Shymbulak Medeu Camp

Project name: Shymbulak Medeu Camp
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Year: 2023
Total Area: site area 1.2 hectares
Architects: LEVELSTUDIO
Architects’ website: http://levelstudio.kz/
Architects’ instagram: @levelstudio
Project leader: Bekzat Amanjol - [email protected]
Project team: Nemykin Ivan, Popovich Anatoly, Ramazanova Tomiris
Photographer: Alexandr Kuznetsov

Project Description:

The Shymbulak Medeu Camp is located in the Small Almaty Gorge near the
famous high-altitude skating rink Medeu and the ski resort. Numerous natural
attractions in this area make it appealing for tourists and nature lovers from all
around the world.

The client was Shymbulak Development that aimed to create a place where
children could have a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world,
acquire fundamental knowledge, and develop a proper attitude towards it. The
main idea of the camp is to cultivate eco-awareness in the future generation
through informative lectures, hiking trips, activities in the wild nature, and
lessons on national culture. In collaboration with the Institute of Zoology, the
Mountaineering Federation, and the Federation of National Parks, various
educational programs were developed. During the winter season, the camp
operates as a glamping site, inviting everyone to enjoy the mountain landscape.

Stretching along the mountainside, the camp is situated next to a picturesque
riverbank. On the opposite side, the territory is bordered by a road to the ski
resort. The camp's facilities include 14 tents, a restaurant, areas for relaxation,
team games, and activities. A particularly attractive spot for children is the
playground located in the western part of the camp, designed with
treehouse-inspired structures.

The design of the tents in a boy scout camp style sets a distinct ambiance for the
entire complex. The color scheme and the choice of natural finishing materials
make them seamlessly blend into the surrounding environment. Each tent
accommodates 4 people and has its own restroom.
The restaurant and administration building are designed in the outline of a
traditional barn house and covered with typical wooden planks.