The House with a Soaring Staircase: A Vision of Light and Space by Makedesign Studio

In the heart of Rostov-na-Donu, Russian Federation, a remarkable transformation has taken place—one that breathes new life into an aging 90s-era home. Architects Victoria Lukyanova and Diana Karnaukhova, co-founders of the Makedesign studio, have reimagined and reinvented the space, turning it into an architectural masterpiece: The House with a Soaring Staircase.

A Complete Overhaul: The Vision Behind the Project

When the project began in 2021, the homeowners—a mature couple whose children had grown up and now only visited occasionally—were looking for a complete renovation. They sought a modern, functional, and airy space that would align with their evolved lifestyle. The architects were given free rein to use materials like concrete, glass, wood, and large-format ceramic granite to achieve their vision.

The most striking element of the redesign was the transformation of the home’s staircase. The original structure was not only outdated but also poorly positioned. Makedesign Studio not only rebuilt it but also changed its location entirely, crafting a stunning new architectural focal point—the soaring staircase.

Minimalism Meets Grand Design

The resulting space is an exquisite blend of minimalism and grand architectural gestures. Thanks to the introduction of a second light—a double-height space that allows natural light to flood the interior—the home feels open, weightless, and harmonious. The architects deliberately avoided unnecessary detailing, instead opting for expansive surfaces that establish a sense of scale and proportion within the home.

Graphic black fixtures and slats bring definition and rhythm to the design, while a bold accent of blue injects personality into the otherwise neutral palette of cement and wood textures. This thoughtful interplay of materials and colors enhances the overall aesthetic, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.

Collaboration and Craftsmanship

Bringing this vision to life required not only artistic ingenuity but also engineering precision. Makedesign Studio collaborated with an engineer-constructor to ensure the seamless integration of architectural elements, from the floating staircase to the expansive lighting design. Every detail was carefully considered to enhance the balance between form and function.

An Architectural Breath of Fresh Air

Completed in 2022, the 270-square-meter home now stands as a testament to modern design that respects space, light, and materiality. It is not just a house but a carefully orchestrated composition of movement, proportion, and emotion. The soaring staircase—both a literal and figurative elevation of the home—symbolizes the rebirth of this residence, offering its owners a fresh, dynamic, and inspiring living environment.

With The House with a Soaring Staircase, Makedesign Studio has once again proven that great architecture is not only about aesthetics but about creating spaces that enhance the way people live and interact. Their mastery of material, light, and space has resulted in a home that is as functional as it is breathtaking.