MODERN ZEN | ZRIVERSTUDIO architecture & design

In a noisy, densely overpopulated modern world full of visual advertisements, non-recyclable materials, excess of different objects people need to find their own Modern Zen.

This project is about introversion, digital detox, reflections on purity, mindfulness of choice. It makes us think about what surrounds us and who we are.

Modern Zen is an apartment of 120 m2, it has spectacular views over the ultra modern metropolis - New York.

The general space of the apartment is formed on one side by metal wall panels which denote technogenicity and a futuristic direction. This simple and technological material reflects blurred forms of the surrounding space. It opens to the observer another dimension of the interior - the looking-glass.

The central element of the living room is biomorphic and monolithic On the Rocks sofa by Edra in white wool. The detailed selection of furniture and accessories, such as Roly Poly Chair designed by Faye TooGood, Org table by Cappellini in electric blue, cactus decor sculpted from stone and the artworks by Hendrik Kerstens - gives the character to the interior, makes it futuristic and mysterious.

In the kitchen we used 525 Table En Forme Libre by Cassina, Swan Chair designed by Rick Owens and W151 Extra Large pendant by Wästberg for general lighting.

In the bathroom we used Kangaroo Chair by Pierre Jeanneret, North floor lamp by Vibia and in addition to this beautiful company we added “Bag” by Hendrik Kerstens (2007) on the wall. This portrait of his daughter Paula was made as an ecological comment on the number of plastic bags given away by shops. Kerstens lit and arranged the bag to echo the headdresses often worn by women in Dutch Old Master paintings.

"Ekstrem" Lounge Chair by Terje Ekström, Bold side table by Destroyers, Floor Light A805 “Angel Wing“ designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1954, Spatial Concept 1961 Lucio Fontana on the wall create the atmosphere for meditation and thinking in the bedroom.     

Confronting the informational squall, we want to have a visually clean interior. We feel the desire to find calm and peace in the midst of noise. The possession of more and more material things is no longer perceived as a guarantee of happiness. Seeking a shelter does not mean a categorical rejection of objects. It is a matter of clearly formulated appreciation, functional design objects and only high-quality concepts.

Life at the speed limit implies a desire to find a "shelter" in the house and digital detox.

Architects: Diana Zibrova, Zakhar Zibrov