Moscow’s chief architect Sergey Kuznetsov has unveiled a stainless steel metal tube with a house in it that cantilevers over Europe’s largest art park, Nikola-Lenivets.
Called “Russian Quintessential”, the tube is 12m long and 3.5m diameter.
Weighing 12 tons, it is stiffened by ribs like the hull of a ship and kept in balance with only six bolts, giving the impression of hanging in the air.
The ribs are installed at a 500mm pitch relative to each other and are connected by horizontal guides known as stringers.
Inside the tube is a full-fledged residence, with a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The interior is clad in wood and metal.
The tube has a system for diverting the sound of drumming rain inside the tube, and it is insulated with polyurethane foam.
“Nikola-Lenivets is a place where nature, art and talent create real magic,” Sergey Kuznetsov said.
He added: “It seemed interesting to me to make a statement on what is considered perfection in Russian architecture today, and to show that high-quality things can be done in large quantities in our country.”
Russian Quintessential was designed to meet Nikola-Lenivets annual theme, which this year is “the personal”.
Images courtesy of Ilya Ivanov
