Nomad Houses is part of the BY HOME modular housing ecosystem and serves as an eco-hotel in the popular tourist destination of Braslav Lakes, Belarus. This complex of 6-10 compact, modern houses offers all the necessary infrastructure for a peaceful retreat. Designed for those seeking a break from the city, the project is set within the pristine nature of the national park, providing an ideal getaway surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
The concept of Nomad Houses was born from the need to promote domestic tourism. As global travel becomes increasingly challenging, the demand for unique travel experiences persists.
As architects, we see our role in uncovering interesting locations and developing tourism infrastructure within the country to meet this demand.
We chose the Braslav Lakes as the starting point to bring our vision to life due to its unique, pristine nature and rich cultural and historical heritage. This region’s greatest asset is its glacial lakes, surrounded by ancient forests home to various wildlife and rare plant species found nowhere else.
The only element missing from this remarkable location was modern, stylish architecture.
When selecting a location for the complex, we prioritized finding a site set in a beautiful natural environment within walking distance of the lake, close to city amenities, and with easy access from the highway. Thoughtfully planned infrastructure is essential for ensuring guests have a positive and seamless experience during their stay at our eco-hotel.
We successfully identified a site that meets all of these criteria. The path to the lake, featuring a landscaped beach, is just 328 feet from the complex and passes through a scenic pine forest. Additionally, we have arranged convenient access from the highway and a forest parking area for guests.
On the site, we plan to include a bathhouse, a utility building for storing sports equipment, and between 6 to 10 houses of two types:
This compact holiday house, designed for 1-2 people, features a single living module that includes a lounge area, kitchen, bathroom, and an electric sauna. Both the exterior and interior embody the clean lines and simplicity of Scandinavian minimalism, allowing the untouched beauty of the Braslav Nature Reserve to take center stage.
|
1. |
Recreation area |
4 m² |
|
2. |
Kitchen |
5.5 m² |
|
3. |
Bathroom |
3 m² |
|
4. |
Sauna |
3.5 m² |
|
5. |
Terrace |
6 m² |
|
TOTAL |
22 m² |
The key distinction—and main advantage—of a country house compared to a city apartment is the addition of a terrace, which provides a space to enjoy the outdoors. From the terrace, you also have direct access to your private outdoor pool, enhancing the experience of relaxation and connection with nature.
Although the house is compact, we’ve incorporated smart design solutions to ensure it accommodates everything needed for both short-term and extended stays. In the kitchen area, we've discreetly built in a refrigerator and created storage space for cutlery. The kitchen island sits on a raised podium, which also serves as the foundation for a large double bed, maximizing the use of space while maintaining comfort and functionality.
A lamp integrated into the ridge where the two roof slopes meet illuminates the space, providing soft and even lighting. Two radiators mounted on the walls provide heating, ensuring a comfortable temperature throughout the house.
To the left of the entrance, we’ve incorporated a storage system, with the bathroom located in the same area of the house. This room features heated floors and all the essential plumbing fixtures for convenience. However, the standout feature of both the bathroom block and the entire house is the inclusion of a sauna, adding an extra layer of comfort and relaxation for guests.
As of now, the village is fully developed and actively welcoming visitors. Guests can choose from a variety of house sizes, and a panoramic sauna with a wood-fired plunge pool is also available for rent, offering a unique and immersive experience in nature.
This house is slightly larger than its predecessor, accommodating 2-5 people and featuring a spacious terrace. The single living module includes a recreation area, kitchen, and bathroom. Unlike the previous model, this design offers a designated seating area and a well-organized dining space, providing more comfort and functionality for guests.
|
1. |
Bedroom |
7.2 m² |
|
2. |
Bathroom |
6.2 m² |
|
3. |
Kitchen-living room |
15.6 m² |
|
4. |
Recreation area |
6 m² |
|
5. |
Terrace |
15 m² |
|
TOTAL |
50 m² |
In the interior of Camp C, we applied the same design principles as in Camp B, maintaining a classic Scandinavian minimalist style with an emphasis on natural materials. The main differences lie in the layout. Camp C features a larger dining area, enhanced by a wood-burning stove, as well as a separate seating area, offering more space and comfort compared to the previous model.
