Luxury Apartment in Kazakhstan Showcases Modern Chalet Design - Exclusive Inside View
In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, interior designer Assel Baimakhan has breathed new life into a 5,016 square foot penthouse, turning it from a seismically active structure into a modern chalet-style luxury residence. The renovation project, which faced unexpected challenges, showcases a unique blend of aesthetics, safety, and cultural depth[1][2][3].
Upon first encounter, Baimakhan found the penthouse filled with scaffolding and metal structures instead of the expected empty concrete box. The previous owner had started construction, fearing earthquakes, and attempted to turn the entire apartment into a bunker. However, these shoddily constructed elements proved to be an inconvenient hurdle, adding an extra month to remove them[1][2].
The interior design solution by Baimakhan involved innovative ideas that balanced luxury and safety, adapting to the penthouse’s seismic challenges. The metal elements not only provide visual interest but also reinforce the building’s stability. The penthouse boasts spacious living areas that emphasize natural light and mountain views, blending rustic chalet motifs with sleek modern finishes[1][2][3].
A painting by Kazakh artist Malik Mukanov served as the starting point for the home’s design, setting the tone for the first floor. The primary suite features a Malik Mukanov tapestry that influenced the room’s palette, while the living room showcases brass-accented tables and chairs, a sofa upholstered in a dove-gray fabric, and a two-tone rug from the Italian brand Meridiani. The lounge, a favourite gathering place for the family, features curved Eichholtz sofas, a sideboard of the designer's own design, and offers stunning views of the mountains[1][2][3].
The family, who discovered Baimakhan's work on Instagram, are a young local family with three school-age children. The dining table in the home is a custom 11-foot-long table that can be extended to 16 feet, perfect for family gatherings. Marble plays a significant role throughout the home, appearing in multiple bathrooms and the kitchen, which features Italian Panda marble countertops, backsplash, and flooring, contrasting with American-walnut-veneer cabinetry[1][2][3].
Two of the children's bedrooms are on the first floor, while a third child's room and the primary suite are upstairs. The project's success was attributed to mutual trust between the designer and homeowner, with the clients expressing their delight, calling the results beyond their expectations[1][2][3].
[1]: [Source 1] [2]: [Source 2] [3]: [Source 3]
The interior design by Assel Baimakhan, a blend of luxurious and safe solutions, transforms the rescued penthouse into a modern chalet-style residence, reflecting a unique lifestyle that harmonizes aesthetics, safety, and cultural depth. The redesigned home, showcasing artworks by Kazakh artist Malik Mukanov, offers a comfortable living space for a young local family with a taste for home-and-garden perfection.
