Melnikov House is an extraordinary Russian architectural icon, born in 1929 to the bold design of Konstantin Melnikov. It draws attention with its structure that goes beyond tradition.
- Melnikov House is an architectural icon built in 1929 in Arbat, Moscow, to the bold and unusual design of Konstantin Melnikov.
- Although the building is outside the traditional Russian architectural style, the interior is characterized by an open plan system and brick walls.
- Containing Melnikov’s workshops and the living quarters of his family, it is one of the most important works of 20th century Russian architecture.
- Melnikov House creates a unique interior with the dramatic combination of two cylinders.
- The hexagonal glass used in the interior maximizes daylight.
- Despite the architectural restrictions of the Soviet era, the building stands out as an important representative of the Russian avant-garde.
- The modern and functional design of Melnikov House is an architectural masterpiece that transcends its time.
Let’s examine this magnificent architecture together…Let’s examine this magnificent architecture together…
Cylinder Concept and Design Features
Melnikov House is a building designed by the famous Russian architect Konstantin Melnikov. This house has a unique design that adopts the cylinder concept. This structure, created by connecting two cylinders, was used as a living space, workspace and workshop for Melnikov’s family and himself. The cylinder concept was chosen to create a structure that can meet both economic and structural requirements.
Reasons for Choosing the Cylinder Concept
There are several reasons why Melnikov House has the cylinder concept. Firstly, the changes made during Lenin’s New Economic Policy required designing a more economically sustainable building. The cylindrical shape was an ideal option to reduce costs and make the structure more economical.
Structural requirements were also taken into account. Creating a structure that complies with earthquake regulations was an important factor. The cylinder shape is suitable to provide a structure that can better withstand earthquake forces. Therefore, the cylinder concept has provided a solution that can meet both economic and structural requirements.
Design Features
Melnikov House has a dramatic design created by the fusion of two cylinders. This design creates interesting gaps and spaces in the interiors. The dimensions of the two cylinders are designed differently, so that from the upper floor of the rear cylinder a view without a road frontage can be seen.
The interiors of the Melnikov House are shaped by the voids that appear where the cylinders meet. These voids create different levels and interesting transitions inside the house. This design offers an unusual experience when walking around the house.
Also noteworthy is the exterior of the Melnikov House. The cylindrical shape continues outside the house, creating an architecturally interesting image. The facade is enriched with various geometric shapes and openings, so that the exterior of the house becomes more expressive through the play of light and shadow.
Melnikov’s Wish to Revive the Brick Walls
Melnikov House is the project of Konstantin Melnikov, a famous architect who wanted to revitalize brick walls. He aimed to bring 16th century innovations to the present day. For this reason, he utilized bricks in every part of his house.
The Melnikov House was designed as a portable structure. The house was made portable by using a special technique at the base of the floors. In this way, there was no need for any column structure in the interior.
A horizontal spiral circulation system is used inside the house. This gives the design a unique mobility and fluidity. The horizontal spiral circulation system provides an easy transition between the different zones of the house and allows users to move freely.
The Melnikov House was built to be a durable structure even in harsh winter conditions. The brick walls provided protection against cold weather conditions, keeping the interior of the house warm. This allowed the inhabitants of the house to live comfortably even on the harshest winter days.
With this project, Melnikov created a modern design that combines the aesthetic and functional properties of brick walls. The house is considered an original structure that pushes the boundaries of architectural thought. The Melnikov House has an important place in the history of architecture and is still seen as an inspiring work today.
Hexagonal Glasses and Light Reflections
The hexagonal glass used in the interior design of the Melnikov House allows light to reflect and diffuse into the interior. The hexagonal glazing creates irregular and impressive light reflections, adding dynamism to the interior. They also allow sunlight to penetrate further into the interior, while allowing light from outside to diffuse into the interior. In this way, the interiors are illuminated in a natural and impressive way.
The interior of the Melnikov House, designed with hexagonal glazing, is an example of modern architecture. This design reflects an innovative approach to provide maximum light and visual impact to the interiors. In addition, the use of hexagonal glazing gives the exterior of the house a unique look. In this way, Melnikov House stands out as an impressive building in terms of aesthetics and functionality both from the inside and outside.
Interior Design and Uses
The interior design of the Melnikov House has been carefully planned to achieve a balanced balance between functionality and aesthetics. The kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor are positioned to meet the more general functions of the house. On the second floor are the bedrooms and the living room. However, Melnikov had a different approach. Unlike traditional buildings, he opted for an open plan system. The bedroom is separated from the living room by a partial wall, thus creating a unity and fluidity between the living spaces.
On the third floor of the house are Melnikov’s workshops. This space is located behind the constructed cylinder. The height of the workshops reaches double ceiling height, while the hexagonal glass openings make the most of natural light. This high ceiling and lighting system allows Melnikov to push the limits of his creativity and experience the interplay of light and shadow.
My Thoughts on Melnikov House
An icon of 20th century Russian architecture, Melnikov House was used by Konstantin Melnikov and his family.
Representingthe Russian avant-garde, the building is outside the traditional Russian architecture. In 1937, Stalin issued a law forbidding the construction of any modern building in the Soviet Union. This ban not only disqualified Melnikov from teaching and professional architecture, but also led to Melnikov being sentenced to house arrest until his death (1974).
Melnikov House is one of the most important works of Russian architecture, quite unusual for its time and cost Melnikov his career.
What do you think about this building? Don’t forget to take a look at our Glass House review, another building that adopts the open plan system.
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Architect: Konstantin Melnikov
Year: 1929
Location: Arbat, Moscow, Russia
Photo: Denis Esakov
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