The bathroom in this house is more spacious than in the previous model, though it does not include its own sauna. However, guests can enjoy a communal bathhouse within the complex.
In the sleeping area, we included a large double bed and a walk-in closet for added convenience. The lighting is designed to enhance the space, with soft illumination built around the perimeter of the ceiling and spotlights strategically placed above the bed to create a cozy and functional atmosphere.
Thanks to the variety of house models available, guests at the eco-hotel can select the option that best suits their preferences and needs, ensuring a personalized and comfortable stay.
This compact modular holiday house offers transportation flexibility for 2-5 people. It features a recreation area, kitchen, bathroom, and an open terrace ideal for barbecues, providing a comfortable and versatile getaway experience.
|
1. |
Bedroom |
7.2 m² |
|
2. |
Bathroom |
6.2 m² |
|
3. |
Kitchen-living room |
15.6 m² |
|
4. |
Recreation area |
6 m² |
|
5. |
Terrace |
20 m² |
|
TOTAL |
55 m² |
In the interior of the Camp C Flat house, we utilized the same design techniques as in the previous models. The style remains classic Scandinavian minimalism, featuring a strong emphasis on natural materials. The primary differences from the earlier model lie in the layout. This version includes a larger dining area with a wood-burning stove and a separate seating area, offering more space and enhanced comfort for guests.
We included a large double bed and a walk-in closet in the sleeping area for added storage and convenience. Soft lighting is integrated around the perimeter of the ceiling, while spotlights above the bed provide focused illumination, creating a cozy and functional atmosphere.
This modular sauna offers panoramic glazing, a large terrace, and an outdoor wood-burning plunge pool for a relaxing experience.
|
1. |
Recreation area |
13 m² |
|
2. |
Sauna |
4.2 m² |
|
3. |
Shower |
1.4 m² |
|
4. |
Bathroom |
2 m² |
|
5. |
Terrace |
26 m² |
|
6. |
Hot area |
9 m² |
|
TOTAL |
55 m² |
The SPA sauna offers a relaxation area, kitchen, bathroom, and sauna, all designed in the clean, minimalist style of Scandinavian architecture. This minimalist approach highlights the true focus of the experience—the untouched, protected beauty of the Braslav Nature Reserve.
The materials used in construction were chosen for their environmental safety and durability. Primarily made from wood and glass, the design fosters a sense of harmony with the natural surroundings, allowing guests to fully enjoy the breathtaking views of the national park.
The design code of this project can be summed up as Scandinavian minimalism, characterized by wooden facades, panoramic glazing, and expansive terraces. The color palette and choice of materials are deliberately kept minimal and refined. The facades and terraces are finished with charcoal-black wood, complemented by corrugated roofing in the same deep shade. This "total black" aesthetic blends seamlessly with the dark trunks of the surrounding pine forest, maintaining its striking visual appeal in all weather conditions.
The interior design of the houses is based on a harmonious combination of three main shades: the natural tone of wood for the wall finishes, white for surface treatments, and anthracite for accent details. This minimalist approach creates a serene environment, offering a break from urban life's visual and informational overload, allowing guests to focus on the peaceful natural surroundings.
By emphasizing the complex's architectural expressiveness and impact, we establish a foundation for creating strong marketing strategies that are integral to any business's success. The complex's unique design and aesthetic appeal not only enhance the guest experience but also serve as a powerful tool for brand positioning and market differentiation.
For us, marketing is inseparable from architectural design. No matter the scope or scale of the project, we adhere to a key principle: we create architecture that markets itself. Our goal is to deliver quality that stands on its own and a memorable image without relying on excessive advertising.
In the current phase of the Nomad Houses project, we've successfully developed an "Instagram-worthy" aesthetic that people are eager to share with friends and followers. However, we aim to further amplify this effect, enhancing the project's visual and experiential appeal.
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