While many homes featured on this site take direct inspiration from the natural elements around them, that usually means trees, oceans, and scenery. This home outside of Moscow, from the architects at Pana, actually takes its inspiration from a snake. The design of the house is based on the straight but flexible line of a python's body, which is why the architects refer to is as Python house. Each room was placed on a straight line, and then the line was folded in half, resulting in a ground floor of common areas and an upper floor of private rooms. A detached indoor pool is not part of the snake, but provides its own natural inspiration.
Despite its two level design, the exterior home still manages to convey a bit of the snakely inspiration. It is easy to see where the line was folded, a python crawling and coiling up on itself with its head as the protruding overhang.
Huge windows that span both stories make for a picturesque home at dusk, with light emanating from within while pretty gauzy curtains keep prying eyes on the other side of privacy.
The back of the house with its protruding elements almost mimic the scales of snake as well.
Inside, the design is anything but humdrum. The chosen colors bounce about from throw pillow to fireplace, not matching one another but acting complementary in tone. The furnishings, many in rich leathers and supple cowhide give their nod to the American southwest while elements like mod coffee tables and even classical chandeliers give the space an eclectic and energetic feel.
The diamond pattern on the central fireplace feature could easily be another nod to the diamond scales and patterns on a snake's skin but the vibrant colors make it much more welcoming than venomous.
Vintage rugs keep the fine furniture and elaborate fixtures from feeling so fancy that you might not want to sit and enjoy yourself. They are worn in because the house is meant to be beautiful, but it's also meant to be lived in, on, and around.
The color schemes carry upstairs, where more private conversations can be had. Bedrooms are complete with very simple linens and plenty of bright white, letting the sunlight in to warm and welcome every gorgeous day.
Stone used for walls in the main home carry their textured, natural theme into the pool building as well. Light streams in from overhead skylights but the stone keeps the space warm, even in the Moscow winter. A verandah outside, however, is more suited to summer.
