ZROBIM Architects: Redefining Minimalism with a Belarusian Soul

We had the pleasure of interviewing ZROBIM Architects, an international architectural firm with Belarusian origins that has made a name for itself on the global stage. Featured on MapsArch, ZROBIM demonstrates how architecture can seamlessly blend cultural identity with cutting-edge design. Read on to discover their story, philosophy, and vision for the future.

What is your background ?

Established in 2011 by Andrus Bezdar and Alexey Korablyov while still students, ZROBIM Architects has grown into an internationally recognized firm with a team of over 100 members. With its roots in Belarus, the firm now operates from seven offices worldwide, including Minsk, New York, Florida, Tbilisi, Kyiv, Almaty, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg. Advocating a design philosophy centered on natural minimalism, ZROBIM specializes in innovative, modern projects across residential, commercial, and public architecture.

Their work has garnered accolades such as the Best Eastern Europe Studio of the Year 2023 by BUILD and nominations for international awards like Azure, Archello, and LIV Hospitality. Their projects have also been featured in renowned publications such as ArchDaily, Interior Design, Dezeen, and ELLE Decoration. Beyond architecture, ZROBIM shares its vision through films on two YouTube channels, promoting a thoughtful and aesthetic approach to design.

What are the qualities / weaknesses necessary for success in your profession as an architect ?

Andrus Bezdar : “Success in architecture requires determination above all. Creativity is essential, as originality sets architects apart in this field. It’s also crucial to effectively communicate and present ideas. Additionally, being knowledgeable in various disciplines is vital since architecture intersects with many fields. A successful architect needs intellectual depth and a broad understanding.”

What makes ZROBIM architects unique in the way it carries out its projects?

Andrus Bezdar : “This is a complex question. Our uniqueness partly comes from our team, which embodies the qualities mentioned above. Beyond that, we’ve found our own path and developed a distinct style. Our approach is a blend: on one hand, we incorporate a European sense of aesthetics and functional design; on the other hand, we draw from the traditions of Soviet and post-Soviet art schools. This unique fusion allows us to create architecture that works equally well in Eastern and Western markets.”

What's the Belarus touch in your projects?

Andrus Bezdar : “This is a challenging question, as every nation has its own sense of beauty. For Belarusians, there are particular color characteristics—unlike Spain, where buildings are often white, our projects use darker tones and more wood on facades. Even when we work internationally, certain nuances reflect this Belarusian perspective. There’s a traditional Belarusian color palette, rooted in earthy shades, that we incorporate. Architecturally, our style is grounded in constructivism, often featuring simple forms and intersecting volumes. In Belarus, we tend to design homes that open to the yard but remain closed to the street, a characteristic that aligns well with the local mentality and differs from the more open facades seen in neighboring countries. This approach is a hallmark of Belarusian identity that resonates in our work.”

Can you give us 3 projects that illustrate your know-how and specificity?

Alexey Korablyov :

• Our primary expertise is our unique design approach, which we call "natural minimalism." This approach is best represented by recent projects like NEMO, which embodies pure minimalism: the architecture has “no windows” and is entirely clad in wooden slats. This use of natural materials and minimalist forms best exemplifies our style, and the inner courtyards integrate landscape design, blending the house's interior with the surrounding environment.

• Another example is the Vancouver House project in Canada, a recent renovation where we combined thermally treated wood, easy to work with and sustainable, with exposed concrete. Although concrete is not strictly a natural material, it has an approachable quality that resonates with people, and we often incorporate it as part of our architectural language.

• Finally, my own Introvert House serves as an excellent example. Large panoramic windows open to the landscape, and the house itself appears to "flow" with the terrain, utilizing the slope for seamless integration with the surroundings. Features like a green roof and minimal visibility from the street add to this natural, minimalist aesthetic.

Generally speaking, what sources of inspiration fuel your creativity?

Alexey Korablyov : "I draw most inspiration from the client’s goals and the specific challenges they present to us. In Belarus, projects typically focus on two key aspects. First, creating a harmonious connection between the house and its surroundings. For instance, if the property is in a beautiful forest, the last thing you want is a box with tiny windows. Instead, large windows allow the residents to experience the beauty of the forest. Second, budget constraints are a constant here. Balancing ambitious ideas within limited resources can be challenging, but solving such problems is highly motivating. Clients come to us with these challenges, and it’s truly rewarding to help them realize their visions within these parameters."

What are your ambitions for the future? A dream project?

Alexey Korablyov : "In terms of ambition, we don’t set any grand, fixed goals. I wouldn’t describe myself as overly ambitious; instead, I tackle challenges as they arise. The more problems you solve, the more work comes your way—it’s a natural progression. So rather than focusing on a specific project, I hope we can continue creating good architecture, enough that it influences others’ perspectives on beauty and good design. Through our projects and our YouTube channel, where many tell us they’ve grown up inspired by our work, we aim to shape architectural tastes and aspirations, especially in our region."

You currently represent Belarus at MapsArch. What makes you different from the others?

Alexey Korablyov : "What sets us apart is our location. We’re the only ones in Belarus on the map with projects that are truly noteworthy on a global scale. It’s special for us that we’ve been able to create something that’s earned international recognition. Our unique “natural minimalism” style combines conceptual design and budget considerations, resulting in a distinctive approach. This combination has helped us accomplish something exceptional and has set us apart in our region, making our work meaningful and unique."

What attracted you most to MapsArch, particularly in terms of opportunities such as international development?

MapsArch provides a unique global platform that connects architecture to audiences and professionals worldwide. The interactive map and detailed project showcases align well with our goal of reaching an international audience, allowing us to display our distinctive “natural minimalism” style to diverse regions. It’s an opportunity for visibility and exchange within a creative, global network, giving us potential for further collaboration and influence across borders.

Through their commitment to “natural minimalism” and their ability to harmonize Belarusian identity with global trends, ZROBIM Architects exemplifies how thoughtful design can leave a lasting impact. We are proud to have them represented on MapsArch, showcasing their inspiring projects to a worldwide audience.