Futuristic Hillside Home

Like a futuristic submarine emerging from beneath the Earth’s surface, Capital Hill Residence appears to be something out of a Star Wars film. In order to create a modern aesthetic that also allowed for the resident to wake up among the clouds – the task could only be complete by one remarkable architect, Zaha Hadid.

When the client told renowned architect, Zaha Hadid that he wanted to wake up among the clouds, Zaha had a very simple reply – “You realise you have to be above the trees?” Setting out to design an innovative home that united with its hillside, forest surroundings but also provide this one necessary feature, was going to be a challenge. But with her visionary imagination and unrivalled ability to create architecture that seems impossible, Capital Hill Residence is, in the words of both architect and client, a “dream house” – as much fantasy as reality.

On a north-facing hillside in the Barvikha Forest near Moscow, Capital Hill Residence emerges from the earth’s surface like a spaceship that belongs on the set of Star Wars. Ascending from the hillside, the residence has two main components, made up by four floors and connected by three concrete columns. While the first component merges with the sloping forest landscape, the other floats 22 metres above the ground, like the conning tower of a submarine – soaring high above the treetops to make the most of the spectacular views.

The fluid lines and flat surfaces of Capital Hill Residence have been defined by its natural topography. Partially embedded within the hillside is the homes lower level which houses leisure and recreational facilities. The ground floor includes the primary living, dining, kitchen and entertaining spaces, as well as an indoor swimming pool. The residence’s foyer, library, guest room and children’s rooms are on the first floor, while the master suite with exterior terraces sits high above the treetops on the upper level.

A key architectural feature of this project is the three concrete columns that connect the lower levels to the sky-high master suite. While aesthetically sleek and elegant in appearance, the columns have crucial structural purpose – two out of the three columns provide space for circulation and services, including a transparent glass elevator and staircase.

An exquisite image of expressionism through constructivism, Capital Hill Residence displays outstanding craftsmanship with its shape and form.