鈥淢inimalism鈥 is one of the outdoor-gear industry鈥檚 most pervasive buzzwords, and it鈥檚 invaded more than just running. People are adopting the idea of eschewing clutter in their homes, too.聽
The Volga Dacha,聽located outside of Moscow in the country, is one of the best examples we鈥檝e seen of an efficient four-person home. Even the getaway鈥檚 shape avoids frills: a simple gabled rectangle with blackened-wood cladding. When the family鈥檚 away, shutters cover the windows and doors.
This Volga Dacha (literally, 鈥 on the Russian river Volga鈥) located in the country outside of Moscow is one of the best examples we鈥檝e seen of a simple, efficient four-person home. Even the getaway鈥檚 shape avoids unnecessary frills: a simple gabled rectangle with blackened-wood cladding. When the family鈥檚 away, shutters cover the windows and doors.
Architects from the firm 聽used a grid based on building-material sizes to plan the house, which measures just under 1,000 square feet. A small wood stove and radiant concrete floors heat this well-insulated home during Russia鈥檚 brutal winters. In the summer, the floors stay naturally cool and are easy to clean.
The cabin has two sleeping spaces, living and dining rooms, a kitchen, a bath, and generous terraces. A shed鈥攅ssentially a smaller version of the main house鈥攆orms the courtyard. Even the lawn, surrounded by wild grasses, is maintenance-free, thanks to the geotextiles that were placed on a sand bed and then covered with gravel.聽
The main floor鈥檚 living, dining, and kitchen areas are open to one another and to countryside breezes. The only deviation from the cabin鈥檚 standard grid? The minimal outdoor shower adjacent to the house.聽