White Cassette, Moskva

Maxim Kashin Architects presents White Cassette, an apartment design project based on principles inspired by 1970s experiments by Japanese architects to create modular structures, or microcells, for housing. A striking example of this type of architectural direction can be seen in the Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo, designed by Kurokawa.

An illusion box

The interior of White Cassette is designed as a special box-transformer, which opens according to necessity in relation to the various functional tasks of the residents. The color white was selected as a symbol of purity, lightness, and airiness, while creating feelings of calmness and rejuvenation. Additionally, white serves not only as an aesthetic component, but also a practical one that appears to expand the boundaries and increase the geometry of the space.

In order to create a multifunctional interior, it was necessary to fit a living room, a kitchen with a dining room, a cabinet, a separate bedroom with wardrobe, a bathroom with a shower, a storage area, and a laundry room into the constraints of the 42 sq.m. apartment space, with two panoramic windows overlooking the city.

In endeavoring to avoid cutting the space into multiple separate spaces, Maxim Kashin Architects began by extracting the design from the classical interpretation of zoning. Instead, the firm embraced the principle of constructing Nakagin capsules to transform rooms to accommodate the immediate needs of residents, while completely concealing other functions that are not relevant to the moment, or the immediate task at hand.

Functional detailing

The main space comprises an entrance hall with a built-in storage area, as well as a dining room with a kitchen island, a kitchen, a living room, and a small office workspace. When entertaining guests, the residents can transform the majority of the space into a large dining room with a living room and kitchen, the latter which is completely hidden behind folding doors. For functional access, the fridge and the bottom of the storage boxes remain accessible. At first glance, folding doors concealing the workspace appear as wall panels in the living room, which are used as a backdrop for watching movies courtesy of a smart projector.

The functional purpose of the kitchen island, with a stove, is to create additional cooking space with direct access to the main kitchen. Folding doors provide wider access to the full kitchen, which offers classic operational spaces including a countertop, a sink, and a cutting table. With its clean geometric lines, the free-standing kitchen island serves as one of the main accents of the apartment, appearing as a sculptural element composed of three-dimensional shapes cutting into each other. The top surface of the island is composed of satin-finished aluminum. Its positioning exposes it to natural light entering the space, resulting in a captivating shimmer that helps set the mood on a sunny day.

Innovative solutions

The firm’s choice of railings adds yet another dual-purpose design element. The rails not only serve as an aesthetic addition, but also a functional one. Made of solid, seamless three-meter extruded aluminum, the railings separate the main space from the hallway, while also providing narrow shelving space for storing small items.

Another non-standard solution is infused into the hidden workspace in the living room. Behind the sliding doors, a free space for working with a desktop computer is enabled by incorporating a table with a folding base and legs.

The bathroom also presents an original solution, where a luminous stretch ceiling not only brightens the space, but also serves as an accent element, combining with a mirror to visually expand the space. Additionally, it echoes the effects of natural light permeating through the window.

With its austere design, hidden functions, clean white aesthetic, bright illumination, and simple geometry, White Cassette is Maxim Kashin Architects' interpretation of a modern and functional interior, designed for the needs of today.