
Photography: Mikhail Loskutov, Daniel Annenkov