Russian architect Nicholas Lyzlov developed Ruben Dishdishyan House, a contemporary retreat on private land that is surrounded by trees in Benelux, a union of states comprising three neighboring countries in northwestern Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Brick and wood were chosen as exterior finishes on the facade, strongly rooting the project in its environment, a forest reserve where local regulations only allowed building on a surface 4,300 square feet (400 square meters).

Once inside, one is overcome with warmth and elegance and greeted by rooms with tall ceilings, dark wooden flooring and textured stone walls. The colorful ceiling in the living room adds a bit of playfulness, picking up colors from its surroundings and adding to an interior where social interaction is thus encouraged. Are there additional details you find appealing in this sensational home?

From the Architects: There is a lot of land in the village on which you cannot build because there is a forest reserve. Of two acres that Ruben bought, we were only allowed to build on four hundred square meters (4300 square feet).

I know Ruben, I made his city apartment. He is a private man and wanted his house closed from the neighbors, but also completely open to nature, to the beautiful fir forest area and garden. The rear facade of the house is entirely open – there are huge windows, and all of the rooms can see the forest. The house is like a fairy tale.