Two guest cabins in Kazakhstan, designed by Arthur Kariev Architects, are clad in moss-covered timber planks salvaged from old buildings, giving them a distinctive, weathered look while supporting sustainability. Set on a hill in Ile-Alatau National Park, the cabins are raised on metal pile foundations to minimize their impact on the landscape.
Their forms, orientation, and large windows are all designed to capture the best mountain views, filling the interiors with natural light and connecting guests to the outdoors. Created for a nearby resident who wanted a peaceful space to host visitors, these cabins blend into the environment, offering a tranquil and inviting retreat that honors both the natural surroundings and the history of the reclaimed materials.
Designer:
“In many cases, designers assert themselves by glorifying individualism and consumerism,” Arthur Kariev said. “To me, it is nature itself that takes the lead, while architecture seeks to extend it, taking its inspiration from the contemplation of the eternal.” Arthur Kariev Architects opted for two separate cabins, each slightly angled apart to frame unique views and foster a stronger connection with the outdoors. This design approach avoids a single large structure and instead encourages guests to engage more with the surrounding landscape.
The larger cabin features a mono-pitched roof and places a kitchenette at its center, with a living area on one side and a bathroom on the other. The bathroom includes a striking, fully glazed wall, offering sweeping views of the mountains and the city of Almaty, allowing guests to enjoy nature from the comfort of indoors.
Next to the main structure, the smaller gabled cabin houses two bedrooms, each positioned on either side of a central bathroom. Both bedrooms open onto small balconies set within deep window reveals, offering private outdoor space and framing the views. Like its counterpart, this cabin is fully clad in reclaimed timber, personally selected by Kariev.
Most of the wood was sourced from old roof structures, chosen for their rich texture and the presence of moss and mold. This approach gives the cabins a unique, weathered character while reinforcing their connection to the natural landscape. “Encapsulating all manner of traces left by time, moss, and mold over a century, the sundry planks were transported across the country to their new location, complete with their old nails, then sorted and installed on facades,” said Kariev.
Inside, the cabins feature clean plywood paneling for a simple, modern feel. In the living area, the space around the wood-burning stove is accented with emerald and dark blue tiles, crafted by local artisans. This touch adds color and texture to the interior, creating a cozy focal point that contrasts with the natural wood and ties in local craftsmanship.
“The interior blends traditional nomadic lifestyle with modern amenities: it is airy, flexible, austere, eco-friendly, and functional,” said Kariev. “Smart sophistication reinterpreted as a spin-off of austerity: true luxury lies in creating an opportunity to spend quality time with the near and dear ones while enjoying pristine wilderness in long-term comfort,” he concluded.
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